Vianden Luxembourg

       today we visited another castle near us. Tristan and Brock took a day off from sight seeing so we had some special time with cole. There is a gorgeous little town with a huge castle called Vianden. This was not as authentic as the one we saw yesterday as it was restored in the 70s but the original structure dates back to roman times, then in 1000 they started building the castle. Now you can tour it and they also have an art museum in it. There was an entire room of Chagall paintings. I think they are very interesting. Jim is convinced he can become a famous artist after seeing them.

   The town itself was charming.  We went into the most incredible butcher shop that specialized in pork products. Oh my gosh that place smelled amazing like a smoky salty bacony heaven.  We bought a small Black Forest ham. The real deal, and some incredible looking bacon and salamis. Can't wait to eat those. 

   We walked over a bridge and chose the most off the beaten path inexpensive restruant we could find to try schnitzel . The woman who owned the place was from Thailand and at first we didn't think it was going to be any good, but we were wrong. She was an amazing cook who had clearly mastered the local cuisine. I never knew I was such a fan of schnitzel. Of course I am sure part of what makes it so tasty is these are not factory piggies abused and fed horrible chemicals. These pigs are roaming around this place called a Black Forest living the piggie life. Oh why do I live in America? 

  The woman who owned the place was named patty and she was sweet as they come. Since we left holland we have found the local people to be less friendly in general, but fortunately there are many immigrants from turkey and Asia to compensate. Also I wonder if it's there language that just doesn't have a friendly ring to it. We went into a pub yesterday and the lady behind the bar was quit frightening actually. She was large and in charge and we had the distinct impression she did not like us. She begrudgingly served our hot cocoas and all five of us sat down like five quiet scared children. One man at the end of the bar looked at us  compassionately with friendly large chocolate eyes. He spoke English, the only one there. He visited with us and helped us feel welcome. He said something to the burly butch bartender and it sounded like " yooch dan fffflike Americans gloff del caca" they laughed. I think he knew she was being rude and teased her. Even cole couldn't get her to smile at us. But I have to say she is the very first rude person we have met thus far. There's bound to be a jerk now and then I guess. 

   Tonight Jimmie and the boys go to Luxembourg city to the Kingdom Hall. I am catching a cold so I stayed back.  I am sad to miss out. The Kingdom Hall and our faith is what gives us all more family happiness, stability, hope and love than anything else in our life. The special thing about our faith is our unique brotherhood. We can walk into any Kingdom Hall in the world and this is our family. There is no racial or social class distinction whatsoever and it's such a cool thing for the kids to experience this first hand. Yesterday we drove by two women knocking on doors with book bags. We could tell by the way they were dressed they were Jehovah's witnesses. We stared just for a moment then pulled over, the one woman actually left the door and came over to us, as soon as we got out of the car she embraced us with such a warm hug. This is what I am talking about. She knew we were family just by the way we stared at her.  What does this? One word LOVE.  When we were in Belgium , (the night jim accidentally forgot to give us the the key )jim found our the sweet guy serving up the beer was raised as a witness. His seven siblings were still active but he wasn't. That's why jim stayed so long talking with him, come to find out he wants to come back. The next night jim met him again and he invited one of his brothers, so when Jimmie met him it was that same instant bond and now he was getting the inside tour of Brugge with two new friends. Pretty cool. We invited them to California I hope they come. Never miss an opportunity to open your home to foreign guests. You will gain so much more than you give.