HE GOT HIS BOOT! That's right...after being in Germany for almost 2 months Ryan has finally got his drinking glass shaped like a boot. This magical moment occurred yesterday afternoon in Freiburg.

After a weekend full of apple picking and juice making, Ryan and I had our first day trip since arriving at Hof Wegwarte. Martin dropped Ryan, Jochen and I off at the train station and the three of us took the 1hr ride into Freiburg. Jochen was going to be staying with his brother whom lives in Freiburg for a few nights so when we arrived, we had the two of them to show us around the city. The first thing we did was grab some lunch which was very good however; the schnitzel simply did not stock up to the Cordon Blue Schnitzel at the Adler in Gretzingen (which is probably an impossible task). On full stomachs we then hiked up the biggest hill in Freiburg which gave a panorama view over the city. It was a bright and sunny day which was in stark contrast to the thick blanket of fog we left in Oberbeirbronnen. Ryan and I have noticed that there is something unique about the location of this little village that makes you feel like you are driving into a Stephen King novel even when 5 minutes down the road, there are blue skies and sunshine. Anyway, back in Freiburg, after climbing the mountain we then began the search for THE BOOT. Now, this boot is very special to Ryan. Even after directly voicing my opinion that I think the boot is one of the most tacky tourist items you could ever want to remember a trip to Germany by, Ryan was insistent upon getting a boot. I had since stalled him from purchasing one at ever other tourist destination we visited but as time went on, I realized there was no changing his mind. Freiburg is our last city in Germany and therefore, if we did not find a boot for Ryan, well, let's just say that I might have been getting the boot. We strolled the streets and entered a few shops looking for the unique drinking glass. Jochen, his brother, and store owners had no idea where we could find such an item. Ryan and I, being the tacky tourists that we are, knew just the place. We found out what the cities touristiest attraction was and headed in that direction knowing that close by, there would have to be a souvenir shop. Sure enough, as we approached the Freiburger Münster, the cathedral in Freiburg, tucked on the corner of the square was a souvenir shop. The shop was filled with coo-coo clocks, bollenhuts (head covering for women with big red balls on top) and other items classically associated with Schwarzwald (Black Forest). There, on a shelf in the middle, were the beer steins, mugs, and glass boots! Ryan's face lit up and after some deliberation over whether to get the 1.0L of 0.5L boot, Ryan was the proud owner of a new drinking glass.

When we got home from Freiburg, Ryan enjoyed an Erdinger Dunkel in his new cup and I must admit, at stupid as I thought it was, it looked pretty cool filled with beer. I am glad Ryan stuck to his guns and did not let me voice of reason cloud his decision and lifelong dream of owning DAS BOOT. Oh, and just a note to our siblings, Ryan has already declared that the first born nephew in the family will inherit this boot when he dies.

So all in all, it was a great day in Freiburg. We are now back home in Oberbierbronnen and ready for another week of work.

Note to the family in Scotland: We have now booked our flights to Edinburgh for Nov. 7th WHOOT! We look forward to seeing you all again!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAN CADIEUX (October 17th)