12-28-10 Mountaintops

I awakened to the sound of someone rustling around, then a soft whisper of “If you need me, I’ll be in the lobby reading.” Realizing that it was Emilee and she was already up and around, I decided I’d better open my eyes and try to get myself moving, too. Emilee wasn’t planning to go with Alan and I to Zugspitz, the highest mountaintop in Germany. Not that she didn’t want to, it’s just that she has a book report due in a couple days and is still reading the book. Looking at the other bed, I could see that Alan hadn’t stirred yet, so that allayed my guilt of being lazy and wasting away my day…somewhat. I was motivated to get up, though, because I remembered that I had a view awaiting me out my window. Through the curtains I couldn’t see white, so I prepared to be very disappointed that we’d driven all this way only to not have snow on the mountains. INSTEAD, what I did see was a field of snow, many wooden huts, and a mountain covered with evergreen trees that did indeed have snow on them! I had to pinch myself a couple times to know it was all real. Once again grabbing my camera, I changed my lens to my new telephoto. I captured cross country skiers, downhill skiers, people riding bikes in the snow, walking dogs in the snow, and couples walking with snowshoes – real snowshoes, like the kind I’d seen in books! Once I even photographed a cogwheel train passing by on its journey up to Zugspitz. Now very motivated, I showered, dressed, and prepared to go to Zugspitz. Alan, probably hearing me rustling around, also started slowly stirring. By the time I had dried my hair and put on my makeup, Alan had showered and dressed and was ready to go, although I will honestly say he didn’t look overly thrilled. However, Emilee returned from the lobby about this time and said she’d decided to go with us. I was so glad. I knew that would not only make Alan much happier, but it would make for more fun for all of us!

The train station for Zugspitz wasn’t far away – ten minutes most. But after we parked and were walking up the hill to the station, the train arrived….and departed. Next train: 1 hour. No way were we going to wait an hour. So we forked out a very hefty 38 euros each for a cable car ride up and return down the mountain. It did save us a lot of time, though, because the train only traveled to the lower levels and then you had to take a cable car the rest of the way.
The temperature at the top was -12 degrees Celsius, roughly 15 degrees Fahrenheit. (You know, I think Fahrenheit sounds like a German word, so why don’t they use Fahrenheit in Germany?) There were clouds in the distance so we couldn’t see Austria, Switzerland, and Italy, as it is rumored you can on a clear day. But we certainly could see some beautiful sights! I walked the perimeter of the ‘fence’ and took photos, with the thought of perhaps being able to make a panoramic photo. BUT when I reached one area, an area unobstructed from any buildings, the wind picked up markedly and stung my face. Tears started rolling down my face and I thought they might even turn to icicles if I stayed much longer. I absolutely couldn’t! I was in pain, it was so cold. Walking back, I thought I would run into Emilee and Alan. I didn’t, so I checked inside the building which housed a restaurant, bar, gift shop, small museum, and bathrooms. They were nowhere to be found. Could they have gone back down without telling me? I decided to go back outside and check once more. There they were! Over by the corner with the biting wind! How had I missed them?
Emilee asked me to go get us a table at the restaurant, so I ventured inside only to find the restaurant packed and another group waiting. But, there were a couple tables clearing out. I quickly went to one and slipped in as the other group was slipping out. It was such a large table, that later a group of Frenchmen asked if they could join us.

They did….and we discovered that they were not so much different than us – they had their iPhones out and were heavily involved in discussions about something on the phone! A bit of Lowenbrau, Radler (Alan), and spatzle with Rouladen/Schnitzel/Chicken, and we were warmed up!

While sitting at lunch, the snow clouds moved in and we could hardly see the mountains anymore. But I discovered where Alan and Emilee had been when I couldn’t find them – out on another point that you reached by walking through another hut. I just had to go see that point, so we set out for that location, this time braving the snow and even colder winds. A couple quick shots and we were outta there!

