C on ten ts - International Women`s Group in Franconia

Contents
Nicolai Kirche at Night, Nuremberg
President’s Message
The World According to Amanda
Newsletter Contributors
IWG Board Members
Where Do You Come From?
A Warm Welcome to IWG Newcomers
St Martin’s Parade
Halloween
Halloween Party Recipes
List of Activities October 2007
2
2
2
2
3
5
5
6
7
10
List of Activities November 2007
List of Activities December 2007
Your Mobile Phone
Holidays in Salzkammergut
Books for Teenagers
Book Discussion Group for Teens
Helpful Hints to Do-It-Yourself
Notice Board
Book Discussion Groups
What We Did Photo Gallery
What We Did
12
14
15
16
17
17
18
20
21
22
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President’s Message
H
ello, dear Ladies!
Hard to believe, but Autumn is
here! As usual (at least for the last few
years) August was quiet, rainy and
cool, but we had a nice April, right?
I hope, none of you got hit by the
terrible floods that occurred in the
area northeast of Erlangen. We
unfortunately had to postpone our
car rally, which was planned just on
that day. Hopefully, you were able to
sign up for the 16th of September.
Julie and Christine put so much
effort into the organisation of the
rally, it would have been a shame
B
to cancel it. I would like to thank
our new member Hana von Bentzel
and her husband for providing free
entrance tickets to Schloss Thurn for
the kids taking part in the July car
rally!
But even without the rally, our BBQ
at Kosbach Stad’l was a big success!
Having the families around made
this IWG event a special one and
everybody who joined agreed. So
we will definitely put a family BBQ
on next year’s IWG event list again.
Ana and Silvana did a great job in
organising the Stad’l with all the
equipment. Thank you!
And now our annual Dinner Dance
Night is just a few weeks away- on
October 13th! The invitations have
been sent and we are waiting for you
to sign up. I’m absolutely positive
this night will be a hit! Samba,
ChaCha - get your husbands on the
dance floor! Not only a great Latin
American buffet awaits you - there
are other surprises too! So, now let us enjoy the Indian
Summer in Franconia and (a little
early :) ) a wonderful Christmas time!
Karin Hesse
The World According to Amanda
ack to school! Yes it’s that time
again, but I’m not talking about
the kids – no this time it’s me and it
feels great! I know, I know, it’s only
been three weeks, and that’s only
been the prep. material, but hey I’ve
already learnt a lot and the biggest
lesson of all was this… I have been
asked to look at some memorials,
pieces of art and poetry, analyze them
and try to understand the message
they are giving. My initial thoughts
were – no way, I don’t understand
what symbolic messages are in art, I
can’t analyze things to discover their
true meaning. Then as I read on and
was shown examples, I realized that
analyzing things is something I do
very well, all the time, every day…
I analyze what my husband says
about the food I’ve prepared, and
when he comments on my looks. I
analyze what my childrens’ teachers
are saying about them, in fact, some
days, I analyze just about everything
that is said to me! And that is exactly
why I need to do this course – so I
can focus on something other than
the paranoia of being nearly forty
and out of work and raising children
and living abroad. I bet some of you
feel the same, so take the plunge,
do something that on one hand is
selfishly just for you, but on the other
hand takes the pressure off your
husband because hey – I`m a student
now and alcohol and pot noodles are
our staple diet for the next 5 years
so you don’t have to thank me for all
the effort I put into producing a good
dinner!
Amanda Cartwright
Newsletter Contributors
Newsletter Committee:
This issue’s contributors:
If anyone has information, stories or ideas to offer regarding
the newsletter, please contact Julie Kähler at 09135/725373
or [email protected]
Thank you for your help!
Blythe Butler, Amanda Cartwright, Maggie Davison,
Petra Flinspach-Malessa, Julie Kähler, Beth Pessl-Rossl,
Tiina Kivikas, Kelly Whalen
Deadline for the next newsletter: 31st November 2007
Karin Hesse, Susanne Heyn, Marissa Springer, Helen
Rogers, Maruja Habeder, Virginia Chapman, Claudia
Hofmann
The views and opinions contained within articles in the
IWG Explorer are solely those of the individual authors.
Thank you. The IWG Board.
IWG Board Members
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President: Karin Hesse. Tel.: 09132 734431, email: [email protected]
Vice-President: Vivian Widuch. Tel.: 09132747495, email: [email protected]
Treasurer: Silvana Krause. Tel.: 0911 4099620, email: [email protected]
Secretary: Christine Edgar. Tel.: 09132 736947, email: [email protected]
Newcomers: Yarmec Echeverria. Tel.: 09131 4016874, email: [email protected]
Programme and Events: Ana Sanirgardi. Tel.: 0911 9373484, email: [email protected]
Newsletter, Public Relations/Media: Julie Kähler. Tel.: 09135 725373, email: [email protected]
A
Where Do You Come From?
fter a while living abroad, you
might ask yourself where you
belong. Of course, it depends on how
long you have been abroad and what
nationality your husband and children
are, but just being abroad pushes you
away from your home country. But
what if you spent your childhood in
many different places, what if you were
not sure where you came from simply
because you haven’t established deep
roots?…
With our Latin American Dance night
coming up we decided to ask some of
our South American members out on a
hot date. Two ladies were in town and
willing to share some time with us to
tell us about their countries, but it also
turned out to be an interesting insight
into cultural differences and it showed
us that it is not always easy to say
where you come from…
For Maruja Habeder it turned out
to be a challenge: “I could not get
to sleep last night wondering how I
would answer the question - Where
do I come from?”
We chose to meet in
Herzogenaurach’s, Mexican restaurant
Pura Vida and since one of our guests
was our Mexican member Yarmec
Echeverria, we asked her to guide us
through the menu. She delights in
telling us simple facts like – Tacos
come from the middle of Mexico –
her home - and you don’t have tacos
in the north or south of Mexico.
Fajitas are more from northern parts
of Mexico and Enchilladas are only
about chicken and chilli.
Yarmec Echeverria: “But if you
eat fajitas in Mexico, you do not
put everything into it like in this
restaurant, we only mix meat,
salsa and sour cream in Fajitas the
vegetables are served on the side. But
I also like original Tex-Mex food in
Texas (but not Taco Bell!). Here in
the Nuremberg area you can’t find an
authentic or good Mexican
restaurant, so I am planning to open
one. But before that I am inviting
everybody to my home on 22nd of
October to a Mexican brunch! But
Maruja, aren`t you from Colombia?”
(No interjects Amanda – she`s from
Venezuela!)
M: “Actually yes! I was born in
Colombia, but I was 2 years old when
my Colombian parents planned to go
to North America, so their destiny
brought us (my younger brother
and me) to Panama, en-route to ‘the
dream’. I spent my primary school
years there and during this time
my mother had three more boys.
Eventually however the hope of better
economical growth in Venezuela
brought us, not to the dreamed of
North America, but to Caracas. I was
now almost 12 and had four younger
brothers and finally a sister was born
in Venezuela. I spent my youth there
and my parents settled there for good.
So mostly, when asked where I come
from I answer: ‘I am from Venezuela’.
But lately I have thought I would like
to go and visit the home of my early
childhood, Panama, and to Colombia
where my roots lie, especially as my
aunt is celebrating her 90th birthday
in March”.
Y: “So you are probably Venezuelan
with a Colombian heart! I come from
North America, Mexico but I also
have strong Spanish roots.”
As non-Americans it’s easy to forget
that America is a continent and
not just the country presently run
by George W. Bush. So we were
surprised when Yarmec put North
America ahead of Mexico. Clearly
being part of the North American
continent was very important to her,
but why?
Before present day boundaries and
before Spanish invasion, America
was occupied by Native Indians, we
have all heard of the Red Indians
who fought with the cowboys and
the Incas and Mayans etc. These
Indians lived throughout most of
South America and part of North
America. Some were, and still are,
primitive. Others were greatly
advanced civilizations capable of
leaving a footprint on their continent.
Today we go as tourists to visit
and marvel at these ancient cities.
When Europeans first arrived on
this continent they found huge cities
and strong economies. However, in
the majority of cases the Europeans
murdered many natives and in some
places, rather ironically, replaced
them with slaves from Africa. This
is particularly evident in Brazil
where the skin tone of the people
is much darker than other areas of
South America. Of course, the name
America is relatively modern but
it was given to the whole continent
– so all who lived there became
‘Americans’ so anyone who can trace
there ancestry back to Native Indians
is indeed an American, and proud to
be so.
Though proud of their native
history Yarmec and Maruja are
heavily influenced by their Spanish
backgrounds. Indeed Spain is still
the ´mother country` and a visit
there can alleviate some home
sickness they may feel. Given the
fact that Mexicans like a lot of
South Americans speak Spanish
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and knowing about the ancient
civilizations, we linked Mexico with
Central and Southern America but
we were wrong to do so.
