AMAZING playground in Schinveld!!!

Privately owned and run, this HUGE playground has enclosed trampolines, a swimming pool, picnic areas, tons of play equipment, and a nice snack bar selling tostis, ice cream, and other treats for reasonable prices. Inexpensive (I think it's just 1 Euro/kid) and fun, you can bring in your own food and stay all day in the shade of the many trees in the park.

Speeltuin De Breukberg
Dr. Polenstraat and Bouwbergstraat in Schinveld

School year OPEN: Mon, Tues, Thurs: 1530-1730, Weds and Fri: 1330-1730, Sat 1100-1700
Summer OPEN: When the weather is nice, Mon-Sat 1100-1730 and Sundays 1200-1700

You can reserve ahead for parties by calling Frau Diny Ronckers at: 0031-45-527-12-43

They speak English and are very friendly.

100,000 and still going...

Friends and readers,

I'm proud to say that what began less than two years ago as just one of my random notions has just surpassed the 100,000 hits mark. I never would have imagined the success of this blog and am thankful to all of you who have used it and to those of you who have contributed.

In just about 12 days now I'll be jumping in my van and driving to Spain to start a new adventure. No, the blog isn't going away. It will be here and I will continue to add posts, playing catch-up mostly with trips I still haven't had time to add, making improvements, and accepting your contributions.

That's where you come in. I won't be here to do the local stuff. I won't be able to try new restaurants or read the paper. So, please help. This is and will continue to be a free site here for and available to you to use. It will be even better with your ideas, reviews, and even comments to existing posts.

There haven't been a lot of new posts lately and until I'm settled, it may be slow, but they will come. Until then, browse the old ones. Really, there is some good stuff there!

Enjoy a beautiful European summer here in the Tri-Border area.

Tiffany

CERAMIC STORES AND OTHER SHOPS OF BOLESŁAWIEC AND THE AREA

This guide was created by The Blue Beet Root and used with their permission.

Guide to Symbols:
P parking
WC toilet
CC credit card facilaties
Eu, $ - foreign currencies facilaties
Assortment- CRM pottery, WKR baskets, wicker products, GL glass, J jewelery, A artworks
E English spoken, G German , F French, I Italian

SHOPS!!!

1. ANDY
Tomaszów Bolesławiecki 111 A,
tel./ fax. 0048 (0)75 731 0221,
www.ceramika-andy.com
listy@ceramika-andy.com
Hours: Mo- Sat 6 am - 6 pm
Open on Sun for the guests of the Blue Beetroot

We highly recommend Andy’s they have some really good hand painted designs at very reasonable prices. When looking for Andys in Tomaszów turn LEFT at the Church- do not get confused by the Andar Signs on the right. This is a different pottery. Andy’s pottery will give you 10% discount if you are guests of the Blue Beetroot.

Paint your own mug !!
At Andy’s there is an opportunity to paint your own pot (eg. mug) . Firing the pot takes three days to a week. But if you cannot collect they will happily send it to you if you leave them your address. They will only charge you for the postage. Please go to the pottery after 2 o’clock if you wish to paint your own pot.

Andy will even open on a Sunday by arrangment with the Blue Beetroot (just let us know). Please ask a member of staff for a discount voucher to give to Andy when you are there.
If you give him your exact address and a mobile phone number, Andy can post your pottery to anywhere in Germany.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, E, G


2. Stan’ s ANTIQUE SHOP
UL. Kościuszki 24
59- 700 Bolesławiec
Stan’s mobile: 0048 508 30 36 10
Hours: Mon- Sat 8 am- 4 pm; Sun 10 am- 2 pm

If you are interested in buying antiques this shop is a must visit!

Stan is a local character specialising in antiques. At his shops you will find old treasures and some pottery as well. He has a lot of things comming from WW2 times (military items, old books and newspapers, weapons), but also old furniture and kitchenalia.
Stan is available on his mobile 24/7 so he can open his shop for you anytime you want.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, Antiques, GL, E, G

3. Cermaika „KALICH” ,
Czerna 32, 59- 730 Nowogrodziec,
tel/fax 0048 (0)75 736 3434,
www.ceramikakalich.pl
Hours: Mon- Fr 8 am- 8 pm
Sat 5 am- 7 pm
Sun 8 am- 1 pm

This shop is well known as The „P” Shop or the Blue Shop. They have various patterns of their own production and design. They will ship orders of over 1000 $
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, E, G


4. Ceramika
Czerna 39
0048 (0)75 736 3310
www.ceramics.boleslawiec.org
Hours: Mon- Sat 8am- 8pm
Sun 10 am- 3 pm

Various pottery from diferent producers. They give discounts for more ceramic bought. Nice crystals and glass with hunting motives.
P,WC, CC Eu, $, CRM, WKR, GL, A, G

5. Ceramika „CERWIK”
Zebrzydowa 62
tel 0048 (0)75 736 3343
Hours: Mon- Fr 7 am- 7 pm
Sat 6 am- 7 pm

This shop has been open for over 12 years. It has a large assortment from many different potteries in Bolesławiec.
P, WC, CC, CRM, E

6. MAKABA
ul II Armii WP 37
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 734 7035
Hours: Mo- Fr 9 am- 7pm' Sat 7am- 4 pm

