I Miss Germany...A Lot!

One of the things (and there are so many) that I miss about living in Germany, especially this time of year, were our (almost daily) trips to Luisen Park. This park was in the center of Mannheim, and covered a huge amount of space (101 acres to be exact). The park contained so much for us to do, that we could never fit it all in one day, although we did try! There were all the typical things one would find in a park, which included the trees (many varieties), flowers and shrubs, and dozens of walkways to stroll.

Of course, what would a park be without playground equipment to entertain the little ones? And this park had a diverse selection to choose from, no matter your age or what you felt like doing on any day. There were typical slides and swings, to castles whose walls you could scale to save the damsel in distress. And heights were not a concern for the Germans. However, I had a problem watching my two year old climb at least 25 feet in the air. But he did it, and quite well. They both did. There were dry playgrounds and those that had enough water to keep you wet and happy on the hottest of days! (And bathing suits were not required for those under 5). My kids would hear we were going to the park and would strip down to bare skin within seconds flat!

There was also all kinds of wild life which included the following: birds, turtles, fish, alligators (yes those too), and even an area that housed farm animals. The kids had it all. And of course, what is a park without food? So we could dine on bratwurst and follow it with ice cream. And if you got tired and wanted to just sit, you could do so in small boats that pulled you around the interior of the park, so you could watch wild life in its natural habitat. I prefered watching the Germans in their natural habitat. =)

Every June, the park would have its celebration of the beginning of summer by hosting its “Sommer Nacht Festival.” There would be tons of food, bands, vendors selling their wares, and the night would end with an incredible display of fireworks; nothing I have yet to find here in America that even compares (except maybe the ones in NYC on the 4th of July). I miss this extravagant kick off to summer. I miss strolling the park and watching the kids play for hours with their German peers. I miss Germany. I miss the simpler times.