Y: “My native American roots are
linked to the Red Indians of North
America and of course it is only
in recent history that California,
Texas, Arizona, New Mexico and
Mexico were split apart. I know that
Mexicans don’t feel comfortable being
called Latin American, so I would
prefer to be known as ´Hispanic` or
‘Espanola American’, which better
defines my Spanish history, rather
than Latin American which also
refers to Portuguese and Italian
settlers.”
Maruja on the other hand was equally
easy with either term. Maruja gave
us the sense that, although not born
here, she considers this very much
to be her home. As they say, ‘home
is where the heart is’, and her heart
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is very much with her husband and
children. Mind you, she was very
proud to point out that her son has
more Latin in him than German –
there may be trouble ahead! Yarmec
laughed, no way would she marry
a Mexican ‘Macho-man’. A nice
Austrian was her choice and she loves
Austria.
What Maruja`s Venezuela may
lack in ancient historical artefacts
is made up for in stunning natural
beauty, from the famous Angel Falls
to the mineral rich Orinoco river.
One could spend hours looking
through the book she brought with
her on the beautiful flora and fauna
of Venezuela, but sadly our time
was limited. However, a lasting
impression from these ladies would
be of their personal lovely looks,
dark wavy hair and dark eyes,
creamy skin and above all a quick
smile. They share a language and
a continent but apparently not a
sense of rhythm… We laughed over
Yarmec`s admittance that Mexicans
just can’t dance (is this what put them
in North America?). However, they
can sing – we look forward to finding
out Yarmec!
One of the first questions we ask a
newcomer is ‘where do you come
from?’ With those 5 little words
we can open a door on thoughts,
ideas and knowledge revealing how
multicultural we actually are. On
her last visit to Estonia, Tiina found
out that her fathers’ roots are in
Germany. Amanda thinks that she
is pure English, but she might find
interesting facts if she did some
research. We learned one thing for
sure - Never make assumptions, and
with researching your past becoming
a very popular past-time at the
moment, it could lead to one or two
surprises!
Amanda Cartwright and TiinaKivikas
A Warm Welcome to IWG Newcomers
Helen Rogers
My name is Helen Rogers and I hail from the North East of England. More specifically I grew up in the industrial
hamlet of Stockton-on-Tees (famous for the world’s first rail journey via the Stockton-Darlington railway and for
having the widest High Street in the UK!). I have two children (4 and 2 years old) and my husband works at adidas.
Along with some other IWGers, we live in Weisendorf. Some of you know me already, as hard though it is to believe,
we have been here for over a year. As of September, both kiddies are at kindergarten, so I now have more time to be
sociable.
In England, I worked as a university lecturer in international business in Manchester. Although I don’t currently work,
I am ‘keeping my hand in’ by doing some guest lectures at Erlangen-Nuremburg University. Before I had the children,
I was a keen golfer, jogger and mountain biker. All of these things have slipped by the wayside – especially since we
moved here. I would love to get back into these activities, as well as maybe learn something new. I already speak some
German but I would also like to improve that. So if any of these things are of interest to you, I look forward to meeting
you at a forthcoming IWG event!
You can contact me on: 09135 722898
Elisabeth Churchill
We moved to the Franconian area in April 2007. I am originally from Austria, my husband is American and we met in
the US when I was an exchange student at the University of Michigan Business School. We moved here to Weisendorf
from Cambridge (UK), where we lived for the past 3 ½ years. Before that we lived in Vienna (Austria), Geneva
(Switzerland) and Frankfurt (Germany). Our two boys, aged 7 and 9, are growing up bilingually and go to the FIS
(international school).
The first few months were busy finding our way around. We had to adjust our lifestyle to the German shopping
facilities and shopping hours (!) and we all had to get used to the new school / work routine. We are now ready to meet
new friends and join more social activities. I know this area has a lot to offer and we are looking forward to being out
and about and exploring more. You can contact me on: 09135 723922
I
St Martin’s Parade
f you are new to this part of the world and have small children, then here are some tips for you to get yourself
prepared in advance for a St Martin‘s Parade that will be happening in your area. On or around the 11th November
(check local press) the younger children get the opportunity to take a walk in the dark of early evening with a lantern
to light their way – just as St. Martin did. Sometimes St Martin riding his white horse may also join the front of the
procession and a small re-enactment may be made of his story of kindness. After the parade all children are welcome
to take a Bretzel (no charge) from the baskets that make their way around. This is also sometimes the first opportunity
for us to take a sip of Glühwein or punch to keep the winter chill off. Be prepared: You can buy a lantern kit from any
toy store, or any craft shop will have the supplies for you to make your own. Your child’s lantern can either be lit with
the traditional candle or a not so traditional but far safer battery operated lamp. My son’s wonderful creation once had
to be stamped on when it caught fire just as the parade began – though I still like the candles best. Kindergartens often
have lantern making as a craft before the big day. This is such a wonderful local tradition that is still kept alive by many
hundreds of children – join in and enjoy.
By Beth Pessl-Rossi
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Halloween
The Origins of Halloween
H
alloween has been celebrated for over 2000 years. In
fact, it was originally an ancient Celtic festival, called
Samhain (pronounced ‘sow-in’). This festival marked the
end of summer ‘the season of the sun’ and the beginning
of winter ‘the season of darkness and cold’. The Celtic New
Year began on 1st of November, so Halloween was really
New Year’s Eve!
The reason that this date was important is because the
Celts believed that evil spirits roamed the Earth during
the long, dark winter nights, and that the spirits could
be seen on this night because the barriers between the
physical and spiritual worlds became blurred. They
tried to frighten the spirits away by building huge sacred
bonfires to comfort their souls, sacrificing crops and
animals to the saints and then dancing around the fires
praying. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their
hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that
evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them
during the coming winter.
By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic
territory. They combined festivals of Roman origin with
the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain. The second
day of festivities was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman
goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is
the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into
Samhain probably explains the tradition of “bobbing” for
apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
Scotland and Ireland, which were heavily influenced by
the Celts, had the strongest traditions, but Pope Boniface
IV later transformed October 31st into the vigil of All
Saints or Hallow’een (Eve of All Saints; hallow meaning
holy person or saint), and made All Saints (1st November)
a holy day, when people would dress up as angels, saints
or devils. Christians believed that Christ would conquer
all evil.
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Halloween had different customs in many parts of the
country.
 In Lancashire it was known as ‘Lating’, which
meant ‘lighting the witches’. People would burn
candles between 11pm and midnight. It was a bad
omen if the witches blew them out.
 In northern England it was known as Nut-crack
Night. Nuts were thrown into the fire and the way
they burned forecast faithfulness and the strength
of a marriage.
 In many parts of England Halloween was
combined with Mischief Night, when boys
played practical jokes on their neighbours. I can
remember playing ‘Knock out Ginger’, where we
tied cotton thread to the door knockers of two
neighbours, pulled the thread and watched, safely
hidden behind a tree, as the neighbours came out
of their houses and confronted each other!
 Girls placed hazelnuts on the fire-grate, one for
each of her suitors, and could find out who her
husband would be by chanting, ‘If you love me,
pop and fly; if you hate me, burn and die.’
 ‘Souling’, was a custom where people would beg
for Soul Cakes at the door, and in exchange would
pray for the donor’s deceased relatives.
 If you place an apple under your pillow you will
dream of your future husband.
 If you peel an apple in one long strand and cast
the peeling over your right shoulder, it will land
in the shape of the initial of your beloved.
 It is thought that orange and black became
Halloween colours because orange is associated
with harvests (Halloween marks the end of
harvest) and black is associated with death.
Pumpkins and Jack-O-lanterns
The pumpkin has become a symbol of Hallowe’en. People
empty a pumpkin, cut a silly or scary face into the side,
and put a candle inside to make a lamp. It’s known as a
Jack O’ Lantern, from an Irish legend about a man called
Jack, who made a deal with the devil.
The story can be traced to Stingy Jack, a greedy, gambling,
heavy-drinking farmer who tricked the devil into
climbing a tree and then trapped him by carving a cross
into the tree trunk. The devil cursed Jack and doomed
him to wander the earth at night for ever.
Egyptian times.
Halloween around the world
 The autumn rite is commemorated in the United
 In Ireland, where Halloween originated, the
day is still celebrated much as it is in the United
States. In rural areas, bonfires are lit as they
were in the days of the Celts, and all over the
country, children get dressed up in costumes
and spend the evening “trick-or-treating” in
their neighborhoods. After trick-or-treating,
most people attend parties with neighbours and
friends. At the parties, many games are played,
including “snap-apple,” a game in which an
apple on a string is tied to a doorframe or tree
and players attempt to bite the hanging apple.