Good assortment of unusual oriental ornaments.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, WKR, GL, A, E, G


7. ZEBRA
ul. Zabobrze 28
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 734 7101
www.ceramica.com.pl
Hours: Mo- Fr 6 am - 2 pm
Sat and Sun by tel: 0048 (0)503 023 412 (Zenon Bramowski- owner)

This small factory makes quite different pottery than the others.
Pottery with a large assortment of functional items. Please ring the above number anytime for access.
P, WC, Eu, $, CRM, E, D


8 Ceramika Użytkowa
A. Z. Rybak,
ul. Zgorzelecka 22 B
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 732 2089
mobile phone 24/7 0048 (0) 604 96 39 14
Hours: Mon- Sat 9 am- 5 pm
Sun- call her mobile

This shop was known as one of „The Three Sisters”
P, CRM, WKR, E, G

9. Ceramika Bolesławiecka
ul. Zgorzelecka 22b
59- 700 Bolesławiec
Hours: Mon – Fr 9 am- 5 pm

This shop was also known as one of „The Three Sisters”
P, CRM


10. MANUFAKTURA
ul Zgorzelecka 22b
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 732 69 02,
Hours: Mon- Fr 9 am- 5 pm; Sat 8 am- 4 pm

This store is one of Manufaktura’s Pottery shops. It is an exclusive shop with a very extinguishing pottery and outlet assortment as well. Unique patterns, ceramics painted by the best artists from Manufaktura Pottery. Very nice and professional service.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, GL, A, E, G


11. Store by Artistic Ceramic WIZA
ul. Masarska 1
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel/fax 0048 (0)75 732 56 32
Hours: Mo- Fr 9 am – 5 pm, Sat 8 am - 4 pm

This shop stocks pottery from the WIZA factory, but also a nice assortment of gift items.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, A(metal artworks),E


12. HENRY’S
ul. Masarska 1
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 732 2926
Hours: Mo- Fr 8 am - 6 pm, Sat 8 am - 5 pm

Excellent shop, good parking, with wicker goods upstairs. Stays open till 5 pm on Saturdays. Must visit.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, WKR, A, E, G


13. DAVID MANUFAKTURA
ul. Masarska1
59- 700 Bolesławiec (right after Henry’s)
0048 (0)75 735 2141
Hours: Mo - Fr 9 am - 5 pm, Sat 8 am - 4 pm

Large sellection of different patterns and shapes from Manufaktura factory. Reduced quality assortment to buy at very good prices.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, A (wood), E, G


14. TYRCZ
ul .Rajska 15
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 732 4562
Hours: Mo- Fr 8 am - 4 pm, Sat 8 am - 4 pm

Sun bell near the gate. On Sundays call staff by ringing the bell.
P, WC,CC, CRM, GL

15. MANUFAKTURA Pottery
(factory and a big shop)
ul. Gdańska 30, 59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 732 2062 int. 26,
fax. 0048 (0)75 732 6956,
www.polish-pottery.com.pl
info@polish-pottery.com.pl
Hours: Mo- Fr 7 am - 4 pm, Sat 7 am - 2 pm

MANUFAKTURA is a large, modern pottery with an amazing mish mash of designs. Follow the circular sign with a pot in the center. At this pottery you can visit the factory and see how the pots are made (available 7 am- 2 pm, ticket 5zł/ 2,50zł). Here you can also take part in a ceramic workshop lessons (ask the staff for the details).
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, E, G, F, Spanish, Russian,


16. DANA
ul. Lubańska 71
59- 700 Bolesławiec
0048 (0)75 732 3133
Hours: Mo- Fr 6 am -2pm,
Sat 6 am - 2 pm

It is a pottery with a shop P, C


17. CERAMIKA ARTYSTYCZNA
Artistic Ceramic
ul. Kościuszki 23
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 732 4051
Store 732 33 00
fax. 0048 (0)75 732 4053
www.ceramika-artystyczna.pl
poczta@ceramika-artystyczna.pl
Hours: Mo- Fr 9 am – 5 pm , Sat 8 am - 2 pm

The best and oldest pottery, with a world famous ceramicist, who has worked there since 1964. High Quality products. One Sat (10 am- 2 pm) in a month they have meetings with their designers when you can learn to paint pots (for more informations- click their web site). They also lead tours arround the factory (for free, even for a single customer). At the store you can also buy albums and books on the Pottery and cooking books.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, E, G

18. CER-FAR
ul. Kościuszki 17
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 644 32 81
mobile 0048 607 090 625
Hours: Mo- Fr – 8 am-6 pm; Sat – 8 am- 3 pm

Very good, big store, a lot of ceramics from all factories and rich other assortment. Good discounts. P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, WKR, A, E, G

19. Zakłady Ceramiczne BOLESŁAWIEC
ul. Kościuszki 11
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 732 2736
www.ceramicboleslawiec.com.pl
bol_cer@e.pl
Hours: Mo- Fr 7 am - 6 pm , Sat 7 am - 3 pm
SUN 9 am- 4 pm

Big pottery with a rich selection of ceramics. You can often find bargains on the lower shelves.
They lead tours arround the factory, please let them know 1 week in advance (for over 3 y.o.).
At this pottery you can order your pots online, and for an additional fee they can post it to EU countries, or ship it to US and Canada
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, E, G

