Lifestyle

On the night of Dec. 5 German children place a boot outside their front door in hopes they are visited by an iconic figure. When they wake up on Dec. 6 they rush to the front door to find their boot is filled with treats and small toys. The figure […]

If you are lucky enough to find yourself living in Europe, make sure you experience one of its crown jewels, the Alps.  Here is a collection of can’t-miss destinations for your next ski or snowboard adventure. COVID Note: Many resorts are requiring reservations to purchase a lift ticket. Check your […]

Tucked into a picturesque valley in the Eifel region of Germany, Monschau is a gem. Natural beauty and a lovely downtown make for a memorable visit. It also has a Christmas market that is one of Germany’s best. Every road that leads to Monschau is a good one. Nestled next […]

A trip to the extreme northern stretches of Finland can seem almost as magical as Santa Claus, even in the wintertime. If you’re looking for off-the-beaten-path adventure that leads you to wilderness, northern lights, and real live reindeer, consider Finland. “Mom, is this real?” My skeptical 8-year-old daughter asked. “Of […]

The Best Vanillekipferl (Vanilla Crescents) Every first weekend of December our house is filled with the most incredible cookie aroma coming from the kitchen. My German husband makes these cookies every year like clockwork! The recipe is very special because it was passed down to him from his mother, and […]

“Mom, how far do you think it goes?” my daughter asked. “Well, we passed another tunnel entrance up the road around the corner. Maybe there,” I replied. “Look, an air shaft!” A stream of light poured into the dark space from a square hole above us. We continued along the […]

When many service members are notified they have been selected for an assignment overseas they may be excited about a variety of things, like the prospect of traveling and experiencing a new culture.