In addition to bobbing for apples, parents often
arrange treasure hunts, with candy or pastries
as the “treasure.” The Irish also play a card game
where cards are laid face down on a table with
candy or coins underneath them. When a child
chooses a card, he receives whatever prize is
found below it.
Kingdom, although with a surprising and
distinctive British twist.
 In Mexico, Latin America, and Spain, All Souls’
Day, the third day of the three-day Hallowmas
observance, is the most important part of the
celebration for many people. The celebration is
designed to honor the dead who, it is believed,
return to their earthly homes on Halloween.
Many families construct an altar to the dead
in their homes to honor deceased relatives and
decorate it with candy, flowers, photographs,
samples of the deceased’s favourite foods and
drinks, and fresh water. Often, a wash basin and
towel are left out so that the spirit can wash before
indulging in the feast.
 Candles and incense are burned to help the
deceased find the way home. Relatives also tidy
the gravesites of their departed family members.
This can include snipping weeds, making repairs,
and painting. The grave is then decorated
with flowers, wreaths, or paper streamers. On
November 2, relatives gather at the gravesite
to picnic and reminisce. Some gatherings
even include tequila and a mariachi band!
Celebrations honoring departed loved ones and
family members are found as far back as ancient
 At the end of October it is spring in the southern
hemisphere, and the days are rapidly growing
longer and brighter. This contradicts the
Celtic belief of colder, longer nights. However,
Halloween is beginning to be celebrated in
Australia, and to an extent New Zealand, mainly
because of American cultural media influences.
By Julie Kähler
Halloween Party Recipes
Frozen Jack-O-Lanterns
Ingredients:
12 navel oranges (large oranges are
easier)
Dark chocolate ice cream
24 whole cinnamon sticks
Directions:
Cut off the top of the oranges. Gently
hollow out the pulp leaving a thick shell. Hollow out the top of the
oranges too. Cut JackO’Lantern faces into each orange. Pack scoops of ice cream into the shells. Cut a small hole in the top of
each orange cap. Set tops back on over the ice cream and insert
a cinnamon stick stem through the hole. Wipe off any ice cream that
has oozed through the face cutouts then place in freezer for at least 3
hours. Serve immediately.
Recipe from About.com: visit www.
homecooking.about.com
Jack-O-Lantern Cookies
Ingredients:
1/2 cup (118 ml) butter
1 cup (237) sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla
2 cups (474 ml) flour
2 teaspoons (10 ml) baking powder
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) milk
orange and green food coloring
lemon drops (bon bons) candies,
crushed (crush in food processor - if mixture becomes sticky, add a little
powdered sugar while chopping)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F(177
degrees C). Cover 3 cookie sheets with foil. In mixing bowl, cream
together butter and sugar. Add egg
and vanilla, beating until smooth. Beat in flour, baking powder and salt, add milk if batter is too stiff.
Color all but 1/8 of dough orange and
color the rest green. Using orange dough, shape into 1 inch balls; flatten with hand to make a pumpkin shape. Place on cookie
sheets. Roll small stems with the green dough; attach one to the top of
each pumpkin. Carefully cut out wide spaces for the eyes, nose and
mouth with a knife. Fill holes with crushed lemon candy. Bake 8 to 10 minutes until done but not browned. Allow to cool for 10
minutes and carefully peel off foil.
recipe from About.com: visit www.
southernfood.about.com
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More Halloween Party Recipes
Boo Scotti
These are biscotti decorated like
ghosts.
2 cups (474 ml) sifted all-purpose
flour
1 cup (237 ml) sugar
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking
powder
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) baking soda
1/4 teaspoon (1.24 ml) salt
1/3 cup (79 ml) ground blanched
almonds, toasted
1 1/2 cups (355 ml) whole blanched
almonds, toasted
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons (30 ml) Grand
Marnier or thawed orange juice
concentrate
2 teaspoons (10 ml) freshly grated
orange zest
1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla
extract
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) pure almond
extract
12 ounces (340 g) white chocolate,
melted
Candy corn, licorice buttons and
sticks, chocolate chips, raisins
coloured sugar, etc. for decorating
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (191
degrees C) and butter a large sheet
pan.
Into a large bowl, whisk the eggs,
Grand Marnier, zest, vanilla, and almond extract. Stir into the dry
ingredients. The dough may seem dry, but it will moisten as you mix. Mix until smooth. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured
work surface and knead it a few times just to bring the dough
together. Divide into 2 equal pieces. Wet your hands and use them to
shape each piece of dough into a flattened log about 8 inches (20 cm)
long by 3 inches (7 cm) wide by 1 inch (2.5 cm) high.
black sugar on the top edges of the
biscotti for hair or all over the ghost’s face. Let cool on wire racks
until set. Store in an airtight
container.
Transfer the logs to the prepared
pan, leaving at least 3
inches (7 cm) between the logs. Bake until light golden brown, 25 to
30 minutes, rotating the pan after
15 minutes to ensure even baking.
Let cool 15 minutes on the pan. Reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees F (149 degrees C). Carefully
transfer the logs to a cutting board. Wipe off the pan and butter
it again.
Recipe from the Food Network: visit
www. foodnetwork.com for more
ideas
Using a serrated knife, cut the logs
into 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) thick slices, discarding the ends. Arrange
the slices on the sheet pan cutside up. Bake until toasted, 20 to 25
minutes. Turn the oven off, prop open the oven door and let
cool completely in the oven.
Meanwhile, in the top of a double
boiler or a bowl set over hot (not boiling or simmering water), melt
the white chocolate, stirring often.
Line a sheet pan with waxed or
parchment paper and transfer the melted white chocolate to a small
bowl. Dip 2 inches (5 cm) of each cookie into the white chocolate and
turn chocolate side up so that the chocolate drips unevenly down
the cookie. The chocolate-covered end of the biscotti is the head; the
uneven edge is the bottom edge of the ghost’s “sheet”. Lay them on
the waxed paper as they are dipped.
While the chocolate is still warm,
decorate the chocolate covered ends with little ghost faces, using
small candies, licorice pieces, candy corn, chocolate chips, raisins,
or sprinkles. If necessary, snip the candies to make them
smaller. Sprinkle orange, yellow, or Cheese Eyeballs Recipe
Ingredients:
1/2 pound (2 cups / 474 ml)
cheddar (Irishcher Kase) cheese,
grated
1/2 cup (118 ml) margarine
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
1 teaspoon (5 ml) paprika
1 cup (237 ml) flour
paprika stuffed green olives
Directions:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (204
degrees C). Shred cheese in food processor, then place metal
chopping blade in food processor
and add margarine. Combine salt,
paprika, and flour in separate bowl. Turn on food processor, and slowly
add flour mixture through the feed tube. Stop processing as soon as
ingredients are combined. Do not over process. Measure
approximately 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of
this mixture and form an “eyeball”
round an olive. Turn the olive in the “eyeball” so that it is “staring”
outward.
Line up the eyeballs on an
ungreased cookie sheet. Bake
for approximately 15 minutes. If
you want to make these ahead of time, freeze them unbaked on the
cookie sheet, then transfer them to a plastic bag when frozen. Thaw,
and bake when needed.
Recipe from About.com: visit www.
homecooking.about.com
Skull Pops
A Halloween treat that is fun to make
with the kids.
Wicked Witch Cupcakes
temperature
1 large egg, lightly beaten, room
temperature
1 teaspoon (2.5 ml) pure vanilla
extract
1/2 cup (118 ml) boiling water
Method:
To make a skeleton head, you’ll need
two regular marshmallows
(available in the American sections at
Kardstadt, Rewe, and E Center).
With scissors, cut one marshmallow
widthwise to expose stickiness and
make pieces for the head and jaw.
Poke holes with a toothpick to
make sticky spots for eyes, teeth, and
nose. Poke white candy-coated
licorice pastels (or other “teeth-like”
candy) into jaw for teeth,
and press in black licorice drops for
eyes. Snip a piece of black
licorice twist into a small triangle for
the nose, and press into
place. Poke a few times with the
tooth pick into marshmallows to
make a large hole for a candy stick.
Push candy stick into hole,
through jaw, and into skull. Wrap in
cellophane bag if desired.
What you need:
Chocolate Cupcakes, Dirty Green
Buttercream frosting, 24 brown mini
M&Ms or other small candies for
eyes, 12 chocolate sugar cones for ice
cream, black licorice laces (cut-up), a
12 candy corn.
Method:
Using a melon baller, scoop out the
center of each cupcake, and fill with
mini M&Ms, if desired.
Cover the tops of each cupcake with
a generous mound (about 1/3 cup) of
buttercream. Insert one candy corn
into each cupcake to form a nose.
Using brown mini M&Ms, insert
two into each cupcake to form eyes.
