StringGrrl sees the World

Essen Catholic Church St. Mariä Empfängnis As with any proper European neighborhood, at least once a week is the fresh market in Essen located in front of the Church of the Immaculate Conception (Kath. Kirchengemeinde St. Mariä Empfängnis) nearby the offices of ESI Germany GMBH. Fresh fish, grilled or fried, served with potatoes and sauces as you like To put any "Nordsee" franchise to shame is the fresh fish you can buy at the local fish seller you might find in any local market. Fairly ubiquitous they are not chains or franchises, but you will find one in most if not all markets. At the office in Essen, the staff there will once a week take the walk to town to have lunch there. Thursdays in this neighborhood. Fried Backfish freshly battered and dropped in the oil to order What appeared to be either Cod or Pollack fillets was dipped in a nice pancake thickness batter and dropped in the hot oil. The fillets we just large enough that they would have swamped...

Fourteen teens set forth from Detroit North Terminal for Germany (yes, there are two kids hiding from view) StringGirl and her Maker IssaK On the Bus tour of Munich Ludwig II "Hunting Lodge" similar in scale to Versailles StringGirl snaps the picture for a change letting IssaK and Dad to have this selfie moment The Hunting Grounds at the royal hunting lodge BMW World StringGirl takes her spot at the grinders for Americas Cup Challenge Oracle Team USA Careful StringGirl if they tack while you are standing up you might go overboard StringGirl 3.0 holds the StringGirl1.0 picture from the Marienplatz The class with Frau at the Marienplatz StringGirl crossing the Eisbach

Arbeit Macht Frei, one of the many lies used to mask atrocities of nationalistic exceptionalism realized as ethnic cleansing On a beautiful day in June, we accompanied a group of High School German Students as they visited the memorial at the site of Dachau Germany. Through these doors would pass countless innocents paving the way to the "Ultimate Solution" But for a few minor shifts in history, this site could have easily been a dark tribute to the victory of the 3rd Reich. Had the NAZIs won, would this site be a theme park to celebrate the victory of the Ubermensch over the rest of the world and all that the Nazis saw wrong with it? That day, the students we were with were respectful, mindful, and saddened by the darkness that is mankind's flawed need to sometimes elevate themselves by putting down others. In some plant, in 1940's Germany a factory proudly manufactured these chutes for poison gas pellet delivery The Catholic Memorial Shrine Chapel...

Where to Stay in Bridgenorth, The Coachhouse Bed and Breakfast Not that we easily imagine a reason to visit this part of Shropshire, if you happen to find yourself in the Severn Valley, we recommend staying in at this Bed and Breakfast in the "Low Town" of Bridgenorth. The lodging was suitably "quaint" and service was fantastic.  http://thecoachhousebridgnorth.webs.com/ The Full English Breakfast at the Coachhouse What could be more PC than a pub called the "Black Boy Inn"? The Kingshead Back to "Low Town" and the Coachhouse Have a major Curry and lots of beer before a trade fair, always a good idea Chicken Tikka Masala with a side of Vindaloo Gravy, just to make sure you burn a whole in yourself For good measure, be sure to fill up on Pappadam and Lime Pickle to make sure digestion is completely messed up Paul brought us to Eurasia Tandoori There was almost not enough Naan and Rice to mellow ...

Outside the Posada de la Villa Head to Madrid and eat. No, that's it you go there and you eat, drink, eat,  sleep, and then maybe go grab a bite to eat. At least that is my experience while in Madrid. The barkeeper was not sure what to do about StringGirl On the recommendation of the travel booker for this corporate event we made it outside of the airport area in order to have a meal not in the hotel or with the massive group converging on Madrid for our annual kickoff meeting and sales training. We took the cab to Posada de la Villa (the Inn of the village). For many of us in the group it was our first trip to Madrid, so we had not much concept of what was the order of the evening. Sure Jamon and Queso and Vino Tinto, but what else does Madrid offer? We were about to find out. The Inn of the Villa bar is also where they hang the Jamon. Who needs decorations when you also need to dry age hams? No disappointment about the Jamon. There was plenty to be had around th...