Germany has long had a special place in my heart. While I love hiking the gorgeous Black Forest, exploring fabulous Berlin, and visiting historical sites all across the country, my favorite aspect of all is the people.
Whenever I go to Europe I always try to get to Germany to visit my dear friend Rita. We met years ago as nannies in Portugal and have been as close as sisters ever since.
Last summer I was so excited to visit her again, this time in Bühlertal, a pristine mountain town where she lives with her husband Slawik and cute-as-a-bug little girl, Emma Joy. (Click here to view images of this pretty little town)
One brilliantly sunny morning, Slawik took care of Emma Joy so we could have a Girls Day Out. We drove down t0 Bühl, a larger town about 10 km south of Baden-Baden. (Click here for Baden-Baden in the rain or here for Baden-Baden in the snow)
It was a perfect sort of day for strolling, so stroll we did!
We wandered along a sun-drenched stream that would lazily through town.
Laughed ourselves silly whilst posing ridiculously at the town park.
Searched through bins, old suitcases, and tattered boxes in search of treasures at the Bühl flea market.
And moseyed past several cheery cafes until we found what we really needed: ice cream.
It was fabulous.
All too soon it was time to head home for lunch. But much to our delight, good ol’ Slawik not only looked after Emma-girl, he also made us lunch! Herbed prawns and fantastic crispy fried potatoes dipped in mayonnaise. Absolutely delicious.
I was craving them yesterday, so even though I only had one potato left in my kitchen, I sliced it thinly, sprinkled the slices liberally with salt, paprika, and garlic, and fried them in olive oil until each side was crispy and beautifully browned. Wonderful.
Each bite brought back treasured memories of adventures in Germany with beloved friends.
Do you have a favorite food that brings back good memories for you?
Oh My, that flea market photos is heaven for a food blogger. I found my missing bits and pieces on that photo!!! 🙂
Isn’t it fantastic, Zita?!!! I could’ve spend hundreds of euros there. 🙂
Potatoes do it for me every time Krista. I remember having Greek potatoes cooked along with a fabulous meal by a family on a small island in Greece. We were served homemade raki, overlooking the azure sea and danced and listened to music.
Oh Val, you paint the loveliest pictures of your times in Greece. I LOVE this. 🙂 Potatoes make me happy every time too. 🙂
Ice cream and good friends always make for a fun trip! You look so sun-drenched and happy!
They sure do, dear Joanne. 🙂 They do much to make the heart happy, that’s for sure. 🙂
Looks like you had the best weather! That ice cream looked like it was SUPER yummy!!! Love your dresses btw.
Thank you, Andi! 🙂 I do love cute sundresses. 🙂
What a pretty town. Always fun to have girls day out.
Isn’t it lovely, Barbara? I’m so delighted by the flowers everywhere. 🙂
That’s a beautiful area! I have a very dear friend who lives in the Baden-Wuerttemberg area, so whenever I visit we roadtrip around a lot of the little towns. 😀
How nice, Audrey! 🙂 What a beautiful area to explore with your friend. 🙂
Im loving those pics krista – cute little stream ………..condensed milk tart reminds me of my childhood family meals as this was my favourite dessert as a child……………………. a happy little boy was I…………….
A condensed milk tart sounds wonderful, Neil! I’ve never had one before. Any chance you’d share a recipe? 🙂
You are just too cute! And WOWEE that prop-filled flea market! And the ice cream! No wonder you love Germany! But one question: do you only go to gorgeous, flower-filled places or does everywhere you show up magically become fabulous? This is so pretty!
Oh you made me burst out laughing, Jamie! 🙂 I don’t know how, but I ALWAYS find flowers. 🙂 Except in winter, of course. 🙂 I do love Germany very much. 🙂
What a fun day out. What could be better than ice cream, a flea market and paprika potatoes.
I agree completely, Sarah! 🙂 Any day with potatoes is a good day. 😉
I need that flea market in my life!! It’s even colour -coordinated :o) I am also a big fan of Germany – the people, the culture, the scenery and of course the FOOD! . Love your top BTW – or is it a dress?
Isn’t that flea market AMAZING?!! I could’ve spent so much money there. 🙂 I’m so glad you like my top, Jeanne. 🙂 It’s actually a sundress and I love it too. Such a cheery color and beautifully cool on hot days. 🙂