Andreas's 40th birtday bash

Everybody was required to show up with a 70's costume at Andreas's birthday party at the Pauls. A very smal New York style pub.

Let's rock everybody let's rock

everybody in the whole cell block

was dancing to the Jailhouse Rock

Grrrrrrr....

Huuhhuu

Dieter and Alex

Lenny forgot his guitar ;-)

Chair dacing

Katzenklo, Katzenklo ja das macht die Katze froh....

Morgs' new German potty or "Katzenklo" (including a peek at our bathroom).
Check out this song:
/Katzenklo.mp3

European Vacation: The Gairs

We met up with Maria, Martin, Ian and Max at Saskia´s house outside Frankfurt (highschool friend of Maria´s). The Gairs were at the tail end of their holiday travels in Europe including trips to Scotland, Austria and Germany, and the timing allowed us to spend an afternoon together.

My new home town

There was snow all over Düsseldorf for the first couple of weeks that we were here. Snow is actually quite rare here even in winter, but a big storm brought a record 20 centimeters just days before we arrived.

Here are some shots of the snow-covered city...

TV Tower (the skyline's most iconic structure)

View of the Rhein River and the Altstadt with the old Rheintower

The Altstadt is also called "Die längste Theke der Welt!"

Welcome Party!!

René's friends threw us one fabulous Welcome Party just days after we arrived in Düsseldorf. They cooked homemade classic German dishes, such as Haxe, Erbsen Suppe, Bretzeln, Weiss Wurst, and Mettigel. Unbelievably delicious! They brought over warm food, plenty of beer and festive German-themed decorations to make me feel welcome in my new home... it was a wonderfull night.

"Looping Louis" - a children's game which has dangerously gotten into the hands of these adults. When mixed with vodka or other liquor, this game can provide hours of entertainment and fun for the whole family.

Alex & Dieter

Marta

Tom

Andreas

Rob

Want some chicken? (actually Haxe)

Surprise! They brought me a costume to wear throughout the evening.... a traditional Bavarian "Dirndl" for girls.










Evelyn

Christian

Henrike (affectionately known as "Ike")

Andreas and Christian

Mettigel dish demolished... by the end of the party only the snout of the hedgehog remains.

Welcome to Düsseldorf!

René's mom, Evelyn and Christian gave us a warm welcome at Düsseldorf airport.