After a 7hr train ride from Berlin, we finally saw a familiar face at the train station waiting for us in Stuttgart. Phyllis and Gerhard were all smiles as we hopped in their car and were off to pick up more relatives at the airport. This was the first time Ryan and I were in a car since Mr. Chris Fischbach dropped us off at the airport in Toronto. Everyone arrived back at the Christ residence and within minutes, the house was filled with people hugging, drinking, and munching on the delicious pumpkin soup Phyllis prepared along with fresh bread and cold cuts. The noise level in the house quickly rose as all of the McFarlane sisters gathered around the table drinking wine.

Later that evening even more relatives were arriving from Scotland whom we met up with at the Adler, a nice traditional German restaurant. There were at least 20 people who gathered here for dinner and it was a wonderful mix of different personalities and accents. It was truly incredible to have so many relatives from different countries (continents even) all gathered together enjoying delicious food, amazing beer, and each other's company.

For me, one of the most incredible things was seeing Ryan whom sat next to his Uncle Donald. Ryan has not seen Donald since he was 5 and when you see the two of them together; it is like looking through a time machine. If Steve were there it would have been even more apparent how strongly the McFarlane genes run in the family. Not only do they have the same distinguishing McFarlane facial characteristics, but their mannerisms are almost identical! When they talk, it is like looking in a mirror. When they converse, their hands rest on the same location of their chin and when they laugh, they throw their heads backwards in unison.

It was a great meal and so nice to once again be surrounded by family. I could go on and explain how amazing the food was but let's face it, I have done that quite enough already.

As a great cap to the day, Ryan and I found out where we would be staying during our time in Grӧtzingen, a part of Aichtal near Stuttgart. Ryan and I have been welcomed into the home of Crystal and Andy, cousins of Gerhard. They have a beautiful cottage sat on top of a hill and we are staying in an apartment below. I like it better than our apartment in Guelph as there is enough space for the two of us, a nice kitchen, and views overlooking the fields and village. Since we have arrived, they have treated us like family and we are very thankful for their hospitality. We plan on having a few meals with Crystal and Andy so we look forward to getting to know them. Overall, our time in this picturesque village has been amazing and a very nice change of pace from the constant travelling we have been doing. We are getting excited for the wedding tomorrow...it is going to be incredible.