Heading back to Edelweiss, Emilee asked if I wanted to go into town. Earlier I had suggested that they could drop me off and they could go back to the hotel – Emilee to study and Alan to nap. But Emilee wanted to shop with me. While Alan napped, Emilee and I drove out to see the Olympic ski jump in Partenkirschen, then back to Garmish to shop. As we walked, dusk set in and the lights of the town came on. It was BEAUTIFUL! Nothing caught my eye to buy….well, nothing I could afford. So I drank my way through the town with hot Gluhwein! There were Gluhwein huts all over the pedestrian walkways! One more mug to add to my collection, then it was time to go ‘home’.
Waking Alan from his nap, Emilee asked if he wanted to eat at the restaurant downstairs. He did, so they set off to make reservations while I stayed up here downloading photos from my camera. In the amount of time it took me to do that, it was time to eat! Because it was an American restaurant in actuality, I veered from my usual German fare – French onion soup and apple walnut salad. Both were good but truly I wasn’t that hungry. I have eaten more in the last three days than in the last three months, I think! HCG, here I come! But only after I have a B-52 coffee with decaf: 3 different liquors, whipped cream, and coffee. Was it good…and strong!
My last task of the day is to update my blog. That’s what I am doing now. However, it won’t be posted until tomorrow, or even perhaps the next day, as it costs (dearly) to use the Internet at Edelweiss. So, until tomorrow, cheers!

12-28-10 On our way to Edelweiss

Edelweiss, Edelweiss….. We finally arrived….all in one piece! I had some doubts along the way, what with the weather, the snowy and icy roads, and some madmen drivers! Fortunately, we only saw one accident along the way, about three cars in front of us, as Alan slammed on the brakes to avoid becoming a part of it! Seems the road may have had black ice on it, because we couldn’t figure out any other cause for the accident.
We started out at the Exchange, changing my dollars into euros, then buying lunch at the German Bakery. Mmmm. I had a roll with Camembert cheese and lettuce, and a cappuccino. (Hindsight told me I should’ve had a couple beers rather than a coffee, as the coffee got my heart racing and the driving had me almost having a heart attack! I sent up loads of prayers that God would put his angels around our car. To be exact, I asked Him to put GERMAN angels around our car because they’d be the only ones to be able to keep up with our car’s speed on the autobahn! We stopped along the way several times – for the WC, for a snack, for supper, for gas, for gas again, (“Let’s see, 15 km equals how many miles? I think we should stop and get some more gas.” “No, I know the ESSO is real close…..Hmmmm, it’s not there anymore.”) and another snack, finally reaching Edelweiss around 7:30. It seemed more like around 9:30 or 10:00 because the sun set around 5:15.
Checking in, I couldn’t help but notice that this resort reminded me of Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Emilee quickly reminded me that THIS resort was REAL, as opposed to Disney’s which was a copy. I started thinking, Disney copied the Matterhorn mountain to make a rollercoaster ride called The Matterhorn, Ludwig’s Neuschwanstein to make Cinderella’s Castle, and very possibly Edelweiss Lodge to make the Wilderness Lodge. He must’ve loved Germany!
I stepped outside to look at the view and saw a huge cloud of steam continuously billowing up from right down below. Emilee told me it was the hot tub. I could hear a lot of voices from below which told me that it was a popular place! Hmmm. Twenty five degrees Fahrenheit, snow covered mountains, and sitting in a tub of hot water. Sounded heavenly…except the part about getting into a bathing suit. Another time, perhaps. What were those little lights I was seeing straight ahead in the sky? Stars? Wait, one’s moving. That’s when I realized that there was a mountain right out my window and those were houses and cars waaaaaayyyy up there. I couldn’t see the snow, though. In the morning there’s going to be a totally different view out my window! But for now, I quickly took out my camera and proceeded to try to capture what I was seeing. It was difficult, however, because in my haste (and wasted time), I left my tripod at home. So, bracing the camera on the balcony railing and holding my breath, I TRIED to get a steady photo. Not much luck. Even a heartbeat moves a camera just a smidgen.
We unpacked and prepared to find a place to have dinner (eating AGAIN!). The Pullman Place Restaurant was filled to the brim, so we ventured off the grounds into town. Not going far, we stopped at a restaurant/gasthaus in town which Emilee heard recommended by their tour guide last time they visited. Emilee said, “Okay, who’s going in first?” Of course, I did. Entering, we saw a quaint little restaurant, not quite filled. But we weren’t sure of the procedures: Do we seat ourselves or wait? We decided it would be best to wait. We don’t want to be ‘ugly Americans’. (Turns out, there were ONLY Americans in there, we think!) The waitress nodded for us to take a seat at one of the empty tables, so we did. Soon she took our order: Emilee – “DARK beer,” Me – “Lowenbrau”, and Alan – Radler (part beer and part sprite), a “girly drink”, we kidded him. I personally wasn’t that hungry, as I had just eaten a McDonald’s kid’s meal on the road (ugh, yes I know, how disgusting). So I just ordered goulash. Emilee and Alan ordered meals that looked scrumptious. I’d forgotten, though, about the higher alcohol content in the beer, and after my one, I was downright silly. (Probably, also, because I hadn’t slept but about one hour the night before, AND I was so relieved that those German angels had delivered us to our destination!) A German meal wouldn’t be complete without a good apfel strudel, so we ordered one and split it three ways. It was served warm with vanilla ice cream and REAL whipped cream on the side. Even though I only had a couple tastes, I vowed to do much walking tomorrow!

