We arrived back in Frankfurt at almost 4 p.m. after our flight from Morocco was delayed. A snowy, foggy Germany greeted us. We rushed to the car and then raced home, trying to arrive in time for the fireworks. We have never spent New Year’s Eve in Germany, but everyone always raves about it because of the fireworks.
Fireworks are banned in Germany all year except for 31 December. They go on sale in stores on 27 December and can only be used on New Year’s. While we were in Morocco, Matt and a friend waited in long lines at the fireworks store to procure plenty for an evening of entertainment.
By the time we were back in Stuttgart at 7:30, it already sounded like a war zone as people were already sporadically setting off fireworks. We took some time to shower and start the laundry before heading to our neighbors for the evening.
The guys and the kids set off fireworks sporadically in the time leading up to midnight. At 11:59, the church bells started tolling and lots of people started gathering in the streets. As soon as it was midnight, tons of fireworks started going off. So many, that the valley quickly filled with smoke and we weren’t able to see as far as usual. It was so loud and so fun!
On New Year’s Day, we all finally got to sleep in. We spent the day unpacking, catching up on things around the house, and, in my case, re-packing! I was heading back to Maryland on Thursday to surprise my grandfather for his 100th birthday over the weekend.
I arrived home in time Thursday afternoon to have dinner with my parents, sister, nephews, and grandmother, who I would be staying with. My grandmother just moved into a new house across the street from my parents and I loved being able to see the finished product after months of renovations.
Sunday was the big day, and we started with a special church service for my grandfather, whose actual 100th birthday it was. This was followed by a luncheon given in his honor at church. There must have been over 100 people there; I’m not even sure I know that many people! Haha!
After the luncheon, we immediately headed to the American Legion, where Pop was honored by his fellow Legionnaires and by the current Commandant of the Navy SeaBees, who also honored his service. It was a long day!
Snow was coming Sunday night, so we grabbed some take-out and headed home to wait for it to start. We had over 8 inches of snow by Monday morning, and my evening flight was canceled. I was able to work remotely during the day to save leave, and then I had dinner with my parents back across the street.
By the time the snow ended on Monday night, we almost had a foot of snow. But Tuesday was a clear and sunny day, and I could visit with my nephews one more time and get my nails done before heading back to Dulles.
I was on standby for my replacement flight and was surprised when I was assigned a business-class seat! Thankfully, I was able to get a few hours of sleep before landing in Zurich. The flight arrived over an hour late, but somehow, I was able to make it through passport control and to the gate of my connecting flight in 14 minutes. This is definitely a miracle, and I would not have been able to do it without the business class seat that allowed me to be the first person off the plane. The jet bridge wasn’t even fully extended to the door when I exited, and I had to leap over a few inches’ gap!
Matt and the kids enjoyed a quiet weekend at home. No one has had a free weekend since wrestling started at the beginning of December so I know they valued the down time, but I did miss them so much while I was gone!
Now that the holidays are over, we will be back to our normal, busy schedules!
Gilcrests Abroad 