Just got back from the DFAC (Dining Facility) at Patch Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany. For $7.00 each we had a choice of two meats (turkey, ham, beef or fish), two types of stuffing, collard greens, mashed potatoes, yams, roll, salad bar, several types of pie, shrimp cocktail, eggnog, sparkling apple cider/grape juice, various soft drinks and coffee/tea. The field grade higher-ups officers were serving in blues/class A's (O-6 and up - several stars with aprons over their class A's), the boy scouts were escorting, dishing out pie and picking up trays, the tables had nice table decorations and pretty paper napkins, with lots of people were there with families and generally a great set-up and time. Both my husband and I were very pleasantly surprised and enjoyed ourselves immensely. You could see they were doing their best to ensure the sense of the American holiday with a homey feeling away from home was fostered. Morale boosting for those away and in different countries during the holidays is so important - I think they did a great job at Patch today.
Next, it's the German Weinachtmarkts - going to Salzburg this Saturday, Baden-Baden on Tuesday, Stuttgart the next Saturday and Rothenburg on the 20th - will probably also hit Munchen and some other smaller towns around (Deidesheim?). Love that part of the German culture - tons of people, hot spiced wine, booths with Christmas ornaments and myriad other things for sale - lights and displays - good food for sale. Just such a great atmosphere. Trying to squeeze it all in before we leave Europe in March to move back to the USA for good.
I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving - one of the more unique American holidays - my favorite.
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Deserat aka Bridget
“We sleep soundly in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.”
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