Place two short lengths of licorice
above the eyes to form eyebrows for
the witch. Place the shorter licorice
lengths above the eyebrows to form
bangs. Place an inverted cone on
top of bangs, pressing gently into
buttercream to adhere. Place the
longer licorice lengths under the cone
hat to form the hair.
Chocolate Cupcake
Makes 12.
Ingredients:
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) (60 ml)
unsalted butter, melted and cooled
6 tablespoons (90 ml) Cocoa powder
1 cup (237 ml) sugar
3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons (180 ml)
all-purpose flour
3/4 teaspoon (3 3/4 ml) baking
powder
3/4 teaspoon (3 3/4 ml) baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) salt
1/2 cup (118 ml) milk, room
Place rack in center of oven and heat
to 350 (177 C) degrees. Line cupcake
tins with 12 paper liners; set aside.
In a large bowl, combine cocoa, sugar,
flour, baking powder, baking soda,
and salt. Add butter, milk, egg, and
vanilla. Using a hand-held electric
mixer on medium speed, beat for
two minutes. Add boiling water and
beat to combine (batter will be thin).
Divide batter evenly between cupcake
liners.
Bake until a cake tester inserted into
the center comes out clean, about 25
minutes. Cool in pans for 10 minutes.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool
completely.
Dirty Green Simple Buttercream
Makes 4 cups.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds (6 sticks) (.68 kg)
butter, softened
1 pound (0.45kg) confectioners sugar,
sifted
1 1/2 teaspoons (7.5 ml) vanilla
extract
1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml) salt
Red and green food coloring
In the bowl of an electric mixer
fitted with a paddle attachment,
combine the butter, sugar, vanilla
and salt. Begin beating on low speed,
increasing to high for 2 minutes,
scraping down the sides of the bowl
occasionally. Using food coloring, tint
the icing dirty green.
Wicked Witch Cupcakes and Skull Pops -Martha Stewart and the
site is www.MarthaStewart.com
Kelly Whalen
9
Date
List of Activities October 2007
Event
Contact
Description
Every Tuesday
and Thursday
Laufgruppe –
Running group
Christine Edgar 09132/736947
or
[email protected]
Join the running group every Tuesday at the
Gilgenweiher in Herzogenaurach.
every Wednesday,
9.45 – 11.15 am
Yoga Class in
Herzogspark
Hotel, Balance
Fitnessclub
Nicola Hammer 09132 749 655
or
[email protected]
“Gentle Hatha-Yoga is suitable for beginners and experienced people of all ages. Hatha yoga is made up
of harmonious movements (karana), yoga positions
(asana), breathing exercises (pranayama ) und relaxation exercises. Yoga is beneficial to health and can
help you meet the demands of the day in a relaxed
manner”.
For more information, please contact Nicola
Every Friday
Toddlers Group in Ana Sangirardi 0911 9373484 or Bring your child to make new friends and meet other
Nuremberg
[email protected]
Moms. For more details please contact Ana
No special day
Golf Group
Karin Hesse 09132 734431 or
[email protected]
Golfclub Herzogenaurach. Please contact Karin if
you would like to come
Tuesday,
2nd October,
8.00 – 11.00 pm
Scrapbooking
Virginia Chapman
09132/836096 or
[email protected]
Do you love to scrapbook? Join us monthly for a fun
night of scrapbooking over a glass of wine.
A chance to share tools, ideas and inspirations. RSVP
by 21st October
Tuesday,
2nd October,
9.00am
Pumpkin and
Squash Delicacies
Deb Bayer 09132 746831 or
[email protected]
Bring your favourite pumpkin or squash creation,
along with twelve copies of the recipe. A guaranteed
delicious morning. Limited to 12 ladies.
Friday,
5th October,
7.30pm
Game evening
Birgit Zander-Maron 09132 747
772 or
[email protected]
Come and enjoy an evening trying out different
board or card games. If the great variety of games on
the German market is overwhelming this is a chance
to try some out. Bring your partner or bring a friend.
No game experience required. Just come and have
fun. RSVP by 3rd October
Saturday,
6th October,
7.15 - 8.45 pm
Salsa and
Merengue Course
Marissa Springer 09134 7650 or
[email protected]
Prepare for the Latin American Night! Learn Salsa
and Merengue steps with or without a partner. A one
and a half hour basic course will be held in Center
Stage, Erlangen, specially for IWG members and
guests. For 10 participants, 10,50 € per person (fee is
higher for fewer attendees).
RSVP by 28th September
Monday
8th October,
10.00am
Coffee morning
Yarmec Echeverria 09131
4016874 or
[email protected]
Come and meet friends old and new, whilst enjoying
a sumptuous buffet breakfast. Please bring an appetiser for the buffet.
Tuesday,
9th October,
10:00 am
Song and Story
time
Birgit Zander-Maron 09132 747
772 or
[email protected]
Song and Story time: This bilingual acitvity will give
you and your child (age 0 - 3) the opportunity to
learn some songs and fingerplays in German and
English. RSVP by 7th October
Tuesday,
9th October,
10.00 am
Kaffee Klatsch
auf Deutsch in
Nuremberg
Maggie Davison 0911 3506930
or
[email protected]
Let’s meet for a cup of coffee and practice
Deutsch sprechen. German ladies are welcome.
RSVP by 5th October
Starting
11th October,
Thursdays:
09.30-10.30 am
Starting
9th October,
Tuesdays:
6.00 - 7.00 pm
Body Styling
at Center Stage
Dance School,
Erlangen
Marissa Springer 09134 7650 or
[email protected]
Do you need motivation to exercise? With friends it’s
always easier! This is a one hour workout of aerobics
with dance elements and body stretching. Schedules
are very flexible, one in the morning and one in the
evening.
Participants may have a trial session for free on any
of the days and times stated. Interested parties may
buy a 10 session card which costs €97,50 and is transferable. RSVP by October 5th
10
Date
Event
Contact
Description
Saturday, 13th
October,
7:00 pm
Latin American
Night
Karin Hesse 09132 734431 or
[email protected]
Have a hot night of dancing and romancing at the
HerzogsPark Hotel, Herzogenaurach on our Latin
American Night. Invitations were sent out beginning
of September. Reservations accepted until October
7th. For further information, please contact Karin
Tuesday,
16th October,
9.00am -1pm
Thai Cooking
Course
Liew Walker 09134 707671
Learn how to prepare a 3 course menu in Thai style,
with appetizer, main course and dessert. In Neukichen am Brand, maximum 8 participants. Cost: 12
€. RSVP by October 12th
Tuesday,
16th October,
8.00 – 11.00 pm
Scrapbooking
Virginia Chapman
09132/836096 or
[email protected]
Do you love to scrapbook? Join us monthly for a fun
night of scrapbooking over a glass of wine. A chance
to share tools, ideas and
inspirations. RSVP by 21st October
Wednesday, 17th
October, 1.00 pm
Weinwanderung – Barbara Stöffler
Vineyard Hike
0177 8888619
Enjoy a couple hours of hiking through the vineyards
in the beautiful Main river area near Würzburg. The
hiking tour will last three and a half to four hours. In
between we will have a break in one of the cozy wine
restaurants. Please wear hiking shoes. Meeting point
will be at Barbara’s house in Herzogenaurach. We will
be back in Herzo between 8:00 and 9:00 pm. RSVP
by 15th October
Thursday,
18th October,
7.30 pm
Book Discussion
Group 2
Susanne Hehn 09132 745747 or
[email protected]
Owen Meaney by John Irvin
Monday,
22nd October,
9.30 am
IWG Coffee
Morning Erlangen
Yarmec Echeverria
09131 4016874 or
[email protected]
A great chance to meet old friends and make new
ones whilst enjoying breakfast. We especially welcome new members to the group. Please bring something for the breakfast buffet. RSVP by 21st October
Tuesday,
23rd October,
8.00 – 11.00pm
Family games
Birgit Zander-Maron
09132 747 772 or
[email protected]
Song and Story time: This bilingual acitvity will give
you and your child (age 0 - 3) the opportunity to
learn some songs and fingerplays in German and
English. RSVP by 21st October
Wednesday
24th October,
7:30 pm
Ladies’ Night Out
at Heidi Teufel’s
Heidi Teufel 09132 735 911 or
[email protected]
Enjoy a Ladies’ Night Out in a private atmosphere.
Please bring your favourite appetizer. RSVP by 24th
October
Thursday,
25th October
Book Discussion
Group
Maruja Habeder 09132/9790 or
[email protected]
The Traveller´s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
Thursday,
25th October
7.30pm
Ladies’ Night Out
Concert and
Buffet
Maruja Habeder 09132 9790 or
[email protected]
Not to be missed! Enjoy a fantastic musical evening
with international buffet. Piano and cello concert
performed by the superb ‘Duo Meanas’. Please bring
an appetiser for the buffet. RSVP by 18th October.
