I feel much more rested today. A good night sleep does wonders, that's for sure. And my cold is completely gone now, which I am very thankful for.
After a lovely breakfast we left at 10:30 AM for the String Orchestra's Maitineekonzert at the Kelter Bietigheim. As I mentioned yesterday, the soloist was Reto Kuppel, who played beautifully on the Mendelssohn Konzert in d-moll. Antje Kruger-Spindler, who I met this past fall when the orchestra visited Downers Grove, was the conductor. She does such a nice job with this ensemble. There are a couple of pictures of Antje and me (in today's picture gallery) after the concert. I must admit that - when the German parents began to clap between the first and second movements of the violin concerto (because they thought the piece was over) - I smiled to myself. I thought it was just in America that we had to constantly teach audiences that it's not appropriate to applaud between movements. I also had the chance to see Franz (current Music School Director) at the concert.
Afterward, Heinz Steidle (the Bietigheim-Bissingen Minister of Culture and Sport - who I have also known now for ten years) and his lovely wife Edith took the Schiffer family, and me, to lunch at the Burghof. It was GREAT food, and wonderful company. What a treat to eat authentic German food with these friends.
After lunch Reimund, Steffi, Bastian, Chiara drove to the small village of Ochsenbach to walk in the countryside through the vineyards. It was really a beautiful walk through nature. The pictures do not do the moment justice. As we came down from the vineyards, we walked through Ochesenbach.
As we were driving home, we began to pass signs that had a frog icon on them. I asked Reimund and Steffi about them. Apparently, this area has many frogs, and they are protected animals. These signs are to warn drivers to be especially cautious in these areas. They even have short netting along the roads to help the frogs avoid hanging out in the street and meeting an ill-timed car tire. So, something I learned today is that Germans protect their frogs!
The Schiffer's son, Bastian - who came home last night as a surprise - returned to the university this afternoon. Their daughter, Daniella, came to the house for dinner tonight, and then I had a chance to see her new apartment tonight when Reimund gave her a ride home. It's a very nice place, and I've included a couple of pictures. Kristen, you may recognize the kitchen cabinets and appliances as those that used to be in Reimund and Steffi's kitchen. I was surprised to learn that - in Germany - it common to move entire kitchens with you when you change homes or apartments. So, when the previous renters moved out ... they left with everything - including the kitchen sink! Much different than in America.
Miles, Emery and Kristen: It was WONDERFUL to hear your voices on the phone tonight!
Click on the image below to link to pictures from today:
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