20. Store by Artistic Ceramic WIZA
ul. Kościuszki 24
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 075 732 6975
Hours: Mo- Fr 9 am - 5pm , Sat 8 am - 3 pm

This shop is stocked by WIZA pottery. It is worth to visit if you look for a jewelery. They have nice silvers combined with Polish ambers.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, Jewelery, A, E, Russian


21. GERO
ul. Kościuszki 24
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 644 5889
Mo, Fr- 8 am- 6 pm
Weds, Tues, Thu – 8 am- 5 pm; Sat 7 am – 4 pm

Big store with a large choice of pots from different factories. On tthe stock they have also a lot of wicker some porcelaine and glass.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, CRM, WKR, GL, A, E, G


22. A.MAZUR
Ul. Kościuszki 24, 59- 700 Bolesławiec,
Tel. 0048 (0)75 644 9886 Mo- Fr 8 am- 6 pm
Sat 7 am- 5 pm

At this shop they have 40% discounts even for purchasing a single item
P, CC Eu, $, CRM, WKR, E, G

23. TYRCZ
Ul. Kościuszki 24 B
59- 700 Bolesławiec
Mobile phone: 0048 (0) 602 690 125
Hours: Mo- Sat 8 am- 5 pm; Sun 10 am- 4 pm

Ceramics from a small factory run by Mr. Tyrcz. At the store by a special order you can leave a photo of youselfe and they will draw a portraite. It takes approx. 3 weeks.
P, CC, CRM, WKR, GL, A (portraites), E, G


24. CERBUD
ul. Mostowa 24
59- 700 Bolesławiec
tel. 0048 (0)75 734 7643
Hours: Mo- Sat 6 am- 10 pm; Sun bell at the gate

On Sundays call staff by ringing the bell
P, WC, Eu, $, CRM, G


25. Artistic Ceramic WIZA
Parowa 61
59- 724 Osiecznica
tel. 0048 (0)75 731 2770
0048 075 732 1822
fax: 0048 (0)75 731 2792
www.ceramikawiza.com
wiza@ceramikawiza.com

WIZA also in Parowa has shops elsewhere in town. Interesting patterns.


26. BŁOTNY
Parowa 60 A
59- 724 Osiecznica
tel./ fax. 0048 075 732 1823,
www.garncarstwo7.webpark.pl
garncarstwo7@wp.pl


27. DUDEK- KOWALCZYK
Parowa 60
59-724 Osiecznica

tel/fax: 0048 (0)75 731 2681
adk-parowa@adk-parowa.kki.pl
Hours: Mo- Fr 8 am- 3 pm - Sat 8 am- 12 pm

These two potteries produce mainly flower pots and garden ornaments but a visit there is A MUST!! The potteries maintain their old, traditional beehive kilns ( as opposed to the modern tunnel kilns, used in more modern potteries) . These kilns are entered through a tunnel stacked high with pots and then the entrance is bricked up and the kiln coal fired arround the base. You can see the whole process and even enter the kiln, obviously before it is fired. The whole place has a Dickensian feel and is truly a living museum.
P, WC, Eu, $, CRM, G


28. WR Ceramika
Tomaszów Bolesławiecki 99
59- 720 Raciborowice
tel./fax. 0048 (0)75 738 9461, Mo- Fr 6 am-2 pm , Sat 6 am -2 pm
This pottery has nice flower and X-mas patterns P, WC, CC,
CRM, E,


29. BOROWSKI’s ART GLASS BLOWING STUDIO
Tomaszów Bolesławiecki 87
tel. 0048 075 738 9432
fax. 0048 075 738 9431
www.borowski-glass.de
info@borowski-glass.de
Hours: Mo, Tu, Thu, Fr, Sat 8 am - 4 pm

STUDIO BOROWSKI is a glass blowing works, they only make modern art glass sculptures. Ring at the gate, they speak English and their shop has Krosno ( best polish crystal) as well as its own products. If you are in luck and they aren't very busy, you may have a chance to blow your own glass ball.
P, WC, CC, Eu, $, Artistic Glass and functionall glass items E, D


30. GALERIA MILIŃSKI
Milinski’s Art Gallery
Pławna Dolna 9, 59- 623 Lubomierz
tel./fax. 0048 075 783 3280
www.milinski.com.pl
plawna9@op.pl

Open for a whole day GALERIA MILIŃSKI ½ hour outside town, but this eccentric artist is considered one of Polands best. You know you are there when you see the sculpture of giant bed in the garden. Not so long time ago Miliński opened his Museum which shows you the legends of Lower Silesia.
P, WC , A, very nice pictures by Miliński


31. MANHATAN
by the cross of ul. Komuny Paryskiej and ul. Jeleniogorska ( near the traffic lights)
Hours: Mo- Sat approx. 7 am - approx. 3 pm
Local fruit, veg and flea market . In the flea market there is a chance of finding the odd treasure. P, WC, flee market, fresh fruit and veg

