Photos from the farm...

We are staying in what the German's call a Ferienwohnung (Holiday, or vacation, house) in Liel. Liel is between Kandern and Schliengen (got that?) and is easily found on a map...if the map is really detailed! Needless to say, it is a small town, surrounded by beautiful fields and the woods of the Black Forest.

The Bauer (farmer) who owns the guest house works an orchard and garden as well as maintaining a section of the Black Forest for timber. He raises chickens for food and eggs, rabbits for food, and has some BIG turkey's right now that are just about fat enough for the slaughter. What is so interesting is that the farm sits in the middle of town, surrounded by other residences and guest houses. We have seen people walking horses through town, with cars zipping nimbley by on the narrow streets. Everyone is very polite and concientious of others. When they find out that we speak only a little of the German language, they are very willing to speak slowly and with simpler words (and lots of hand gestures) so we can communicate.

Shopping is not so different than in the US, although here you need to bring your own shopping bag and be prepared to bag your groceries yourself, very quickly! What we heard about German efficiency and order is very much the rule...you need to be precise and direct about what you want and able to do it as quickly as possible.

Here are some pictures of where we are living...

Stryker-Ann outside the Ferienwohnung (we are on the third floor.












View from our floor looking out at the neighbours












Wils in the courtyard








Working with the Bauer (ok, more like Wils getting a tractor ride...)