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Last year one of our former French daughters (Jane Mazer) informed us she was getting married on June 9th, 2012 in the South of France and invited us to her wedding. In talking with Markus Kraemer (a former German host son) about a possible trip to Europe, he said if we would come to Germany also, he would arrange to have his youngest son christened while we were there.

Thus began the planning of a trip of a lifetime as our 40th wedding anniversary was coming up on May 13th, 2012 and we wanted to celebrate "BIG". We flew to Europe on May 22nd and when we left on June 21st, we had visited thirteen of our "children", seen eight "grandchildren", attended a Christening, a Wedding, seen 16 former Davidson students, visited three countries, and driven over 4,000 kilometers!!!

We arrived in Frankfurt the morning of May 23rd, where we were met by Sabine Hemberger and her parents, Gerd & Mariette. After Sabine helped us with our car rental, we drove to her home in Hainstadt. They took us to the old city of Buchen; then in the evening we met her sister Christina, husband Oswin and baby, Sarah.

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On the 24th we went to Miltenberg, a beautiful old city on the Main River. We had lunch at the Cloister Engelberg, where the monks have wine & cheese for sale. On the way home, we stopped by Limes, which are Roman bath ruins. In the evening, the Hembergers did a delicious barbecue with Steph, Jessica, Christina, Oswin & Sarah.

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On May25th, we said goodbye to Sabine's family and drove to Aschaffenburg to see Iris Schreiber & Albert Schmitzer. We had dinner in town at a quaint restaurant. We were very lucky because the German schools had begun a two week break just as we arrived!

The morning of May 26th we had lunch in a "beer garden" and then made a road trip to see a "blacksmith"...amazing old, huge hammer that makes clangers for bells all over the world!! Iris' parents, Magda & Werner, met us, as well as her sister Elke and husband, Gerd; son Simon and twin girls Hannah & Theresa. We walked thru the little village of Wertheim, where we had delicious ice cream. We had a great picnic that evening with the family, along with Iris' youngest sister, Annika, who is now an attorney and her boyfriend, Tobi, who is a physician.



On May 27th we drove to Waldbrun to Jasmin Bluhm's parents, Bernd & Brigitte for a late breakfast. Got to meet Jasmin's boyfriend, Dr. Alex Falkum. Had a great visit with all of them; took a walk around Waldbrun, then Brigitte served us a wonderful lunch. It was so good to be in their home again and see the keepsakes of their trip to the U.S.!

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Even though the visit was too short, we left Jasmin and drove to Kathi Schallmaier and Stefan Marquardt's home in Hochberg. We met a precious Jule!!! Fortunately, we got to see Ute & Mannfried who were leaving the next day to go to Croatia for two weeks. Stefan was on a weekend trip with his friends, so we had a nice dinner with Kathi & Jule.

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The 28th we headed to the Bahnhof to pick up Britta Steinhanses, who was coming in from Hof to spend the day with us-a 2.5 hour train ride each way!! I had a little accident so we went back to Kathi's and she served us lunch there, so we could spend time with Britta. Stefan got home around 3:30. Jerry took Britta back to the train station around 4:45 for her long ride home. We went to the Gasthaus across the street for dinner...schnitzel, salat & kartoffen!! The next morning, we took a walk thru Hochberg up to the Frankenwart Tower, an observatory where there was a scenic view of the village, as well as Wurzburg.

On the 29th we went to Johannes & Andrea Staab's home and met Anastasia...what a precious little girl! We went to the park in Rokoko Garten and had ice cream. Johannes did a delicious barbecue and Andrea's father, Franz Engert, joined us. He and Margarite are building a new home next door to Johannes & Andrea.

May 31st-.The next morning went went to Summerhausen, a beautiful old walled city about 10 km from Wurzburg. Browsed thru the village then went back to Wurzburg to the Marktplatz where there was a Winefest. Had lunch in the Marktplatz. Picked up cookbook for Brenda at the bookstore & two summer cardigans for me!! Had dinner at The Rose Gasthaus...very good!!