Amsterdam: Lodging

Contributed by JJ

We stayed at a great hotel in Amsterdam. The A-Train Hotel has a family room that is perfect for a small group traveling with children. It's located right across from the main train/bus station and the starting point of two canal tour groups. The very spacious room with 5 single beds & 1 toddler bed including breakfast was only 180 euros (booked through booking.com). Downstairs had 2 single beds, a kitchenette (microwave, small refrigerator, sink area, coffee/tea supplies), bathroom with shower, and a toddler area. The toddler area was fantastic. It included a toddler bed with a little night light, a toddler sized table with 2 chairs, a play kitchen complete with food and dishes, and a box with a train track, trains and cars. There is an upstairs loft with 3 single beds. Each of the 5 beds had it's own night stand and lamp. There was an elevator to the second floor, but you will need to climb a small set of stairs to the family room on the third floor. If you drive, the most convenient parking garage across the street is 55 euro/night. The hotel will give you a map and address for a cheaper parking garage (6 euro/day) just outside of town.

A-Train Hotel
Prins Hendrikkade 23
1012 TM Amsterdam, NL
Phone: 0031-20624 1942
Email: info@atrainhotel.com
Web: http://www.atrainhotel.com/

IYA Activities:

Geilenkirchen IYA Fall Soccer Registration will be from 3-28 August. The cost for the season is UR 27,-. Any late sign ups after that day will be an additional cost of EUR 5,-. The fee is to be paid cash upon registration, and a copy of the Sports Physical is also required before
the 1st games.

The age groups are divided as followed (year of Birth):

Pre-Bambinos 2006-2005
Bambinos 2004-2003
Pee Wees 2002-2001
Minors 2000-1999
Bantams 1998-1997
Juniors 1996-1995

The skills assessment for the Minors (16:00) and Bantams (17:00) will be
held on 31 August.

CONTACT:
Stephanie Chalmers
IYA Sportsdirector
02451-63-4955

The Blue Beet Root

Reader Recommendation...

The Blue Beet Root
Laziska 50
59-700 Boleslawiec, Slaski, Poland
Tel: 0048-75-736-4420
Web: http://www.bluebeetroot.com
Email: johnandbarbara@o2.pl

The Blue Beet Root comes VERY highly recommended by several groups of friends who have stayed there during their Polish Pottery shopping trips to Boleslawiec. Not only is the location perfect and the place charming, but the people who run it are very friendly and the good is great! They also provide the best, most comprehensive information on local shopping that I've seen. Check out their website for more information in English and pricing.

Commissary Grocery List

Thank you to a dear and extremely organized reader who has the following list stuck onto her refrigerator so that she and her family members can highlight what the need as they run out. "I double check the list prior to the commissary run, highlight or write in what else I need, then it's aerobic shopping! Skip the aisles you don't need anything on, and make the commissary less of a chore!" Probably cuts down on impulse shopping too!

Deli & Bakery
Fresh bread
Deli turkey/ham/chicken

Fresh Produce
Apples-Red/Gld/Granny
Bananas
Oranges/Pears
Grapes-Red/Grn
Strawberries
Broccoli/ jalapenos
Carrots/small carrots
Zucchini/Garlic
Lettuce/Spinach
Cabbage-Red/Grn
Shroomsh/broc slaw
Onions-Grn/Rd/Ylw
Peppers-Grn/Rd/Ylw
Potatoes-Bak/Swt/New
Tomatoes/Tofu

Aisle 1
Honey/Jelly
Peanut Butter
Ketchup/ Mustard
BBQ Sauce/Bacon Bits
Olives-sliced/whole
Pickles/Tartar Sauce
Salad dressings
Vinegar-Wh/App/oth

Aisle 2
Tobasco Sauce
Worstershire Sauce
PAM/shorten/spray
Cooking/Olive oil
Spices
Canned Fruits
Pineapple/ peaches
Raisins-lunch/big/cinn
Applesauce-jar/lunches
Maraschino cherries
Cranberries
Canned Tomatoes
Bisquick
Cake mix/Frostings
Chips-chocolate/M&M
White/butterscotch
Marsh-mini/reg
Cornmeal/Cornstarch
Yeast
Sugar-Wht/Brwn/Pwd
Flour-white/wheat
Nuts-alm/pec/wal
Pie crusts/Fillings
Pumpkin/ Stuffing
Pudding/Jell-O’s
Baking Powder/Soda
Sauerkraut/ Mushrooms

Aisle 3
Pasta-Noodle/Ruffles
Elbow/Lasg/Ling
Spagh/Shell/Angel
Mini penne
Tomato sauce/paste
Rice-white/brown/other
Soy sauce
Mexican
Picante/Rfd Bean
Chilies/Tortillas
Taco/Burrito
Soups
Tomato/Chick/Eat
Bouillon-Beef/Chicken
Dried Beans/Barley
Clams/Tuna/Sardines
Canned Beans
Black/Northern/Pinto
Ranch/Kidney/Baked

Aisle 4
Juices/Tang
Lemon/lime
Tomato/V-8
Cocoas
Dry Cereals
Gene/Me/Boys
Coffee/Cream/Filter
Tea-Hot/Cold/
Fam/Grn
Milk-evap/cond/pwdr
Choc Syrup

Back Wall Meats
Turkey Lunch Meat
Grd Beef/Salmon Chicken/Turkey
Steak/Stew Meat
Pork-Chops/Roast
Canadian Bacon