P.S. Just got internet access and Alan is waiting for me to get ready to go on a 'road trip' while Emilee studies, so will add the photos later. The post was done in Word last night so I just copied and pasted.

Satisfaction (Click on this word)

Tonight Emilee was in charge of Football Night at the Warrior Center. Days ago I went with her to the Commissary to put in her order for subs and to purchase some other foods and prizes. On the way to the WWC, in what appeared to be "red" condition of roads (but AF said "amber"), we stopped by the Commissary, and picked up the foods. Also with us were my quilts which did not get delivered on Christmas Eve. (That's another story....)

I met Carol, one of Emilee's bosses, one who is a breast cancer patient. She stayed awhile and then left. There was one of the regular volunteers and two others I hadn't met before. One of the first "duties" I had as a volunteer tonight was to take photos of the football event. The link above should take you to Emilee's Facebook posting about the event. You'll see my photos. I imagine if I worked there, I wouldn't feel so shy about taking the photos. I did get better after one warrior said, "Oh, you got my good side!", meaning, I had taken a photo of him from behind. The next time I took a photo of him, he made another comment about the view of him I had taken, so I just laughed and said, "Okay, ready, 1, 2, 3!" That's the first shot you'll see.

Before the football games started, a female volunteer put in a movie - "So You Think You Can Dance?" - a chick flick with Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere as the main stars. What was so 'funny' was that at 7:00, Emilee announced that she was going to be switching the movie to the TV in the kitchen and would be putting the football game on the big TV. When she did that, all but two of the soldiers moved to the kitchen to finish watching this "chick flick"! My guess was that they wanted a "feel good" movie, a movie where the man stays with his wife, a love story - all the things they are missing or hoping for being so far away from home. When the movie ended, some soldiers left, and the rest moved to the TV room to watch football.

During the football game, I introduced myself to Katherine, the female volunteer. We ended up talking for over an hour. While she is a volunteer at the WWC, I sensed that she needed the center as much as the wounded did. She is a gastroentrologist with the Navy, on TDY at Landstuhl Hospital. She 'left behind' three little ones under the age of seven. Katherine said she never expected Christmas to be so difficult for her as it turned out to be. She kept apologizing for "unloading" on me and said I was her "therapist". She paid me a great compliment when she said I was a great listener, and didn't just listen, but showed empathy. That, she said, was probably why I was a teacher.