May 30th - Had breakfast at Johannes & Andrea's & then drove to Zeynep Sen's to have lunch at her home with she and her children, Cihan & Sirin. She fixed a traditional Turkish lunch for us, which was delicious. Her husband, Ufuk, is working out of town. Zeynep was leaving at 2:00 am the next morning for vacation in Turkey. We went back to Johannaes & Andrea's and went to Schutzenhof for dinner, a garden overlooking the Main River & Wurzburg. Beautiful view & great weather…it goes without saying the food was delicious!!



June 1st - After breakfast with Johannes, Andrea & Anastasia, headed for Niederstetten.



So good to see Siegrid & Friedemann!! Visited with them and Tomoko & Midori until Markus finished his conference call then Siegrid had a wonderful lunch. Walked up to the little castle in Niederstetten , then back to the house for cake & coffee.

June 2nd - We had dinner in the party room. Tomoko's Mother, Father, Aunt & Uncle, sister & niece, and her best friend Midori came from Japan for Aurelius' christening.

.June 3rd--Sunday morning we all went to the church up the street for the service and for Aurelius' christening. Aurelius wasn't real sure about the whole thing, but did really well. After church we went to the Hotel Krone for a luncheon with Tomoko's family and Markus' family-Aunt Marie & Uncle Fritz, Katja & Uwe, Annika & Lucas, Heika & Temo, Alicia & Janine, & Martin. Had a great visit until bedtime!

On June 2nd, we left for Weidenbach at 7:45 am to see Alex & Hanna Weiss & meet Jonathan, who is adorable!! We had breakfast & lunch with them; toured their home & walked to Alex's school. Little Jonathan was cutting teeth and didn't feel well; he was running a fever, but still such a sweet baby. We left them about 3:30 to head back to Niederstetten.

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June 2 (a very busy day) We called Barbara Vogt to see if we could come for a quick visit. We went to her parents' dairy farm and met her Mother & Father. She showed us the farm and the garden. Her father makes schnapps and he gave Jerry a bottle of apple/pear schnapps!!

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June 4th - Left around 9:00 & drove to Geneva, Switzerland. Arrived at Celine Vignal & Pierre Bonat's around 4:30 pm. Got to meet Eloise!! Such precious babies we have seen! Also met Lindsey, the au pair from Colorado that works for them. Celine fixed dinner for us & we visited.

June 5th -The next day, we got up early. Celine & Pierre had to work, so Lindsey, Eloise, Jerry & I took the tram into Geneva. What a beautiful city!! Visited St. Peter's Cathedral & then back to Celine's for lunch.

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June 6th - Had a great day in Chamonix. Weather was bad so we didn't get to go up in the gondolas to Mt. Blanc, but we did find L'Atmosphere, had lunch & met Myriam's sister, Marie-Laure, who is the chef there. She was quite busy so we didn't get to visit..just said Hello. Back to Celine's for the night. Pierre had to leave for Morocco on business. The next morning had breakfast with Celine, Eloise & Lindsey, then left for Bonnieux.

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June 7th - Arrived in Bonnieux around 4:30, found our Hotel & got cleaned up. Found the house Jane's family was renting in the middle of nowhere!!!! It was a renovated villa that was beautiful in the middle of grape vineyards and apple & cherry orchards. Visited with Jane Mazer, Jean-Emile & Dany & family & then went back into Bonnieux for pizza. Tomorrow we plan to drive down to the coast to Marseille.

June 8th - Had great breakfast at the hotel then drove thru Provence to Marseill--BIG city with lots of construction & busy streets. Walked up the hill to Notre Dame de la Gard Cathedral...beautiful view of the harbor & city!! Drove back to Bonnieux (both of us had a little cold & didn't have much energy), took a little nap & then at 3:00 we went to the beautiful village of Gordes; had baugette and cheese in a park for dinner; then back to the hotel. Went back to Jane's to visit with Teddy & Alba, who arrived from Barcelona for the wedding! So good to see the girls-they looked wonderful!

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June 9th - Went to Apt to a huge market; picked up a shopping basket for me & towels from Provence for the girls. Came back to hotel & got ready for the wedding of Jane Mazer & Antoine Saulay at 5:00 p.m. . . l hour 45 minutes of beautiful French music, great blessings, prayers and rituals and voila, they are married!!!