Aisle 5
Peanuts/ Velveeta
Fruit snacks/Pop Tarts
Candy/ Popcorn
Breakfast bars
Hot Cereals
Oatmeal-inst/reg
Cr of Wheat
Syrups/Molasses
Wheat/Oat Germ
Crackers-Ritz/Wh thins
Graham/Triscuits
Bread/Raisin Br
Bagels

Aisle 6
Vitamins-our/gluco/calc
Balance/Pwr Bars
Baby Oil/Aveeno Lotion
Pringles/
Coke/Diet/Sprite
Chips/Pretzels

Aisle 7
Toilet Paper/ Tape Paper Towels
Tissue/Napkins
Soap-Gene/mine
Deod-Gene/mine/C
Shaving Crm/razor
Cotton balls/ Q-tips
Shampoo/hairspray
Maxi/mini pads/tamp
Benadryl/TUMS
Band-Aids/eye drops
Toothpaste/Glide
Listerine/Plax
Sunscreen

Back Wall 7
Margarine-Stick/spread
Cheese-Cream/
Cheddar-Shr/Sharp
Monterey/Mozzarella
Slice/String/Grated
Parm Plus

Aisle 8
Batteries
AAA/AA/C/D/9V
Light bulbs
Cleaning Gloves
Clorox tabs/wipes
Dishwasher/dish soap
Comet/Bon Ami
Bleach/Starch
Detergents-Shout
Cheer/Woolite
Downy/Bounce
Ammonia/Pledge
Lysol Tub & Tile
Yellow scrub pads
Disposables-Cups/
Plates
Utensils/Straws
Bags/wraps
Snack/Sandwich
Pint/Quart/Gallon
Kitchen/Fd Storage
Wax Paper/Alum Foil/ brown lunch

Aisle 9
Dog Food/Dog treats
Froz Pizza/Kielbasa
Charcoal/
Bottled H2O
Sourdough brd

Aisle 10
Milk/Eggs/ Cottage ch
Yogurt-kids/mine/plain
Frozen Seafood/salmon
Canned Rolls/Bread/
Biscuits/Cinn Rolls
Pie Crusts
English Muffins
Vegetables
Broc/Carrots/Brussel
Gr Beans/Mix/Lima
Corn/Peas/Spinach Hash Browns
French Fries
Cool Whip/Dessert
Juice-Grape/Apple/Lime
Froz Egg Beaters
Ice Cream/Sandwiches


Commissary Hours
Sat -Sun 1000-1800
Tue-Fri 1000-1900


PX:


Shoppette


PXtra

Schaffrath - furniture and decoration/gift shop

Another really fun gift shop - this one is HUGE - and is actually a furniture store, BUT on the side is the Boutique where they have Leonardo glass, Rosenthal bags, kitchen things, linens, beautiful decor items, candles, and these fun 100 year old roof tiles converted into candle holders/vases.

Schaffrath
*Borsigstraße 40a
52525 Heinsberg
Tel.: 02452 - 967040
Open: Mo. - Fr. 10:00 - 19:00; Sat 10:00 - 18:00

*This is the only address that I could find... my receipt doesn't even have an address on it. But, the address above is for the Schaffrath kitchen store which is the smaller store directly across the street from the boutique. There is actually a street perpendicular to the shop on Borsigstrasse, and that is the side of the block where the boutique is.

Basic directions. From 221 follow it north until it ends. Do not take the city center turn off. You're just staying on it until it completely ends. Turn right at the signal. At (I think the next signal) after you drive under the highway, there is a turn to the left. In front of you there is a BIG sign that says "Schaffrath." Turn left. You will see a large building with the Schaffrath sign on the left. Take that left turn just after the building and park on the side. The boutique is there.

Sadly, they don't take credit cards.

Print This - Emergency Procedures

Copy, enlarge, and print the form on the right and put it by your phone. It could help.

Text and Emergency Card prepared by Stephanie Mittuch:

"Imagine this scenario. Your spouse is TDY and your kids are rough housing as usual. One of them is injured so badly that you cannot drive the child to the hospital and care for the child at the same time. You call 112, the emergency number, and the German on the other end doesn't speak any English and hangs up! You call 112 again, trying to tell the German about your emergency, giving the name of the village and your address, but no Krankenwagon comes!

Sounds pretty horrible, doesn't it? This is exactly what happened to one of AWGK's members in November. Luckily she was able to procure help from neighbors and her child is fine now, but how could this nightmare have been prevented?

First, arm yourself with knowledge. German phone numbers are not connected by some magic program to addresses like they are in the U.S. The German emergency workers have no idea where you live if you can't tell them. Knowing this, you need to be able to speak enough German to get help. As a bare minimum you should be able to say your name, address, and phone number in German and, here's the key, be able to German phonetically spell your name and address and use German number works to say your phone number. For example, I would spell Hartweg, "ha, aah, air, tay, vay, ay, gay." Will I ever be able to remember this in an emergency? No. So I should write or type this up and place it by my phone in case I or one of my family members needs to call 110/112 for emergency help.