Manisha Sinha
09134 707102 or
0160 95038498
[email protected]
Walking sticks and pulse control watches will be
provided in the course. The courses will start as soon
as the groups are organised. Cost: 69 € for 6 times
(generally reimbursed by the medical insurance). For
more details please contact Manisha.
Monday, Wednes- Nordic Walking
day and Friday,
Course 9.00 – 10.30 am
Erlangen and
Kosbach
Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba ...
Join us for a hot night of dancing, romancing and surprises
on October
13th 2007, 7 pm
at the HerzogsPark Hotel, Herzogenaurach
50,- Euro per person for IWG-members/spouses
60,- Euro per person for non-members
Price includes: Latin American gourmet-buffet, dancing with the band
„TOP TRIO + 1“ and welcome cocktail. Dress code: semi-formal
Reservations accepted until October 7th 2007. Your reservation will
be accepted upon advanced payment by bank account transfer
11
Date
List of Activities November 2007
Event
Contact
Description
Every Tuesday
and Thursday
9.00 am
Laufgruppe Running Group
Christine Edgar
09132/736947 or
[email protected]
Join the running group every Tuesday at the Gilgenweiher in Herzogenaurach
every
Wednesday,
9:45 11:15 am
Yoga Class in
Nicola Hammer 09132 749
Herzogspark Hotel, 655 or
Balance [email protected]
club
Every Friday
Toddlers Group in
Nuremberg
Ana Sangirardi 0911 9373484 Bring your child to make new friends and meet other
or
Moms. For more details please contact Ana
[email protected]
Sunday,
4th November,
6.00 - 9.00 pm
Wine and Chocolate
Ana Sangirardi 0911 9373484 Whether wine goes well with chocolate is debatable.
or
But this combination is pure enjoyment: the [email protected]
tion of smooth tannins or the elegant acidity of wine
with the melting of soft cocoa flavouring.
Sandra Calabrese und Karlheinz Fünfgelt will guide
you through the evening. €40 per person (min. 7 max.
14 participants). At Chocolat in Nuremberg.
RSVP by 27th October
Tuesday,
6th November,
10.00 am
Song and story
time
Birgit Zander-Maron 09132
747 772 or
[email protected]
Thursday,
8th November,
5.00 – 8.00 pm
International After
Work Language
Party
Ille Prockl-Pfeiffer
09132/737173 or
[email protected]
Friday,
9th November
7.30 pm
Game evening
Birgit Zander-Maron 09132
747 772 or
[email protected]
Come and enjoy an evening trying out different board
or card games. If the great variety of games on the
German market is overwhelming, this is a chance to
try some out. Bring your partner or bring a friend. No
game experience required. Just come and have fun.
RSVP by 7th November
Starting
Baby Dancing
9th November,
- Center Stage,
every Friday, from Erlangen
9.30 – 10.15 am
Marissa Springer 09134 7650
or [email protected]
This is a one hour rhythmic and play course for mothers/ companions and babies/toddlers (12 months and
above) which promotes body coordination and muscular movement.
Cost: €38,-. Trial session free of charge! RSVP by 5th
Nov
Some day before
Sunday,
11th November
St. Martin
Karin Hesse 09132 734431
or [email protected]
Details to follow in e-newsletter.
Tuesday,
13th November,
7.30 pm
Brazilian appetizer
evening
Julia Pluecker-Weule 09134
997558 or
[email protected]
Come and enjoy the Brazilian “petiscos” and have fun.
The Brazilian IWG ladies will offer you a selection of
typical appetizers. RSVP by November 11th. For more
Information, please contact Julia
Wednesday,
14th November,
7.30 pm
Ladies’ Night Out
Barbara Stöffler
0177 8888619
St. Martin’s Dinner at “Das Gasthaus” in Tuchenbach.
Goose or duck with dumplings and red cabbage. You
also can order from the daily menu. RSVP by 7th Nov.
because we have to order the Goose/Duck Dinner in
advance.
12
“Gentle Hatha-Yoga is suitable for beginners and
experienced people of all ages. Hatha yoga is made up
of harmonious movements (karana), yoga positions
(asana), breathing exercises (pranayama ) und relaxation exercises. Yoga is beneficial to health and can help
you meet the demands of the day in a relaxed manner”.
For more information, please contact Nicola
Song and Story time: This bilingual acitvity will give
you and your child (age 0 - 3) the opportunity to learn
some songs and fingerplays in German and English.
RSVP by 4th November
This is the place to get information about different nations around the globe, talk German, French, Italian,
Portuguese and many other languages ... meet other international women - join our “International After Work
Karin Hesse 09132/734431 or Language Party”, at the Ramada Hotel, Herzogenaurach
[email protected]
November cont...
Date
Event
Contact
Description
Thursday,
15th November,
7.30 pm
Book Discussion
Group 2
Susanne Hehn 09132 745747
or
[email protected]
Pope Joan by Donna W Cross
Thursday,
15th November,
8.00 pm
BUNCO
Birgit Zander-Maron 09132
747 772 or
[email protected]
Ladies, come and play the night away. 12 ladies max.
Cost: 5 Euro. Come try your luck.
RSVP by 10th November
Monday,
19th November,
7.30 pm
Unique Advent
Wreath
Variations at
Stielwerk, Erl.
- theory
Marissa Springer
09134 7650 or
[email protected]
Are you looking for an alternative to the traditional
Advent wreath? Allow yourself to be inspired from unconventional shapes, new materials and ideas. Course
of two evenings. Cost 20€ + materials.
RSVP 12th November.
Tuesday,
20th November,
10.00 am
Song and story
time
Birgit Zander-Maron 09132
747 772 or
[email protected]
Song and Story time: This bilingual acitvity will give
you and your child (age 0 - 3) the opportunity to learn
some songs and fingerplays in German and English.
RSVP by 18th November
Tuesday,
20th November,
8:00 – 11.00 pm
Scrapbooking
Virginia Chapman
09132/836096 or
[email protected]
Do you love to scrapbook? Join us monthly for a fun
night of scrapbooking over a glass of wine. A chance to
share tools, ideas and
inspirations. RSVP by 18th November
Tuesday,
20th November,
4.00 – 6.00 pm
Glass Making
course, Erlangen
Marissa Springer 09134 7650
or
[email protected]
This 2 hours session will give you a brief introduction
to glass and glass making. At the end of the course, you
will bring home your self-made all-year-round deco
ball. Mothers may bring along children aged 7 years
and older (younger children are afraid of fire, so it’s
not advisable to drag them along). The theory part of
the course is in German, but it’s more to do with your
hands. There are sure to be participants who can help
translate. Min. 5, max. 8 participants. Cost 9 €.
RSVP by 14th November
Wednesday,
21st November,
7.30 pm
Brazilian cultural
evening
Ana Sangirardi 0911 9373484 Details to follow in e-newsletter
or
[email protected]
Thursday,
22nd November
Book Discussion
Group
Maruja Habeder
09132/9790 or
[email protected]
The Girls by Lori Lansens
Tuesday,
27th November,
9.30am
IWG Coffee
Morning Oberreichenbach
Katja Horn 0162 165 9427 or
[email protected]
A great chance to see old friends and meet new ones
whilst enjoying breakfast. We especially welcome new
members to the group. Please bring something for the
breakfast buffet.
RSVP by 23rd November
Wednesday,
28th November,
7.30 pm
Unique Advent
Wreath
Variations
Marissa Springer 09134 7650
or
[email protected]
Practical part of Advent Wreath making course
2nd evening of 2
Thursday,
29th November,
10 am – 1 pm
Indian Cooking
Course
Manisha Sinha 09134-707102 Come and enjoy the delicious flavours of hot and spicy
or
indian cooking -get to know the exotic spices and [email protected]
late your taste buds --in the very traditional authentic
Indian way !!! In Neunkirchen am Brand, price 12 €.
