germany!
after we successfully packed our bags full of all the chocolate we accumulated, it was time to part ways. Winnie was headed back to the island and I was hopping on a train to the Black Forest in Germany.
Alex was taking the train down from Frankfurt, we met on the train platform in Freiburg and continued on together. Peter (Alex's dad) picked us up at the station and drove us back to Haus Loosen where he grew up!
---doesn't he look thrilled to be hanging out with me & all my bags?---
Alex and I went on a walk in the woods (basically the backyard) with his dad's cousin, his daughter and their dog and it was gorgeous! Good thing I packed my hiking' shoes (aka leather flats- didn't know I would be in the Black Forest/hiking when I packed!)
---perfect temperature & gorgeous skies!---
Max, Sophie (Alex's stepmom) and Christabelle (Alex's stepsister) were all coming from London and once we had all arrived we went out for a great dinner in the neighborhood!
---yummy---
---sunset night one!---
---we came home and fed the hedgehogs!!---
the next day we slept in and woke for a delicious German breakfast of meats, cheese & yummy bread before we headed into town for some exploring.
---cute family in town---
---Loosen bros sandwich---
---my lovely hosts for the week---
the night ended with a gorgeous sunset that Alex and I watched from the woods area. it was stunning!
---sunset stroll through the woods... no filter---
---making wishes---
---those black specks are the birds flying home for the evening---
on Tuesday, we explored the area around the house, Hoschenschwand, before having an early dinner of raclette, which was sooo yummy! we celebrated Alex's birthday which was on Thursday and stuffed our faces on all the cheese and meat.
---brothers Loosen outside Haus Loosen---
---ratclette preparations- YUM---
---let's get this party started...ps I'm wearing my hikin' shoes here :) ---
---Happy Birthday Schmal!!!---
after dinner, we went on a much needed walk through the forest with the whole gang before the boys and I headed to the pub for a football match. it was great fun!
Wednesday morning Max & Alex took me to St. Blasien where they attended one year of boarding school in high school and where Peter went to school. the school was gorgeous and the town charming. we headed back to the house for another delicious Sophie feast before taking Alex to the train station.
---St. Blasien---
---so cute---
---inside the school---
---this photo is funny---
---so pretty, yummy & fresh---
Alex left that afternoon and I stayed one more night. The girls took me to the airport early the next morning for my trip to London! It was a wonderful, peaceful, beautiful time in the Black Forest and so good to see good friends!