Secondly, if you would feel more comfortable, take a basic German class at the Airman and Family Readiness Center or a more in depth course. Third, make friends with your neighbors. Most Germans are friendly, willing to help, and quite a few speak English! Lastly, be prepared! Practice emergency scenarios with your family members, especially the children. What if it is you that needs help and your spouse is TDY? Train your children not to panic and to follow the procedures you establish.

Fill in the following emergency card and keep by your telephone to prevent these emergencies from becoming tragedies!"


Emergency number: 112

German language basics: (also included on form above)

Meine Telefonnummer is:

0 = null
1 = eins (eye-nz)
2 = zwei (zv-eye)
3 = drei (dr-eye)
4 = vier (fear)
5 = fünf (foonf)
6 = sechs (zeks)
7 = seiben (zeeben)
8 = acht (ahkt)
9 = neun (noin)

Key Phrases:

My name is ____________________ Mein Name (nah mah) ist.
My address is __________________ Meine Adresse (adre sah) ist.
Do you speak English? _____________ Sprechen Sie Englisch? (Spreken Zee...)
Emergency! ____________________ Notfall! (Note-fall)
Call the police! __________________ Rufen Sie Die Polizei! (Roof-en Zee Dee Pole-eats-eye)
Danger! _______________________Gefahr!
Fire! _________________________Feuer! (foyer)
Get a doctor! ___________________ Holen Sie einen Arzt! (Holen Zee Eye-nen Airst)
Help! ____________________ ____ Hilfe!
Get Help! ______________________Holen Sie Hilfe!
I do not speak German. ____________ Ich spreche kein Deutche. (Eek sprekah kine Doich)
I only speak English. ______________ Ich spreche nur Englisch. (Eek sprekah nur English)
Please call an ambulance! ___________Bitte rufen Sie einen Krankenwagan! (Bitah roofen zee eye-nen cronken-vogen)

German phonetic alphabet:
A = aah ________ J = yut ________ S = es
B = bay ________ K = kah ________T = tay
C = say ________ L = el _________U = ooh
D = day ________M = em ________V = fow (rhyms with cow)
E = ay _________N = en _________W = vay
F = ef _________ O = oh _________ X = icks
G = gay ________P = pay ________Y = oops-il-on
H = ha ________Q = koo ________ Z = t'set
I = eee ________R = air

Gift Shop: Geilenkirchen

One of my favorite "in a pinch" gift shops with beautiful Leonardo glass, linens, bags, and seasonal decor, I can ALWAYS find something nice when I need a birthday or hostess gift. The prices are good and the ladies who work there are nice as well. Located within the pedestrian area just across from the fountain.

Hahn - Wohnen mit Kontrasten
Gerbergasse 9
52511 Geilenkirchen
Web: www.hahn-wohnen.de
Tel: 02451-67-350
Hours: Mo - Fr 0930 - 1830; Sat 0930 - 1400

Bike Tours: Salzburg

Reader Recommendation...

"We did the Fraulein Maria Sound of Music bike tour in Salzburg this weekend and really enjoyed it, (Even my husband had a good time).

http://www.mariasbicycletours.com/welcome.htm

It really is movie-centered, so if you want historical Salzburg it's not for you, but the tour covers about 9 miles over 3 hours, with lots of stops to chat about the sights and a 20-30 minute break (with refreshments available for purchase) at a lovely park/playground. VERY kid friendly. My four year old (who's gotta be the laziest 4 year old on the planet did the whole thing on a trail-a-bike, without a problem). Advanced reservations are suggested if you're bringing children and during the busy summer festival season. My oldest used the trail-a-bike. My baby sat in a child seat behind me, but they also have a pull behind trailer that can fit two young ones and kid-sized solo bikes for independent peddlers. They have helmets too, but I took my own for the kids, just 'cause I'm a little crazy that way. Our guide was a Finnish music student studying in Salzburg, whose English was impeccable. We would highly recommend it to anyone contemplating a Sound of Music Tour, especially with kids. Not sure my kids would have had any fun on the traditional bus tour."

Dusseldorf Altstadt and the Kö

Dusseldorf is neatly divided into nice little districts making its exploration really quite easy. One area that I'd heard really a lot about it the Altstadt. It was supposed to be the old, beautiful, quaint area. And, may be that's true on the weekdays... may be. But on the weekend, especially a nice one when the current soccer team is on a winning streak, not so much.

According to Wikipedia, Dusseldorf's Altstadt is also known as "the longest bar in the world" with over 300 bars and discos within the small borough. So, if you're heading out for a day/night on the town and you have an appreciation for all things hops, this might be perfect for you. (http://www.duesseldorf-altstadt.de)

If; however, you are looking for a quiet time, head elsewhere. This is not a great area for children. The waterfront is a cement pathway loaded up with restaurants and crowds. We had the misfortune of showing up on a Sunday - the day of a massive futbol party in the market square AND the gay pride parade.

Just in from the water's edge, you'll see signs for the Kö, short for Königsallee, a quiet street with high end shops, nice restaurants and coffee shops (including Starbucks), rows of tall trees, and a little canal that runs the length of the street. This area is peaceful, shaded, and quiet. Though it still doesn't have a lot for children aside from an ice cream shop or two, at least it's quiet. This is where the shopping is - a shoppers paradise. http://www.koenigsallee-duesseldorf.de

Bike Tours

Reader Recommendation...