RSVP by 23rd November
13
List of Activities December 2007
Date
Every Tuesday
and Thursday
9.00 am
every
Wednesday,
9.45 – 11.15 am
Event
Laufgruppe Running Group
Yoga Class in
Herzogspark
Hotel, Balance
Fitnessclub
Contact
Christine Edgar
09132/736947 or
[email protected]
Nicola Hammer
09132 749 655 or
[email protected]
Every Friday
Toddlers Group
in Nuremberg
Ana Sangirardi 0911 9373484
or [email protected]
Wednesday,
5th December,
9.30 am
Trip to the
Christkindl
Market in
Nuremberg
Christmas
Cookies
Exchange
Christel Jung,
09132/746 333 or
[email protected]
Friday,
7th December,
10.00 am
Friday,
7th December
7.30 pm
Petra Flinspach-Malessa,
09132/737 613 or
[email protected]
Game evening
Birgit Zander-Maron
09132 747 772 or
[email protected]
Tuesday,
Song and story
11th December time
10.00 am
Birgit Zander-Maron
09132 747 772 or
[email protected]
Tuesday,
Ebay for
11th December beginners
9.30 – 12.30 am
Julia Pluecker-Weule
09134 997558 or
[email protected]
Tuesday,
Scrapbooking
11th December,
8.00 – 11.00 pm
Virginia Chapman
09132/836096 or
[email protected]
Wednesday,
Christmas
12th December, Dinner
7.00 pm
Invitations will follow
14
Description
Join the running group every Tuesday at the
Gilgenweiher in Herzogenaurach
“Gentle Hatha-Yoga is suitable for beginners
and experienced people of all ages. Hatha yoga
is made up of harmonious movements (karana), yoga positions (asana), breathing exercises
(pranayama ) und relaxation exercises. Yoga is
beneficial to health and can help you meet the
demands of the day in a relaxed manner”. For
more information, please contact Nicola
Bring your child to make new friends and
meet other Moms. For more details please
contact Ana
Enjoy a morning strolling through the Christmas market and take a break in one of the
cafes. Car pool can be arranged.
Please RSVP by Dec. 4th
Please bring 2 dozen of your favourite Christmas Cookies and 12 copies of the recipe.
Please bring a container to take the cookies
home. RSVP by 4th Dec.
Come and enjoy an evening trying out different board or card games. The great variety of
games on the German market is overwhelming, so this is a chance to try some out. Bring
your partner or bring a friend. No game experience required. Just come and have fun. Please
RSVP by 5th December
Song and Story time: This bilingual acitvity
will give you and your child (age 0 - 3) the opportunity to learn some songs and fingerplays
in German and English.
Please RSVP by December 9th
Looking for a late Christmas gift? Buying per
Ebay may be the solution. No professional
training but tipps and tricks from a frequent
user.
RSVP by 7th Dec. 5 participants max
Do you love to scrapbook? Join us monthly
for a fun night of scrap booking over a glass of
wine. A chance to share tools, ideas and
inspirations. RSVP by 9th December
Please reserve December 12th for our IWG
Christmas Dinner at the restaurant “Abendmahl” in Zweifelsheim. The time is 7.00 pm
and we are looking forward to welcoming you
to this very special night.
Invitations will follow.
Thursday,
13th December,
7:30 pm
Monday,
17th December,
10:00 am
Book Discussion
Group 2
IWG Coffee
Morning Nuremberg
December cont...
Susanne Hehn 09132 745747
or [email protected]
The Christmas Box by Richard Paul Evans
Ana Sangirardi 0911 9373484
or [email protected]
A great chance to meet old friends and meet
new ones whilst enjoying breakfast. We especially welcome new members to the group.
Please bring something for the breakfast buffet.
Please RSVP by 15th December
Song and Story time: This bilingual acitvity
will give you and your child (age 0 - 3) the opportunity to learn some songs and fingerplay
in German and English.
Please RSVP by 16th December
Walking sticks and pulse control watches will
be provided in the course. The courses will
start as soon as the groups are organised. In
Kosbach (for the west side ladies) and in Erlangen (for east side ladies).
Cost: 69 € for 6 times (generally reimbursed by
the medical insurance). For more details please
contact Manisha.
Tuesday,
Song and story
18th December time
10.00 am
Birgit Zander-Maron
09132 747 772 or
[email protected]
Nordic Walking
Monday,
Wednesday and Course Friday,
Erlangen and
9.00 – 10.30 am Kosbach
Manisha Sinha
09134 707102 or
0160 95038498
[email protected]
Y
Your Mobile Phone
our mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an
emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that
you can do with it:
1) EMERGENCY
The Emergency Number worldwide for **Mobile** is 112
..* If you find yourself out of coverage area of your mobile
network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112
can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. **Try it out.**
(2) Have you locked your keys in the car? Does you car
have remote keys?
This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a
cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare
keys are at home, call someone at home on their cell
phone from your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about
a foot from your car door and have the person at your
home press the unlock button, holding it near the mobile
phone on their end. Your car will unlock.
Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you.
Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles
away, and if you can reach someone who has the other
“remote” for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the
trunk). Note: *It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!”*
(3) Hidden Battery power
Imagine your cell battery is very low, you are expecting
an important call and you don’t have a charger. Nokia
instrument comes with a reserve battery. To activate, press
the keys *3370# Your cell will restart with this reserve and
the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This
reserve will get charged when you charge your cell next
time. AND
(4 ) How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone?
To check your Mobile phone’s serial number, key in the
following digits on your phone: * # 0 6 #
A 15 digit code will appear on the screen. This number is
unique to your handset. Write it down and keep it somewhere safe. if your phone gets stolen, you can phone your
service provider and give them this code. They will then
be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes
the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless.
You probably won’t get your phone back, but at least you
know that whoever stole it can’t use/sell it either. If everybody does this, there would be no point in people stealing
mobile phones.
Sent in by Marissa Springer
15
Salzkammergut:
a holiday
destination that
offers something
for everyone.
Holidays in Salzkammergut
hikers. There are several cable-cars
in the Salzkammergut. Maybe you
will find one that’s more convenient.
Just keep in mind that many of
them will stop running at the end of
October.
T
he
Salzkammergut
is a resort area east
of Salzburg Austria,
spanning the federal
states of Upper
Austria, Salzburg and
Styria. Approximately
3.5 hours drive from
Nuremberg, it is one
of the loveliest areas in this part of the
Alps and because it’s so close, lends
itself to a long weekend excursion or a
whole week’s holiday, which you might
consider for your “Herbstferien” this
year. The area boasts 76 lakes, one
of the highest mountains in Austria
outside of the Tyrol, the Dachstein, and
every activity imaginable, including
a bit of history. I think it would be a
perfect destination for the family. The
name Salzkammergut means “estate
of the salt chamber” and is so-called
because it belonged to the Imperial Salt
Chamber, the authority charged with
running the precious salt mines in the
Habsburg empire.
With its numerous lakes and
mountains, the Salzkammergut
offers many opportunities to take
part in water sports, bathing, hiking,
cycling and golf. It was listed as a
World Heritage Site in 1997, with
this description: “Human activity in
the magnificent natural landscape
of the Salzkammergut began in
prehistoric times, with the salt deposits
being exploited as early as the 2nd
millennium B.C. This resource formed
the basis of the area’s prosperity up
to the middle of the 20th century, a
prosperity that is reflected in the fine
architecture of the town of Hallstadt.”
So, let’s start with Hallstadt, a must see.
There is a lot to do in this area. Maybe
you’ll need more than one day. Spend
some time wandering the streets of
16
this fantastic lake village perched on
the side of the mountain, whose steep
rise up out of the Hallstätter See is
breathtaking. Make sure you visit the
Charnel House, where space was once
made in the graveyard by removing
the old bones. The bleached bones
are piled in a tidy manner, and some
of the skulls are painted and polished.
A bit gruesome but cool. Go down
into one of the oldest salt mines in the
world in Hallstadt. It’s an adventure
and education, www.salzwelten.at. Not
far from Hallstadt is the Dachstein, the
area’s highest mountain. You can take
the Seilbahn up to the Reiseneishöhle,
the Giant Ice Cave, and take the 50
minute tour of one of the world’s largest
ice caves, www.dachsteinwelterbe.
at. Make sure you get there by the
28th of October, or you’ll be out of
luck. You can also take a boat ride on
Hallstättersee, as is possible on many of
the lakes.
Another famous, old world town, is
Bad Ischl, where Kaiser Franz Joseph
I had his summer residence, the
Kaiservilla. If you wish to see the
palace then make sure you stop in
town at the famous Café Konditorei
Zauner to try the famous Ischler Torte
or Zaunerstollen. In the area west
of Traunsee is the Seilbahnerlebnis
Feuerkogel, www.traunsee-touristik.at,
a cablecar up 1600 meters to a fantastic
view. The season ends, Monday
October 29th, so make it one of your
first destinations! Once on top you
can take a hike, either a family friendly
route, or one for more experienced
You may want to include a spa
day in your trip. There are a few
wellness hotels with spas that
have day entrance available, www.
salzkammergut.at. Look up thermal
spa resorts. They usually do not cater
to the crowd with small children,
but your teens might enjoy a day of
relaxation.
On the way to the Salzkammergut
you could include a visit to Salzburg.
