Berlin, 21.02.2012 The fifth season

In my hometown Aachen and the surrounding Rhineland we have one week a year called 'the fifth season' - and I think every local either loves or hates it. You can't just act as if everything was normal, since not only children dress up, but also adults disguise theirself as something - princess, monster or silly things like a box of french fries. My school friend Uli whose birthday is in february regularly flees the country, but while still living in Germany I belonged to the opposite group who just HAD TO go home and be part of that crazy party. Actually Chinese people would fit in perfectly, since the town is noisy, gay and totally crowded all around the clock. My parents are no natives to Aachen, but being born there myself my heart fills with joy on the topic of Karneval, I don't identify with any football team, but there is no alternative for me to Koelsch beer and shouting ALAAF while hundreds of strangers throw out millions of cheap candy walking the city centre. Sadly, my kids have no such experience, and can only take part in Berlin 'Fasching', a different expression for Karneval that is absolutely forbidden to use in fancy places, but at least they get the chance to dress up in school one day a year - take a look at Moritz in his self-made paradise bird costume.

Berlin, 01.03.2012 Sick of winter

Mia and Ronit decided spontaneously it is time for spring, or at least time to wear sandals! Here you can watch them enjoying the sunny spot in front of our house.

Weimar, 23.03.2012 Milestone birthday(s)

My dad invited our family to spend the weekend in Weimar (the city he spent his primary school years) to celebrate his anniversary. By coincidence we got to meet on my 34th birthday, and I have to say, it became also a milestone birthday to me: I met my mom and dad, my sister, brother-in-law and my two godsons accompanied by my husband and kids, we were all happy and healthy, loved the food, enjoyed a clear blue sky, sunshine and 'the most beautiful city I have ever visited'- according to Moritz.

Aachen, 06.04.2012 Easter egg hunt

Better late than never: two typical childhood views of mine: my street, and my most beloved local field. (We used to sneak there to play hide and seek and eat raw corn...a long time ago...)

Kassel, 09.04.2012

We made the most of the crap weather and marveled at the great camellias in Kassels greenhouse.