Then back to the house for hors-dourves & champagne by the pool, followed by a delicious dinner with wonderful dinner companions, sinful desserts, great music & dancing into the night (morning!!!!).

An added treat was the opportunity to visit with Letecia, Teddy, and Alba who flew in for the wedding and festivities.



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Remember, you can enlarge the pictures by clicking on them!



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.June 10th - Left the hotel around 9:00 am and headed to Charlotte Leforestier & Guillaume Varvoux's in St. Cyr. Got to Charlotte's around 5:30. Good visit with them. Met Guilluame's sister, Corinne & boyfriend, Francois.

June 11th - Charlotte took us on a walk thru Tours..went to her office at University of Tours and met her support staff & a couple colleagues. Went to St. Martin's Cathedral and St. Gatien's Basilica. Met Guillaume for lunch and saw his school. Guillaume fixed great salmon for dinner!

June 12th - Went to Loches to visit with Guillaume's parents, Collette & Guy. Such nice folks. Collette gave us a walking tour of Loches & then back to the house for lunch; then to "the pond" to see their summer place. Went to a sushi place for dinner. Stopped by a candy shop and saw the owner making the candy...every flavor is natural. Very good!!

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June 13th - Went to Samur to see Charlotte's mother, Martine, at her school l& had lunch at the Alchemist---wonderful meal!! Took a tour at the Caves of Grennelle where they make sparkling wine. Charlotte worked there as a guide seven years ago. Stopped by Martine's apartment; then to the Mushroom Museum; then stopped by Sylve's to meet Louis & Thomas-beautiful children!! Had dinner at home so we could watch the German/Danish soccer match-Germany won!!

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June 14th - Headed to see Myriam's Mom, Marie-Noelle, but stopped on the way to see the town where there are many glass blowing businesses, Ponce-sur-Le-Loir. Unfortunately, only one was opened early, but we saw some gorgeous blown glass pieces. Stopped by & picked up lunch & ate by a pretty little lake while waiting for Marie-Noelle to get home from work. Went to Vanouble & saw Myriam's home; met her grandparents & had a short visit with her Mom. Property is amazing with many caves in the side of the hill. Back to St. Cyr & then dinner & drinks with Charlotte's friends in Tours - Marsha, Veronica & Alain, & Jonathan (adorable young man!!!!) Went to a very eclectic crepes place for dinner.



June 15th - Found Myriam Genest's small village!! She fixed dinner & we visited. Her housemate, Jeffrey is very nice. His girlfriend, Noemi came for the weekend. She is in architectural school.

June 16th - Went to Chartres to see the Cathedral there. Had dinner at a Moroccan restaurant-very good!

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June 17th - Went to Dreux & walked thru the town. Myriam had a band performance in the village of Anet-marched thru the streets with a group of firemen and then ended at the Fair Grounds. There were fireworks following the parade. Got home around midnight. Next day took a 5 km walk around a lake near Myriam's. Had lunch with her then headed to Suresnes to see Anne-Laure Bois. She has an adorable apartment in a perfect location on the edge of Paris. We had dinner at a Sushi restaurant, a short walk from the apartment.

June 18th - Spent the day in Paris...took the train, tram & metro during the day!! Went to Montmarte, Le Sacre Couer & Trocodero to see the Eiffel Tower. Had pizza in a trattoria & then found our way home. When Anne-Laure got home we went to another Moroccan restaurant which was wonderful!! Made our way all over Paris, to the Opera House & a bookstore where they sold English books-got the final book in the "Hunger Game" series.

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June 19th - Anne-Laure had a doctor's appointment today in Paris so we went with her & walked thru the financial district, called The Plaza. Had lunch at Little Italy-back home around 3:30 & dinner at home.

June 20th - Anne-Laure had to teach today. We said our good-byes & headed to Charles DeGaulle Airport Radisson Blu Hotel. Repacked all of our STUFF!!! Plane leaves tomorrow at 11:30 am.

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June 21st - Flight home OK. Back in Charlotte at 2:30 pm. Cindy & Brenda picked us up at the airport!!!! Good to see them & our little girls!!!!

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This page last updated July, 2012.