Apologies for the long break in our travel blogging. Last we posted, we were in Maulbronn visiting an Abbey. But our main reason for this European adventure was to go to James and Meike’s wedding in Illingon, Meike’s home town. Many of James and Meike’s friends and family had shown up from all parts of the world and we spent 3 days of getting to know the new in-laws and partying.
The wedding service was really lovely. It was in both English and German at Meike’s family’s local town church. Meike wore a beautiful lace dress with a long church veil. I loved that the wedding program’s had a tissue inside the back cover for ‘tears of joy’. So sweet!
I stole this beautiful photo below from Meike’s facebook account so you can see her wonderful dress. Aren’t James and Meike a beautiful pair!
We made our way to the reception, after adorning all the cars with ribbons, and honking our horns whenever we had the urge. Great tradition! The reception was at a beautiful vineyard, and the views and weather were spectacular.
The dinner and speeches were really enjoyable. Meike’s brother translated German speeches into English and vice verse. The little paua shells on the napkins were do sweet and the ginerbread biscuits delicious! The night went on with plenty of drinking, eating and dancing. But also some interesting German games… Oh, and the Village People showed up too. Hah!
When the amazing night came to an end, we set our sights ahead to our next German encounter. Oktoberfest. Many of the New Zealander’s at the wedding headed to Munich the next day, by train, car or plane. We descended on Oktoberfest, like a bunch of thirsty engineers – all in full traditional dress! We got there nice and early on the first Monday, so we could have lunch and take in the atmosphere.
We managed to swindle a table in one of the more traditional tents, Schottenhamel. It was a lively atmosphere during the afternoon with entertainment on stage, and traditional ‘dances’ like musically cracking whips!
Once again Germany didn’t disappoint, and we finished the night with a toast to James and Mieke. We wish you an happy and fruitful life together!
Germany was wonderful, as always. But we have one more segment to this European tour.
Next, we’re off to Istanbul. Exciting!
Until then…