Vilshof

My mother has requested that I write a blog post, and suggests that maybe we should start sounding more intelligent. Steep request that might go unsatisfied. She's currently reading a book out loud in German (sounding quite fluent, I must say), to 9-year-old Julius, who is feeling ill and lying wrapped up in a blanket on the couch.

Here in Bavaria, about 30 kilometers North of Regensberg, we've found ourselves welcomed into an openminded, modern German family, made up of Maia, her husband Stefan, (both speak impeccable English.) and their three kids, Julius, Zoe (10) and Lina (12). Maia's parents live downstairs, and her two sisters live with their families in the other two houses that make up the Vilshof compound. I think all together there are 11 cousins that call this place home. It is where Maia's father and 2 siblings grew up, and in his youth they had cows, then later pigs, but no animals since the 1980's.  Now they just have some apple and other fruit trees.

(vilshof 1, where we are staying, with me washing apples)

Since we got here on Monday, we've been painting boards, sorting apples, and working on a website for Maia's brother-in-law's language school agency. Maia is very busy taking care of her kids, playing in and directing several brass bands, as well as working part time, so she's been happy to have us help with the cooking as well. Yesterday and today for lunch, we had potato pancakes, sweet and sour cabbage, and applesauce made from our laboriously sorted apples.

Above: Me cooking (imagine!)

Below: Clockwise starting with Cynthia: Julius, Lina, Zoe, Maia (Stefan is at work)

We've gotten adjusted quite quickly; Maia's excellent English is a great help. Last night she took us out to a bar in a nearby town to see her friend sing in a small acoustic band. They sang mostly covers of American songs, our favorite line being "I'm your wenus, I'm your fire, djour desire." Packed little place, good music, and organic beer from allegedly the oldest organic brewery in the world!

Today we went on a bike ride to Kalmünz (about 10 k) to see the ruins of an old castle. 

There is a beautiful and well used bike path that goes all the way there along the river. Apparently you can get practically anywhere on bike paths around here. 

The Castle

The view

Warnings all along the bike path, signifying the border of an extensive american army training base.  People apparently don't mind it.

We have learned that the olive harvest in Tuscany has come 2 weeks earlier than anticipated, and since this was one of my mother's primary goals, we've decided to skip our stay in the Schwartzwald and instead go to Italy early.  We'll stay here just til the end of next week.  Tchüss for now!