I was finally in the famous Hofbräuhaus in Munich..During our visit last year in the famous Oktoberfest, we also went to Hofbräuhaus and ate our lunch there. I was amazed by the tradition of this place. One thing that attracted me was the paintings inside especially on its ceiling. An honor for me to go and dined inside. and yes, their food are affordable and taste good too. To give you a bit info about this famous and historical place, here it is..feel free to also visit my friend online, dear Wikipedia!! oooppss. did you know that I had also seen Hofbräuhaus in Las Vegas during my vacation there last year!! nice place!!


The Staatliches Hofbräuhaus in München (literally state court-brewery in Munich, also Hofbräu München) is a brewery in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, owned by the state government. The Hof (court) comes from the brewery's history as a royal brewery in the Kingdom of Bavaria.

The brewery owns the Hofbräuhaus am Platzl, the Hofbräukeller, both not operated by the brewery, and the second largest tent at the Oktoberfest (Hofbräu-Festzelt). Its own brew, of course, is the only beer served.

The Hofbräuhaus in Munich inspired a world wide famous song, and the phrase "oans, zwoa, g'suffa" (bavarian dialect for: "one, two, chug"). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hofbr%C3%A4uhaus

Last Tuesday is the so-called Faschingsdienstag or Shrove Tuesday. It is the last day wherein, the people especially in Germany celebrate the carnival or carnaval time. It usually ends on Tuesday midnight. During Faschingsdienstag, people make fun of politicians or any funny stories of somebody or something. I usually watch it every night on TV especially the Fasching or carnival in Cologne, Mainz, Duesseldorf, Franken and more places here. Since I already understand most basic German language, I can say that watching Fasching in television here in Germany is truly fun and entertaining. I love especially their colorful and beautifully designed customs..here are some infos about Faschingsdienstag or Shrove Tuesday..I should have shared this last Tuesday but sorry guys, I am just too busy.

Faschingsdienstag or Shrove Tuesday is a term used in Ireland, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia for the day preceding the first day of the Christian season of fasting and prayer called Lent.


The word shrove is the past tense of the English verb shrive, which means to obtain absolution for one's sins by way of Confession and doing penance. Thus Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the shriving that English Christians were expected to do prior to receiving absolution immediately before Lent begins. Shrove Tuesday is the last day of "shrovetide", somewhat analogous to the Carnival tradition that developed separately in countries of Latin Europe. The term "Shrove Tuesday" is no longer widely known in the United States outside of Liturgical Traditions, such as the Lutheran, Episcopal, and Roman Catholic Churches. Because of the increase in many immigrant populations and traditions since the 19th century "Mardi Gras" is much more widely-used.

The festival is widely associated with the eating of foods such as pancakes, and often known simply as Pancake Day, originally because these used up ingredients such as fat and eggs, the consumption of which was traditionally restricted during Lent. source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shrove_Tuesday

Der Faschingsdienstag (in Köln Karnevalsdienstag, weit verbreitet auch Veilchendienstag) ist die Bezeichnung für den letzten der närrischen Tage, den Tag zwischen Rosenmontag und Aschermittwoch (Dienstag nach Estomihi). Als letzter Tag vor dem Beginn der Fastenzeit kommt ihm in vielen Regionen eine besondere Bedeutung zu. In einigen Regionen, in denen Karneval gefeiert wird, stellt er den Höhepunkt der Feiertage dar. International ist dieser Tag auch als Mardi Gras oder Shrove Tuesday bekannt. http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faschingsdienstag

This was taken by yours truly in Dietfurt's Chinese Fasching last Thursday Feb. 19, 2009. This is a unique one because most participants of the parade had different Chinese customs and motifs. Some were dressed like witches, Neanthertal men, animals and a lot more. These ladies in the photo wore Chinese dresses and have some colorful make-ups on their faces..I enjoyed the parade..truly entertaining!! helau!!

What is really special for today in Germany? What celebration does German people celebrates today? I did not knew it until my husband told me after he came home from work this afternoon. I told him why you did not tell me that so that I can watch the live parades on TV. It was too late now!! I don't know if they will going to rewind it tonight or maybe tomorrow..But sad to say, I won't be home tomorrow too. Actually today is the so called "Rosenmontag" in Germany. It is one of the liveliest and exciting events during the year. I need now to consult the expert in Wikipedia to let you know more infos about Rosenmontag which is the higlight of the German Carnival. ..here it is!!




