My Onkel Hans (Omi’s brother) had an unfortunate medical issue arise. My Omi promised to visit if he continued to push himself into good health. I wasn’t sure my Omi would ever make her way back to Germany. After all, she is 82 years old! This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit Germany with with my Omi and I am very fortunate we could do it together.
Our family picked us up at the Hanover Airport and took us to their house in Tundern (a smaller part of Hameln) where we stayed for several days. They run a floral shop in their garage called Blumenland Westerhold. All of the flowers were in full-bloom and their hand-made arrangements were unique and attractive. They work very hard to keep high-demand items in stock. That includes leaving at 3 am every Monday morning for the flower auction. Gerber daisies happen to be my favorite.
The next day Omi and I took the bus into Hameln. The city of Hameln is where the story of the Pied Piper took place.
It was 1284 and the city of Hamlin was infested with rats. They wanted someone to help get rid of them and they would pay 100 Ducats to anyone that could do it. A fellow arrived garbed in colorful clothing who claimed he could take care of the problem. He played a merry tune on his lute and all of the rats followed into the river. However, when it came to get the promised amount, the city fathers refused payment. The Piper got mad and said he would retaliate and take all of their children. The city fathers laughed and told him to leave. It is said the piper wearing dark clothing, played his lute and all but two children followed him into the mountain. Of the two children left behind, one was blind and the other crippled. The latter taking care of the blind child.
The Pied Piper as told by Omi
Hameln is a charming little town decorated with Pied Piper mementos and several unique, adjacent buildings. It’s refreshing to see variety and character in each one. We shopped, bought matching sweatpants and had waffles on a stick. I f***ing love waffles. Waffles are pancakes with abs!! Why don’t we put them on a stick in the states? It’s brilliant.
Family gatherings are very important in Germany. A lot of our time was spent gathered at the table with yummy food and drinks including warm coffee, tea and beers. Check out the spread Tante Gisela puts together! PROST!
The beautiful, yummy spread 
Onkel Hans 
Omi and Onkel Hans looking at the camera! 
It was wonderful spending time with family I’ve never met or rarely see. I was fascinated watching my Omi converse in German, despite being completely oblivious to the meaning of any of it. She would try and include me by translating to English but I could tell it became exhausting. I could have listened to them all day.
Bus and train transportation was very helpful in Germany. We purchased train tickets to visit Berlin for a few days. We came back in time to celebrate Onkel Hans birthday. I also checked out Frankfurt and Cologne with my friend, John. Omi stayed behind. Those posts are available for each city.