Salzburg is a jewel of a city, if a bit
over touristed and would be a good
place to stop for a stretch of the leg
and a meal. A few hours are enough if
you skip the Mozart Museum (which
isn’t so great). The castle set centre
stage is impressive, and the small
winding cobblestone streets charming,
Getreidegasse being the most famous
of them. I can recommend Sternbräu
Restaurant, www.sternbraeu.com,
a very old establishment, great for
families, which offers good Austrian
Hausmannskost at reasonable prices.
Wherever you eat be sure to order the
famous Salzberger Nocherl for dessert.
The kids will be wowed when they see
the size of that giant meringue floating
towards them at the end of the meal!
I have only named a few of the places to
see and activities to pursue. Extensive
hikes would be possible to plan, or
a bike tour from lake to lake. It is a
beautiful, varied landscape. Also,
the hotels there vary from the most
luxurious to simple family run bed and
breakfasts to “Urlaub am Bauerhof ”
style accommodations, depending
on your wants and needs. And don’t
plan to lose any pounds while there.
The Austrian cuisine is in general a
cut above the German (no offense
intended) and a pleasure to experience.
Beth Pessl-Rossi
Books for Teenagers
Is there fantasy life after Harry
Potter?
N
ow that the Harry Potter frenzy
of the summer is over, friends
of fantasy may feel forlorn. What’s
out there that will inspire a teen
(especially of the male type) to sit
down and read, you may be asking
yourself. Fortunately, there are tons
of great books out for young people.
It seems to be a golden age for young
adult fiction. It is hard for me to
gauge exactly what level book is
appropriate for what age. I think you
have to know your own kid. An avid
reader will take on just about any size
book, and not seem to mind the what
is beyond his vocabulary or maturity
level. But if your child is not a reader,
don’t go for the overly advanced, fat
books. Reading a few chapters aloud
will often whet the appetite for more,
and your child will choose to pick up
the book on his own.
I will focus down on some of the
recent best in the fantasy genre,
because there is so much being
written these days. My aim is to
give you some recommendations,
not to review individual books. You
can read up on specific titles you’re
interested in using the internet.
My son has recommended these to
me, and though I am way behind,
I was able to catch up a bit over the
summer. I include titles by German
writers also. Happy reading!
Pendragon series by D. J. MacHale
- Bobby Pendragon is a “traveller’”
destined to travel through space and
time, banding together with others
like him to save another world from
harm. Great adventure.
The Magician’s Guild Trilogy
by Trudi Canavan – I loved
it! Poor young girl becomes a
powerful university trained witch,
encountering great difficuty and
accomplishing great things. Great
atmosphere.
Septimus Heap series by Angie Sage
- Young Septimus becomes the head
witch’s apprentice at the castle of the
magical medieval style world. Not
too scary. Cosy like the early Harry
Potters. I loved it.
Artimus Fowl series by Eoin Colfer
– about an evil genius boy and the
underground fairy world. Great for
boys. Great on CD as well!
The Bartimaeus Trilogy by
Jonathan Stroud - Set in a modernday London spiced with magicians
and mayhem, these extraordinary,
funny, pitch-perfect thrillers will
dazzle.
Eragon, Eldest by Christopher
Paolini – The dragon rider Eragon
and his dragon Saphira work to free
their land, overcome by the dark
king.
His Dark Materials by Phillip
Pullman – I’m on book 2 now. The
movie will come out in the autumn.
It’s the story of the girl Lyra, a seer,
whose destiny is great, where she
passes through universes and meets
each
challenge with wonderful strength. A
true heroine. Great stuff!
Charlie Bones series by Jenny
Nimmo – A bit like Harry Potter. My
son said he thought maybe they were
even better. Maybe more appropriate
for the younger reader.
The Keys to the Kingdome series
or anything by Garth Nix – an
incredibly inventive writer
Alexander Cold trilogy by Isabel
Allende – Set in the Amazon, the
Himalayas and Africa, teenager Cold
and his journalist Grandmother find
adventure and magic along the way.
Märchenmond Trilogie von
Wolfgang Holbein – one of the best
classics in German.
Tintenblut, Tinten Herz by Cornelia
Funke – great hit with the girls.
Nijura – Das Erbe der Elfenkrone,
Nocturna - Die Nacht der
gestohlenen Schatten or Das
Drachentor von Jenny-Mai Nuyen Elves, dragons, magic. It’s all there.
Wolkenvolk Trilogie von Kai Meyer,
a top German fantasy writer - about
Niccolo of the cloud land, who must
find the ether to rescue his cloud
people. Great adventure with good
characters. Try Die Wellenlaufer
Trilogie very original, the Merle
Trilogie or anything else by Meyer.
By Beth Pessl-Rossi
Book Discussion Group for Teens
Calling all book readers between 11 and 14 years old.
Are you a bookworm?
Would you like to talk about the books you have read with a group of kids your own age?
How about joining the new Book Discussion Group for Teens!
Please call Julie Kähler on 09135 725373 or email [email protected] for further details.
17
Helpful Hints to Do-It-Yourself
D.I.Y.
Some Helpful D.I.Y. /Heimwerken Terms for Newcomers to Germany
or Do-It-Yourself stores are called Heimwerkermärkte or Baumärkte. (Bau = building, Markt =
market). Some of the most well known DIY Stores in our area are Praktiker, OBI, Hornbach or BayWa.
Be prepared that you cannot always get the same products as you can get at home. Hovermowers are unheard of ,for
instance. However, the German “Baumarkte” are usually very well stocked, you just need to know what to ask for.
Bearing this in mind, you also need to consider that houses are constructed in a more substantial way, such as concrete
floors and bricked inner partition walls, so you may need to use different tools and equipment (hammer drills,
Rawlplugs) than you normally do.
Here is a glossary of useful terms:
Rawlplug, dowel
18
Der Dübel (a very useful word when
putting up shelves and the like!)
Drill (for concrete you need a Hammerdrill) Die Bohrmachine (Hammerbohrer/
Schlagbohrer)
Drillbit
Der Bohrer (for wood=Holzbohrer,
for metal=Metalbohrer, for
masonry=Steinbohrer
Concrete
Der Beton (concrete floor/ceiling –
Betondecke)
Wood
Das Holz (wooden floor=Der Holzboden,
wooden ceiling=Die Holzdecke)
Metal
Das Metal
Plastic
Der Kunststoff, Plastik
Nail
Der Nagel
Screw (wood screw)
Die Schraube (Holz.,Spannplattenschraube,)
Saw, sawblade, hacksaw, handsaw
Die Säge, Das Sägeblatt, Die Stichsäge,
Handsäge
Screwdriver, Posidrive (Phillips)
Der Schraubenzieher, Schraubendreher,
screwdriver
Kreuzschlitzschraubenzieher
Paint, emulsion, gloss
Die (Mal-)Farbe, Dispersionsfarbe, Lack
Paintbrush
Die (Maler-) Pinsel
Paint-tray
Die Farbwanne
Wallpaper
Die Tapete
Tiles
Die Fliesen, Kacheln
Tiler
Der Fliesenleger
Tape measure
Das Messband, Zollstock
Sandpaper, disc sander
Schleifpapier, Der Winkelschleifer
Pliers
Die Zange
Wrench, spanner
Der Schraubenschlüssel
Nut, hexagonal-, wingDie (Schrauben)-Mutter, Sechskant-,
Flügelmutter
Washer
Die Unterlegscheibe, Dichtung
Aerator (water saving device fitted to the
Die Luftsprüdler
end of taps, easily blocked by limescale)
Carpenter, Joiner
Der Schreiner
Electrician
Der Elektriker
Painter and decorator
Der Maler
Plumber
Der Installateur, Klempner
OK, so maybe you need to get a man in to do the job for you! Maggie Davison and Julie Kähler
A Do-It-Yourself Experience
An FYI note for a DIY project we experienced.
Deckenventilatorlampe
After moving to Germany and discovering how warm it can be here in the summer, we really wanted to install a ceiling
fan with a light in our bedroom. It took me quite some time to learn that it is actually called a Deckenventilatorlampe.
My husband is extremely adept at “Do It Yourself ” jobs and having already fitted new lamps on our balcony, he was
not at all fazed by this project. That was until we realized our apartment ceiling here in Nürnberg is solid concrete.
We spent an excruciating half hour (because of our very limited Deutsch vocabulary) in a local Baumarkt (DIY store)
trying to get the correct drill bit - only to find that the special masonry drill bit we bought would not work either. That’s
when we hired a Heimwerker to do the project for us. It turns out there’s a special hammer drill bit that you need for
this type of work. Now we know!
My top three rules for DIY in Germany:
Rule # 1 – Make sure you have the correct tools for the job.
Rule # 2 – Use the metric system for measurements while living in Germany.
Rule # 3 – Whenever possible, hire a Heimwerker to do the work for you…!