Rosenmontag (which means "running Monday" from the Kölsch word roose (run) and not Roses' Monday) is the highlight of the German "Karneval" (carnival), and is on the Collop Monday before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. The "Mardi Gras," though celebrated on Tuesday, is a comparison. Rosenmontag is celebrated in German-speaking countries, including Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, but most heavily in the "Hochburgen", German carnival strongholds, which include the Rhineland (especially Cologne, Düsseldorf, Aachen, and Mainz). The Karneval season begins at 11 minutes past the eleventh hour on the 11th of November and the "street carnival" starts on the Thursday before Rosenmontag, which is known as Weiberfastnacht ("women's carnival"). Karneval is prevalent in Roman Catholic areas and is a continuation of the old Roman traditions of slaves and servants being master for a day. Karneval derives from the Latin "Carne Vale" - literally Goodbye Meat marking the beginning of Lent. Carnival is not a national holiday in Germany, but schools are closed on Rosenmontag and the following Tuesday in the strongholds and many other areas. Many schools as well as companies tend to give teachers, pupils and employees the Friday before Rosenmontag off as well and have celebrations in school or in the working place on Weiberfastnacht, although every now and then there are efforts to cut these free holidays in some companies. Celebrations usually include dressing up in fancy costumes, dancing, parades, heavy drinking and general public displays with floats. Every town in the Karneval areas boats at least one parade with floats making fun of the themes of the day. Usually sweets (Kamelle) are thrown into the crowds lining the streets among cries of "Helau" (Mainz area) or "Alaaf" (Cologne area). Little bottles of Kölnischwasser (eau de Cologne) are thrown into the crowd. Things go quiet the next day, known as "Veilchendienstag" (Shrove Tuesday). A Flock of Seagulls recorded a song called "Rosenmontag" for their 1983 album Listen. The song was eventually used as a b-side and consisted of Arthur Baker-inspired hip-hop beats with guitar noise. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosenmontag

It was wonderful afternoon today despite the bad weather being rainy and snowy. It was also the first time that we witnessed the Fastnacht or Fasching or simply called carnival in Velburg, Germany. There were around 30 groups with different customs who participated during the carnival parade. Even some children, young and adult who just witnessed the parade also wore beautiful and colorful customs. The children also brought with them baskets, bags and plastics to put the different candies which are thrown by the participants of the parade. I also got some candies..hehehe!!


Compared to other Fasching we watched before like in Breitenbrunn and Dietfurt, Velburg is not really a big one. I believed despite of having not so much participants, it was still a successful one. Congratulations to the people who organized it especially to the participants despite the cold and wet weather, they were still able to do and showed their best. As usual celebrations like this, beer and some liquors are always present. I felt tipsy after a lady gave me something to drink..guess what?? I guess until now, some people are still in the Gasthaus or beerhouse to continue the fun!! Enjoy the rest of your Sunday guys!! feel free to visit my other sites for more photos and updates..have a great week ahead!!

I am sharing another photo for today about the Chinese Fasching or Carnival from yesterday. It was really a great day yesterday especially as we watched the famous yearly celebration in Dietfurt. As you can see in this photo, the participants have some bows with them. If I am not mistaken they are the the so-called "Bogenschuetzen Bavarian Bowmen". Actually it is the name of this group. I really had lots of fun yesterday because they don't simply walk but they also have some music and also performed some street dancing. It was truly entertaining. If I dance and walk everyday, i guess I don't need to take this so-called Fenterdren to burn fats. Don't forget to visit my other sites for more photos and updates. Enjoy your weekend too!!

This is one of my favorite weather during winter time..a sunny winter day!! It means a blue sky with white surroundings and the sun is shining. I am just sharing this very beautiful scenery to those who don't experience this season of the year especially to my fellow men. Isn't this a great sightseeing?? Enjoy your weekend!!