One reader enjoyed her bike tour of Versaille so much that she was kind enough to pass along her recommendation for Fat Tire Bike Tours! An American owned and run company with tours in English, these bike tours are available in Paris, London, Berlin, and Barcelona! What a great way to see a city!

Child friendly, Fat Tire Bike tours have child seats, child trailers, and helmets available at no extra charge and have a discounted youth rate for children big enough to ride on their own!

http://fattirebiketours.com
http://fattirebiketours.com/paris

http://fattirebiketours.com/barcelona
http://fattirebiketours.com/berlin
http://fattirebiketours.com/london

Pizzeria Il Genio

Pizzeria Il Genio
Karl Arnold Strasse 146
Gillrath 52511
Tel: 02451-4848 366
Hours: 11.30 to 14.30 and 17.00 to 10.30 Tues - Sun. Closed Mondays and Holy days.

*As much a local icon as a pizzeria, this place hasn't been blogged until now because, well, it just doesn't need to be. Everyone knows it and according to an Italian friend, it has "the best Italian food in the area." Nice atmosphere. Great service. Delicious food. Friendly people. It feels like home. Call ahead for take out or drop in, order, and enjoy a shot ofmasala while you wait. Take out orders take 15-25 minutes depending on how busy they are. Eat in or on their covered terrace. They have an English menu, but read it with these corrections: Pears = peas, Crabs = shrimp, Mold cheese =Gorgonzola, and Pepperoni = pepperoncini peppers. If you want an "American style" pepperoni pizza, ask for salami. My favorites: Pizza #45 (4 cheese) and the Mozzarella Salad.


Il Piccola Genio
Heerlener Strasse 163
52531 Scherpenseel
Tel: 02451-4909787
Open: 11.30 to 14.30 and 17.00 to 10.30 Tues - Sun. Closed Mondays and Holy days.
*Owned by the Franco Boccuti, the brother of Guisseppi who owns and makes all the pizza at the Gillrath place, this 'little" Il Genios has great food too and delivers! The same menu as the Gillrath place, they have a few tables for lunch guests and have a very busy take out business. If you live in Teveren or work on base, this place is close and convenient. Just order and pick up. English menu available.

Turkish Market

Merksteiner Mega Markt
Geilenkirchener Strasse 361
52134 Herzogenrath
Tel: 01633 338 058

Wow. A real gem - especially if you are a foodie or cook international dishes. This market is small, but packed with a lot of great finds and fantastic prices!

• Really fresh dried spices for half the price you pay at the commissary
• Tahini, paprika paste, sambal ooleck, and many other specialty foods for Turkish, Indian, and other middle eastern/Asian dishes.
• Nice selection of grains and rices, bulgar in various sizes, red, yellow, and green lentils
• Marinated peppers and other great veggies in jars - delicious sun dried tomatoes!
  
• Turkish coffee and tea, Turkish tea pots and tea glasses.
• Fresh produce hand picked by the shop owner each morning - I picked some lettuce and the lady at the cash register went and exchanged it for a fresher one.
  

They speak German well and of course, Turkish. English is slim, but many of the food labels have a "GB" English translation.

Toyota Repair

Autohaus Himmels
Gutenbergstrasse 5
52511 Geilenkirchen - Neiderheid
Tel: 02451-4090 911
Web: www.auto-himmels.de

Review: We have used Autohaus Himmels on several occasions from small things like marder chewed wiring (that they repaired for free!) to larger things like replacing break pads. They have always been very professional, friendly, and quick. Once they had my break pads in stock, it took them only 4 hours to have the job done. I dropped it off at 8, walked to Rewe for a coffee, and by noon, it was done. Amazing. They do take the VAT form. You can pay at the NATO VAT office and bring back the paperwork to the autohaus.

Italian Republic Day Celebration!

Every year on the Italians here at GK hold a big celebration for their Italian Republic Day on June 2nd. In the past it's been a private event, then last year it was a fashion show. This year, they are holding it in downtown GK and encouraging the entire local community to come and participate.

All the information including links is available on the website in English. It's going to be a very special event and will allow for some amazing photo ops with a group in gladiator costumes. The kids will love it! Do come out and support our Italian friends.

Saturday, May 30 from 10 until Midnight
Sunday, May 31 from 1000 until 2pm

More information here: http://www.e3a.nato.int/html/Italian_republic_day.htm

Bergheim: Alsace, France - RESTAURANTS

Local food in the Alsace: Meats with saurkraut, chicken with spaetzle, salad with warm brie, tarte flambee. A tarte flambee is a large crispy tortilla-like thing covered in various things like a pizza - but not thick. So a thin spread of cheese and may be a little ham or chopped veggies. They are light and tasteful - a quick, easy, and inexpensive meal option. Here, as in most of France, you can find delicious Creme Brulee. Most have a simple vanilla flavor, but some will have the flavor of some of their sweeter local wines.

