This morning I am going to partake in that ancient German tradition of sitting in a cafe with a good friend and drinking coffee. Before I came here to Germany I had a vision in my head of a nation of people that always had a sausage in one hand and a beer in the other but that is certainly not the case (well maybe the beer part is true). As far as sausages go, well it's true that I have seen my fair share of rather large sausages (now then, let's keep the chuckles to a minimum) out here but I would say that us Brits eat more sausages than our German neighbours. However, what is very popular out here is sitting in a cafe and drinking coffee until it comes out of your ears and talking the hind legs off a donkey. In actual fact, sitting in a cafe is not quite accurate. Even now, when we have about half a metre of snow and the temperature is low enough to make penguins wear and extra pair of undies, you will find people sitting outside. Most cafes have outdoor heaters scattered around the tables and blankets for people to wrap up in. Brilliant! It's all rather smashing and it's great to be a part of it. I have to say at this point that we do need to get the tea situation sorted out in Germany, it's just not up to par but as far as socialising and coffee goes, it's all good. So I hope you all enjoy whatever you are doing on this fine Christmas eve and if you are back in England, have a nice cup of PG tips for me ;o)

December 28, 2010 - "Late Night Coffee" Driving home after a wonderful visit with my brother and his family (including my beautiful newborn niece, Skyler)... It's late - almost midnight. Roads are icy... slushy... yucky. Headlights are playing tricks with my eyes. The heater is making me fall asleep... but if we turn it off, we'll be freezing in a matter of moments. We need coffee! Late night stop at a 24-hour Dunkin Donuts full of high-school-aged kids. Coffee. Good. Time to continue on... as our coffee cups rest in the neon-green glow of our car. Life is good! * * *