Today was a very beautiful sunny winter day as Dietfurt celebrated its Fasching or Carnival. It was still freezing cold but we were happy that the weather was really very friendly. I guess you already have an idea about Fasching in Germany. Just browse further in my label or category so that you will have some info. As promise I am sharing to you now a photo from Dietfurt Fasching. First of all, I would like to congratulate the participants of the successful Faschingszug or Carnival Parade. It was really very fantastic and superb. Around 54 groups from different neighboring places and organizations joined the parade. Dietfurt always have this so-called Chinese Carnival which make it unique from other Fasching or Carnivals here in Germany.

I will share more photos tomorrow for you to see. Feel free to also visit my other sites as I will be posting photos there too. I just have to slowly sign-off now because midnight is over and I need to slowly go to sleep. We will also go later to our house doctor for my husband's appointment. After that we have to go to the hardware to look for a pvc fence installation. Have a great evening guys especially to all friends and visitors from Europe.

This was taken last year in Carnival or Fasching in Breitenbrunn here in Germany last year. I am excited to see the Chinese Fasching in Dietfurt tomorrow. I hope that it is not going to rain or snow. You might be thinking that German people are boring? You are mistaken, they love to party and have some fun too!! Fasching is one of their celebration which is celebrated in every town and cities in whole Germany. I have to take a small break now to watch the Fasching in Duesseldorf over the television..see you later folks..I promise to share more photos about fasching in Dietfurt tomorrow. have fun viewing the photos!!

I just came back home!! I woke-up early today to accompany my friends in Landratsamt Neumarkt. My friend who is a Filipina want to invite her sister to visit Germany. I also helped them filled-up the so-called "Antrag auf Verpflichtungserklaerung" which simply means in English, "Application for Statement of Obligation". "Antrag" means Application while Verpflichtungserklaerung came from two words, Verpflichtung which mean declaration or statement and Erklaerung which means obligation or commitment. I also acted as their translator as I went there.

I already knew some people in the Landratsamt. As we went to the office, I even saw the Official who processed my papers in my application for German citizenship. I was lucky to apply for German citizenship last June 2007 because now, they have more paper works and exams to undergo. This Lady Official is always friendly compared to some Official that I met the first time I went to the Landratsamt in 2003 for some paper works. We had some good conversation and I also handed to her the photo that we had as I received my German Citizenship Certificate.

Back to my friends who applied for "Antrag auf Verpflichtungserklaerung", I was surprised because that guy who was so strict before was already friendly now. or maybe he is only friendly because the husband of my Filipina friend is an American and an Official in the US Army. I hope he will be all time friendly and be fair to all foreigners. I even had some difficulties in Offices and Authorities before. It was just a matter of customer service problems.

The papers was processed quick because we were also lucky to be the only one processing papers there. I guess we have to come back next Tuesday to pick-up the so-called "Verpflichtungserklaerung" or declaration of Formal Obligation". If you invite your family member to visit you in Germany, I believed getting this paper work is of advantage.

There are still a lot of paper works to be done. I suggest that you better visit the nearest German Embassy of the country you live in for more details. If you are from the Philippines you can visit this homepage below;
http://www.manila.diplo.de/Vertretung/manila/en/Startseite.html

I also need to process and "Antrag auf Verpflichtungserklaerung" for my brother and sister whom I wanted to visit me here this year or next year.

p.s. photo above was taken when I received my Germany citizenship last 2007

Helau!! This is the shout of the Fasching in Germany. I am excited this coming Thursday because we will be witnessing again the Chinese Fasching in Dietfurt. The first time I was there was in 2007 where I took this photo. I was not able to go back last year because my husband forgot to submit a vacation leave. Two days more and I can see this very beautiful Carnival again in Dietfurt. I will be seeing their Parade which is around two hours and after that they will be having some programs. Watch out for more photos in the next days. Fell free to also visit my other sites for more photos!! Have a great evening!! I just watched a fasching or Carnival in Frankfurt over the television.