Auberge des Lavandieres
48 Grand' Rue
68750 Bergheim
Tel: 03 89 7. 69 96
Web: www.leslavandieres.fr

Review: This was by far my favorite place to eat in Bergheim. Located just one block in from the main town gate in a lavender building, this small restaurant has seating upstairs, downstairs, and on the patio. Delicious food, very friendly service, and a beautiful atmosphere, this place books fast! Our first night here we wanted to eat here because the smells coming from inside were quite inviting! But it was fully booked, so we returned early in the evening on a different day. We were short on time, so couldn't take advantage of the menu, but this last meal in the area turned out to be the best - the best salads and the best tarte flambees. I am sure the rest of the menu is also good. Do go. The waitress was so friendly and helpful.

La Cave Du Bailli
57, Grande Rue
68750 BERGHEIM
Tel : 00 33 (0)389 73 73 46
http://www.cour-bailli.com/fr/le-restaurant-1.html

Review: Part of the Cour Du Bailli establishment that contains a gift shop, hotel, spa, and nearby winery, La Cave Du Bailli is certainly convenient. Just within the gate on the right, the atmosphere and service are great and the food is good. Book in advance. On weekends especially, this place books up completely, so you can't just walk in when you feel hungry and expect a table. Lunch here is the courtyard is quick and easy though - good place to stop for something quick.

Winstub l'Altenberg
14 place du Dr Walter
68750 BERGHEIM
Tel: 03 89 73 73 97
http://www.winstubaltenberg.com/

Review: In the market area in front of the Hotel de Ville, this place was full of more locals than tourists and had that comfortable family feel to it. People obviously knew each other there, so it was fun to sit and observe, relax in an atmosphere that wasn't fancy or formal, and eat food that was truly local and good. Chicken cordon bleu was delicious. My daughter had a whole trout which she loved. It was all yummy. And, the most amazing thing was the creme brulee with geranium liqueur. Uh - showstopping. The chef makes his own geranium liqueur for this dessert and sadly does not sell it. But, wow! Worth a try. I could happily sit there for hours with cappuccino and this dessert.

Belgian Trains

The Belgian train system is fairly reliable and very easy to navigate including the English version of its website where you can book tickets in and out of Belgium from train stations in Germany, France, The Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland. The site takes VISA, so you can book your ticket, pay for it, then take your confirmation to the International travel desk at the train station to get your paper tickets.

www.b-rail.be

Lesson learned: It is important that you read your tickets VERY well and have a clear understanding of them. With some tickets, the rate will allow you to travel to a main train station via any smaller station, so the time on the confirmation will be the departure time from one of the larger stations leaving it up to you to WRITE down the times that your train will leave from the smaller stations. Look up nearby stations and make careful notes about departure times and connections. If you miss your train, tickets are only refundable up to 50% and the rates the day of are higher.

Sample Confirmation: note - I booked this train from Namur, BE and at the time of booking, the website showed me the times from Namur, so when I printed this, the lack of that time on the confirmation threw me off. Read the Fare Conditions carefully. In my rush, I didn't and it cost me a bit.

Thank you for choosing SNCB for buying your train tickets on-line. These are the details of the booking you have just made on our website: Your booking reference (DNR): XXXXX Related reservation code (PNR): XXXXXX Your pickup code: 0118 Your journey: From LIEGE-GUILLEMINS to AACHEN HBF on 30/04/2009 with Thalys Train n° 9433 leaving at 15:13 and arriving at 15:58 2 passengers with fare Optiway ABS (BT) Comfort 2 Coach 27, seat 056 , 052 (Non smoking) Total price: Fare conditions: Optiway ABS (BT) Comfort 2: Booking at least 1 day before departure. Includes the fixed "Any Belgian Station" supplement allowing you to travel to and from any Belgian station via Bruxelles-Midi (for all international destinations), Antwerpen-Centraal (for Paris and the Netherlands) or Liège-Guillemins (to Paris and Germany). Exchangeable once until the day before the departure. 50% refund if cancelled before the departure. No refund if cancelled after the departure. Delivery mode: Your tickets can be collected as from now at the international ticket desks of your SNCB railway station. Please make sure you can produce your booking reference XXXXXXX ,as well as the personal pickup code that was displayed on the confirmation screen after your on-line purchase. Please notice that if you used a credit card for the on-line payment, the card holder will then have to produce the card at the desk when collecting the tickets. In the following stations, you can pick up your tickets at an automatic vending machine for international tickets as well: Antwerpen-Berchem, Antwerpen-Centraal, Brugge, Bruxelles-Central, Bruxelles-Luxembourg, Bruxelles-Midi (opposite the Railtour office), Bruxelles-Nord, Charleroi-Sud, Gent St-Pieters, Hasselt, Kortrijk, Leuven, Liège-Guillemins, Mechelen, Mons, Namur, Oostende and Ottignies. For any question or information about your booking, please contact our International Call Center by phone or by e-mail. Telephone: +32(0)2 528 28 28 or by e-mail: telesales@b-rail.be. Please use your booking reference in all communication. Have a pleasant journey!

SNCB, Travelling in Europe B-VG 061, S. 13/6 Avenue de la Porte de Hal 40 B-1060 Bruxelles

Engraving Services

Engraving services locally. We've had key chains engraved beautiful for 200 persons. Reliable and friendly. Known and used by several International groups here.

Reklame Jansen
Geilenkirchener Strasse 29
Gangelt-Birgden
tel 02454 6110
web: www.reklame-jansen.de
email: info@reklame-jansen.de