Maggie Davison
Your Views
Do you have any comments or suggestions for The Explorer? We would appreciate your views and comments. This is YOUR newsletter and we would love to hear from you. Do you have a funny or interesting
story you can share with us? Is there anything you would like to know about life here in Germany? Please
send your contributions to Julie Kähler at [email protected].
Closing date for the next newsletter is 31st November 2007
19
Notice Board
HELP WANTED !!!! THE CHRISTKIND NEEDS YOU !!!
Atlanta, Georgia is twinned with a very special German city - Nürnberg. Like all of Nürnberg’s other 17 Twin Cities, Atlanta celebrates Christmas in style at the Nürnberg Christkindl’s Market
with a stall dedicated to bringing a bit of American Christmas to Nürnberg during the 4 weeks of Advent.
It’s a fun stall packed with American goodies from cake mixes to candies, Hot Apple Cider to Dr. Pepper. Coca Cola
and Jack Daniel’s products galore. Gifts for everyone .... mugs, candles, books and American patriotic gifts. Of course,
we have merchandise from the Atlanta Braves and Falcons too. We are not just about business, we have also written a 60
page booklet on “Christmas in America” which we sell to our customers to raise money for the children’s cancer unit at
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. In 2005, we raised $2,000. We need helpers who enjoy a bit of fun and would like to share the American Christmas experience with our customers. We need happy, friendly helpers who can smile, enjoy working with the public and sell a ton of Apple Jacks without
blinking an eye !
Time frame: Stall set up from 26th Nov. Market starts on 30th Nov to 23rd Dec. 2007
If you would like to be involved, please contact me !
Marion Schueck - Tel: 0911/533 685 or email: [email protected]
Teaching English
Louise Smith would welcome advice about teaching English whilst she is here in Germany. She did a TEFL (Teaching
English as a Foreign Language) course a VERY long time ago and would be willing to relearn! Louise would be interested
in hearing from/meeting anyone who has any advice. Do you know anyone who is teaching English or who has done
some teaching? Please contact Louise Smith on 09132 8366155, or email: [email protected]
Tagesmutter/Childminder
Advertisement
Beverly Cardew asks if some member would like to start working as a Tagesmutter. Please contact Beverley for more
details on 0174 7244861, or email: [email protected]
20
Book Discussion Groups
Book Group 1
Summary of the books we read during the period 2006/07
Members vote
Name of Book
The Coffee Trader
All The Pretty Horses
Tsotsi
The Story of San Michele
Saturday
My Sister’s Keeper
The World According to
Clarkson
Members at
discussion
Star rating
9
9
9
9
9
9
7
*
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
**
0
3
0
3
2
0
1
***
0
3
0
5
3
2
2
****
3
2
2
1
4
1
1
*****
6
1
7
0
0
6
2
Total
42
28
43
25
25
40
23
I would like to add that in my opinion, during all the years I have attended, this has always been a successful
IWG activity. The book group members are so enthusiastic about choosing and researching the books and
the discussions are stimulating, often thought provoking and a valuable part of the group.
Maruja Habeder
Book Group 2
Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons by Lora Landvik
AHEB is the abbreviation for Angry Housewives Eating Bon Bons, a name the husbands chose for their
wives’ book club. It recounts the story of five women, their life and their friendship over three decades.
Each chapter is written by the host of the book club meeting, so the reader sees history and life from
different points of view constantly. We all thought it was a great book to get our book club started and we
especially liked the idea of bringing food which relates to the book!
Ratings: */** nobody, *** 3 members, **** 1 member, ***** 5 members.
Susanne Heyn
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini. A Thousand Splendid Suns is the story of two Afghan women, Mariam and Laila, whose lives are forever
joined by fate and war in the troubled country of Afghanistan. This book is an emotionally difficult book
to read. As a woman, you feel the hatred toward women that women still face today in many parts of the
world. Specifically the look into the current world, as a woman, under the Taliban, is a true eye opener.
As one person in the group said, „I am so thankful to be a woman in Germany.“ Another member said,
„I had to keep reminding myself that this was happening now, not years ago, this is the story behind what
is in today‘s newspapers“. Everyone agreed that this book is a must read to understand life of women
under the Taliban and any other oppressive regime.
Ratings: */** nobody, *** 1member, **** 2 members, ***** 3 members Virginia Chapman
21
What We Did Photo Gallery
BBQ Kosbacher Stad’l
Ladies’ Night Out at Christel’s
Ladies’ Night Out
22
Karin’s Coffee Morning
Pottery Course
Ladies’ Night Out
What We Did
A Night of Fun, Food and Dice
On August 2 we had a mid-summer BUNCO night. A great way to spend another rainy summer night. We ended up
with a smaller group of eight, including a future junior IWG member Curiossa Johnson. Sonja Gundlack, neighbour of
Birgit Zander-Maron, won three of the five cash prizes - highest score, most wins, and most BUNCO. She donated her
winnings to the Hochwasser 2007 fund for July 22nd flood victims. Sonja also won a bracelet for the last BUNCO of
the night. Sonja set a record for the most BUNCOs anyone has ever seen. The real competition was seeing who could
get the lowest score and be the “worst BUNCO player of the night”. Virginia Chapman was thrilled to win (by one
point) the prize for “worst BUNCO player of the night”. Eric Chapman was again on hand to wait on all of the women
and ensure their glasses were never empty. Liz Johnson provided a fabulous bean dip that kept many of us trying to eat
and roll the dice at the same time. Next BUNCO night will be on 25th September at Liz Johnson’s.
Virginia Chapman
Coffee morning at Christine’s
The coffee morning today was a hit! 17 ladies, wonderful weather.
Something new in the programme: After realizing that private “ladies night outs” are so well accepted, we started with
our “Coffee mornings”. Christine Edgar stepped forward and opened her wonderful home for the first “brunch”. If 10
Ladies bring different “Goodies”, well, you can’t refuse, even if the scales tell you “you shouldn’t have” the next morning.
Thank you, Christine for you hospitality!
Karin Hesse
Coffee morning at Karin Hesse´s house
On a warm and sunny morning in August, 17 Ladies and 7 little children met at Karin Hesse´s house to spend a “coffee
morning” together. Every lady brought something delicious for the breakfast like fresh fruits, fruit salad, muffins, different cakes .... We sat in the garden, had a lot of fun and enjoyed the summer sun.
Thank you Karin for this wonderful morning!
Claudia Hofmann
Pottery Course
Well, it was a long way to drive to Schornweisach, but what fun we had kneading, slapping, scraping, moulding and
shaping the soft sticky clay into some desirable object or other. The objects were fired, glazed and then refired revealing some original and unique ceramic items for the home and garden. I’m sure some of you have already admired our
works of art! It’s pretty addictive this pottery! Now we are working alongside our children to make twice as many items
as last time: This time, however, in Weisendorf - without the long drive.
23
October 2007
Issue IV
The International Women‘s Group (IWG) is based in Herzogenaurach with members from the region.
Its main purposes are to integrate new families from all over the world in the Herzogenaurach-Erlangen-Nürnberg area,
give women a forum to make friends and foster intercultural exchange.
Today the group counts more than 120 participants from over 36 countries, including international delegates from adidas
Group, various Siemens branches, Lucent Technologies, PUMA, INA-Schaeffler and others, as well as German families
returning from abroad. The IWG now offers a wide range of activities and interests, available to women and their families. Members receive a quarterly newsletter and have access to some activities at discounted prices. All of our meetings
are open to non-members and friends of the IWG.
The friendly ladies of our specially formulated Newcomers´ committee ensure that newcomers are introduced to other
members, given information about the IWG and its activities, Germany and this particular area, schools, doctors, etc.
They will attempt to connect a new member with someone who has similar interests - be it painting, wine tasting, etc. and
provide support, encouragement and assistance in their new environment. The annual membership fee is 20 Euro
You are invited to contact our newsletter coordinator Yarmec Echeverria at 09131 401 6874 or Karin Hesse at 09132734431.
You can register on our website WWW.WOMENSGROUP.DE or you can fill out the coupon below and send it to:
IWG
c/o Yarmec Echeverria,
Anna-Pirson-Weg 34, 91052 Erlangen
Registration form for the year ____________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Name: First name, Last name
Telephone number
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Address: Street, town, postal code
Email address
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Nationality
Date of birth
Payment Method, please select one:
☐☐ Cash Payment
☐☐ Transfer to the IWG bank account Account number: 49000944 Bank: Sparkasse, Erlangen BLZ: 76350000
☐☐ IWG withdrawal from my account*______________________________________________________________
Account number
Bank
*The IWG will automatically withdraw the annual membership fee every year, until written instructions are received to stop.
☐☐ Tick this box if you do not give the IWG Board permission to forward your personal contact details to other IWG
members. An IWG members distribution list is sent out to IWG members to enable them to contact each other.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Signature
Date