I just posted my Valentine's greetings to all of you. I can't visit all my friends in my blogroll that is the reason why I am doing a one post for this. I know a lot or women and ladies want to look great during their dates today. For those who are still trying to find their soulmate, partners or special someone I wish you good luck. Probably you are missing something or you need to improve yourself so that somebody will like you..hehehe...just kidding guys. and for women who want to have sexy and beautiful figures, having a good diet is needed. I am one of the list. How about taking weight loss pills to get rid of extra bulges in your stomach? It's up for you guys! just eb sure to have the right one.

p.s. this photo was taken in our garden last Wednesday.

Good evening everyone! Here I am again. How was your day? I hope everything just went out fine. I had a busy day today. That is the reason why I just sit down in front of my computer now. As this blog is all about my travel and adventure in different places and countries especially Germany, I would like to share something about it. Let me start. Spending a vacation somewhere need to be planned ahead. You need to consider in the first place your finances. Second, I guess is the place where you want to have a vacation or holiday. Third, if I am not mistaken the hotel where you can stay during your vacation and still a lot of things to be considered. I have been through these considerations during my travel. I guess I made and planned it good. In fact, I have been to different places already. I am still planning to see more places and countries. Thinking about Montana Resorts, I found Glacier National Park Lodging a nice place to stay.

I have been to the United States last year. I guess spending a year around US is not enough time unless you got a lot of money. There are still a lot of states and cities in the US that I haven't been through. I spent most of my stay in Las Vegas where I truly enjoyed my vacation. That is the reason why I want to go back next time in the US, to see more places. Montana is one of the states that I am planning to go. I have seen some photos about Montana in the internet and it has a lot of things to offer to its visitors. Considering its very beautiful nature, it is simply amazing and spectacular. I consider it one of the interesting places to go. How I wish I can stay at National Park Resort Lodge during my holiday there. You know where specifically? in there Tipis accommodation..I just find it cool and exciting. Maybe next year!! I'll update you next time!

p.s. this photo was taken by your truly somewhere in Austria, a small pension house to stay...love the nature here..

It is Fasching Time now...you might probably know about it since I already posted some fasching pictures and infos here and in my other sites. This was taken in fasching or carnival in Breitenbrunn last year. Just tonight, I also watch a fasching in the television. It was in Mainz here in Germany. I can't wait to see the Chinese fasching in Dietfurt next week...love it especially their attractive and colorful customs..have a great evening..time for signing-off.

It is almost a years since I paid a visit to Frankfurt, the so-called Manhattan in Germany. It is the financial center and Germany's fifth largest city. It is also the largest city in the State of Hessen. I'm bringing you there now so can have more idea about Germany especially Frankfurt. Frankfurt is also considered as the largest financial center in the continent of Europe. Wow! how great to know about this. You can find here the tallest financial buildings in Germany (if I'm not mistaken)..Some of these financial and commercial buildings are the European Central bank, the German Federal Bank, the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and the Frankfurt Trade Fair, as well as several large commercial banks. Amazing facts about Frankfurt.

If I go walking everyday around the city of Frankfurt, I guess I don't need a diet pill anymore..enjoy the rest of your weekend guys..will post more photos about Germany next time.

This photo was taken in Breitrenbrunn's fasching last year. I love their colorful and attractive customs here. I really enjoyed watching the parade. watch out for more photos in a couple of days..feel free to also visit my other sites!!

here is a little info about fasching or Carnival..courtesy of Wikipedia

Carnival is a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent; the main events are usually during January and February. Carnival typically involves a public celebration or parade combining some elements of a circus and public street party. People often dress up or masquerade during the celebrations.

Carnival is mostly associated with Roman Catholic and, to a lesser extent, Eastern Orthodox Christians; Protestant areas usually do not have carnival celebrations or have modified traditions, like the Danish Carnival. The world's longest carnival celebration is held in Brazil but many regions worldwide have large, popular celebrations, such as Carnaval of Venice, or the world famous New Orleans Mardi Gras, of Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Mardi Gras in Mobile, of Torres Vedras or the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival.

This is the beautiful St. Ullrich Church in Hohenfels. It was built around 1721. I can truly say that this Church is a small one but really a beautiful Church especially inside. Its frescoes on the ceiling are oil-painted and a truly amazing work of art. We usually pass this Church if we go walking around. During summer time, me and my husband go walking especially during weekend when he got off. We seldom go walking during winter because it is very cold outside. If I can go walking everyday, I guess I don't need to drink Solo Slim to reduce my weight. I am trying but sometimes I just can't do it especially if what's on the table are my favorite.

