After the kids returned from England and we got back from Garmisch on Sunday, we were fortunate to have Monday off. We spent the day catching up on rest and tidying up around the house. Brooklyn spent part of the day unpacking and repacking her bags, as she was leaving on Tuesday for Prague to attend the Model United Nations Conference.
The Model UN conference in Prague brings together students from around the world to debate global issues and practice diplomacy. Delegates represent different countries, negotiating resolutions and building consensus on topics ranging from climate change to international security. Beyond the formal sessions, students attend social events with peers from other countries and have the chance to explore Prague in their free time. To participate, students had to prepare and audition for the team back in the fall. We’re so glad Brooklyn made the list of delegates from her school and was able to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
During the week, the Northern Lights appeared over our house for two nights in a row. We didn’t stay up late enough to see the best displays, but we caught faint glimpses before going to bed. Each morning, we marveled at incredible pictures online of vivid pink and purple lights taken by people in the area.
Our house was pretty quiet the rest of the week with one family member away. Luckily, we had some visitors from out of town; my aunt and uncle from Italy arrived on Friday for a visit! We picked them up from the airport in the afternoon and caught up over coffee, then enjoyed dinner at the local Brauhaus before continuing the reunion back at our house over a bottle of vino.
Saturday, we had a home wrestling meet. We were so glad we finally had a weekend we did not have to travel far! We spent most of the day at school and Ryan had a great day. He went 3-1 and took third place overall, cheered on by some extra visitors in the stands.
The tournament was long, so sadly there was no time for an afternoon nap. Instead, we decided to go out to Tower 66 Steakhouse in Böblingen as soon as the tournament was over. Tower 66 is an American Route 66–themed restaurant, and all three of us American expats, plus my Italian aunt, enjoyed the lively atmosphere, complete with country music, western decor, and classic American fried food.
Sunday was a bitter cold day. Instead of walking around town, we gave my aunt and uncle a driving tour of the old town and then had coffee and a pastry at Frech Dax, a konditerei on the lake in town. We took a short walk around the frozen lake before heading back to the house for a nap.
In the afternoon, it began snowing, which at least made the cold temperatures feel more fitting. Brooklyn arrived back home around 4 p.m., and luckily the snow was still light. We had an early birthday celebration planned for Matt at a special restaurant and were able to keep our dinner reservation at Krabba Nescht, or “the Crow’s Nest,” in the Black Forest. Krabba Nescht is an old converted barn with a tree in the center, and at the top is, unsurprisingly, a crow’s nest—though thankfully, the crows have moved out.
We enjoyed an amazing traditional Swabian meal. It was the best Käsespätzle I’ve ever had—and I’ve had a lot! For dessert, we all shared homemade ice cream, which was delicious.
As we made our way home, the snow began falling heavier, and we found out there would be a delayed start for work and school on Monday. This was perfect news, as we were able to finish off one more bottle of wine with my aunt and uncle before heading to bed.
Gilcrests Abroad 