So that she wouldn't feel the conversation had been one-sided, I told her she could help me. I explained the symptoms I'd been having for about two weeks - the same ones I have once or twice a year - where I feel like there's something obstructing my esophagus - like air bubbles, and just when I feel I can't breathe, I'll break out in hiccups. She asked a bunch of questions, then told me what I'd been suspecting: something 'spastic' in my esophagus. I told her that made sense because as a young adult, I'd suffered from a spastic sphincter in my esophagus. Katherine explained that it can be set off by a taste, stress, even just a tad of acid reflux just like someone can have something that sets off their migraines. She said if she were my doctor, she'd want pictures - a scope to be sure there wasn't something else going on inside. But in the meantime, she said I should get real European black licorice, and have some of that every other day. Not Twizzlers, as that's not real licorice, she said. Then she said she would consult her sister who is an acupuncturist, and ask her which pressure points I needed to press. She said then she'd either tell me or show me the next time she saw me. That conversation led into my telling her about my experiences with Dr. Ni, a Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor. She was fascinated by that, as she herself is Chinese. Katherine said that she had been wanting to go back to medical school to do something different....and she thought, after hearing me talk about Dr. Ni, that TCM might be just that.

Earlier in the evening, I saw Ron, a young male nurse that I'd talked with for quite awhile on another night (about my father's involvement in WWII and the records I had about the bombings his squadron made over Germany, about his family's roots in Germany, etc.), and asked him if he would mind giving the quilts I had made to two patients in the hospital. I explained that I'd made them to be given out on Christmas Eve, but I wasn't able to get to the Center with them because when I finished sewing on the bindings and Alan was going to drive me there, Emilee said not to try to drive there in the other car because it didn't have snow tires. So, I explained, it worked out because I really had wanted to give them to some of the wounded who weren't able to make it to the Center - the ones that were hospital-bound and really needed a touch of home. Ron seemed honored that I asked. However, as we were cleaning up getting ready to close, I didn't see Ron. I asked Emilee if he'd left and should I perhaps give them to the doctor to give to some patients. Emilee then remembered that Ron said he was going back to his barracks to get his sewing machine because he needed me to show him how to thread it. Ron arrived just as we were turning off the lights. He pulled out a tiny little sewing machine, almost toy-like. He showed me a sample of some stitching he tried to do with it, and said he tried to follow the directions for threading but it wasn't working. So, I took a look at it, saw that he didn't have the thread going through the tension gear and the needle was in sideways. I fixed it all up, showed him how to do it, and he was just so appreciative. I didn't have the heart to say that, even threaded correctly, I had doubts it would work. Ron was just so determined to fix his own uniforms! He received a bit of kidding from a fellow-volunteer, but it was taken with good spirits.

As we were driving out, Ron stopped us (he was walking to his barracks) to inquire from Emilee and Alan when we'd be returning from Edelweiss. He wanted to know if he'd see me again, because he wanted to "get a picture of me with Emilee's Mom". I just said, "Awww, that's so sweet. I'd love that." He responded back, "I'd love that."

It was a very satisfying night to know that I had been a good listener for a young mother so far away from her little ones, and a "mom" to a young man who just needed some help with the kind of thing that moms do. I am so proud that Emilee works for an organization that has such a grand mission. It is true what they say, that when you help others, you can really help yourself.

And with that, I am going to try to get some sleep. It is 4:30 a.m. here. I've been writing for about an hour. I haven't been able to sleep yet. My body clock is ALL fouled up between the time difference and the higher latitudes/less sunlight. Looks like I'll be sleeping on the car ride to Edelweiss!

All part of it

All part of it
Originally uploaded by seaberry6

Emilee asked me this morning if I had "snow gear". Of course I had to ask, "What's that?" No, I guess not....But I did say I could still help with the shoveling. We all took part. December is her "floor's" shoveling duty. Just a couple more days and they get a break from it.

Making a snow angel

Making a snow angel
Originally uploaded by seaberry6

Although I didn't have official "snow gear", I plopped right down in that snow and did what I've been wanting to do for quite awhile - make a snow angel! What fun!