The surroundings around Hohenfels is also clean and beautiful which made me fell in love with this small town. guess that' s all for today..feel free to visit my other sites for more updates!

I had a friend who want to invite her sister here in Germany. Her sister is from the Philippines. I tried to help them search what are the requirements in order to obtain a German tourist Visa and what paper works they also need here in Germany so that they can invite her sister. Below are some of the visa requirements.

I also would like to suggest especially to Filipinos who want to obtain a German tourist visa to visit the German Embassy site in the Philippines for more important informations. below is the website address;
http://www.manila.diplo.de

What are the visa requirements for a short-term (tourist or business) visa?

* evidence that you have enough money to cover the costs of your stay in Germany
* if you don't have proof of sufficient funds, you'll need an invitation from someone based in Germany pledging to cover all your costs
* travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of EUR 30,000, which is valid in all Schengen countries
* demonstrate the willingness and ability to return to your own country

Oh yes, it is still winter time in Europe. This photo was taken in our garden last Nov. 2008 when the first snow fell down. Love those snow that are hanging on the trees. Germany is beautiful even in the winter time. I love it sometimes when the surroundings is getting white with snow. You just need the right clothes and shoes to keep you warm especially when you stay outside or maybe go walking. It is not snowing at this moment but the weather forecast last night said that it might be snowing this week. I could not imagine if it is going to snow in my homeland. A lot of people just live in a wooden house and with this very cold weather a lot of people might get sick. You also need a heater inside the house to keep you warm. You also need warm water all the time. We are using tankless water heater in our kitchen. To all Asia people especially from Southeast Asia, never dream for winter, it is not really very good. If you like to experience winter, better go for vacation in any places or countries that has winter weather. have a great day!!

I love this place especially the amazing nature they got here. This was in Fuessen, Allgaue during our vacation in 2006. I took a sit for a while while we went walking around the beautiful scenery in the place. From the photo, you can see the Alps mountain in the background. The green surroundings around manifest how the German people truly love and take care of the nature. I am sharing this nice photo for today. I have to take a break for a while to search for some bathroom vanities online. We really need to repair our bathroom upstairs and I just need some good ideas. I hope we can do it before the middle of the year!! have a great day to all!!

In my background is the famous Neuschwanstein Castle, the Fairy tale Castle in Fuessen, Allgaue here in Germany which was built by King Ludwig II, king of Bavaria. The castle's construction started in September 5, 1869 and was designed by Christian Jank.

This photo was taken last August 2006 during our vacation there.

I should not go to Parsberg today. But since it will be my father's birthday on Saturday, I have to drive to Parsberg to send some money for his birthday celebrations. I miss my beloved Father and my family so much. Hopefully I can see all of them this year. This photo was taken in Parsberg This is where I usually go shopping especially for groceries and other home needs. I should go to the hardware today but I already forgot it. My husband told me to buy something but not industrial clamps. I hope to be backed there again to buy what the tools he need. happy Monday guys!! more photos will be cocming next time!!

I always admire the cleanliness of Germany especially in the state of Bavaria. Even the canals here have clean and clear water. This photo was taken the other Sunday in Forellenbach, Hohenfels near our Church. My husband told me that people sometimes drink this water here because of the belief that it cures sickness..i'll see you later again!

How was your first day of the month? I hope that it started well! and I hope that you have a great weekend too. As far as I'm concern, I am contented and happy today after talking to my family and a friend back home. Those were great conversations I had with them.

This photo was taken in Nuremberg, Germany alst December 22, 2008 when I visited the famous Christmas market there. This is one of the Tor or gates in Nuremberg. If I am not mistaken this is called the white gate. I usually visit Nuremberg a lot of times in a year especially when I go for shopping for clothings. Nuremberg has also a lot of things to offer to its guests and visitors. It is not only rich in history but it is really an interesting place to see. I just wish you a great evening especially for those who are in Europe now. I just need to look for my furniture magazine to find some tv stands for my friend! take care guys!!