Berlin - A History Lesson

(posted by John)

For our first family trip of the 2011-12 school year we chose to spend a three-day weekend in Berlin.  I had previously visited Berlin a number of times for work and always thoroughly enjoyed my stay.  I looked forward to sharing my experience with Jen and the kids.

First off, we drove.  Nothing like a good road trip!  Berlin is located approx 660km (about 400 miles) east of Amsterdam in former East Germany http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/europe/germany/  The road trip provided me the opportunity to drive on the fabled Autobahn for the first time.  Yes, it’s true…for many long stretches of the German highway system, there is no speed limit.  The Feriancek car topped out at 200 kph (125 mph) and many times we were still being passed by other cars.  Quite an intense experience.



Germany Road Trip



I spent most of Friday meeting with my German AMS colleagues (no three-day weekend for me) while Jen and the kids spent their day exploring the city, with most of their time spent at the Berlin zoo http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Zoological_Garden.  As I have seen from the pictures, they had a great time!

Raaaahhhhhrrr!

Berlin is the historical capital of Prussia, a former kingdom that included land outside the current German border http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prussia.  Prior to WWI, Berlin was also the center of the German Empire and home of the Kaizer (aka – German emperor). 

The Brandenburg gate was one of 14 city gates for the formally walled city of Berlin http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandenburg_Gate.  Built in 1791, it is the only gate left standing and serves as a symbol for the city.

East Berlin side of the Brandenburg Gate

Following its defeat in WWII, Germany was split in two (East and West).  Given the historical and strategic importance of the capital city, the WWII Allies agreed to split Berlin into 4 sections (American, French, British and Soviet).  In 1961, as the Cold War intensified, the East Germans erected a wall around West Berlin (American, French and British sections).  Because Berlin was located within East Germany, this made West Berlin an island within the borders of East Germany http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Wall.

If you can’t tell, I’m a bit of a history buff so visiting Berlin is particularly exhilarating.  To see the remnants of the Berlin Wall that came down so resoundingly while I watched on TV in 1989 is very special.  It is so rare to experience such dramatic history that occurred within our lifetime.

One of the last remaining sections of the Berlin Wall

We were fortunate to receive a tour of Berlin on Saturday from my friend and AMS colleague Marco.  Marco grew up in East Berlin, his home only five minutes from the Wall.  He served in the East German army and has an uncle who escaped from East Germany in 1968.  Finally, Marco was one of the many East Berliners who traveled through to West Berlin on November 9, 1989, the night the Berlin Wall came down.  Marco shared his stories with our family, creating a fascinating and informative day.

Marco and John

Also on Saturday we visited the Berlin Cathedral http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berlin_Cathedral

Ryan & John in the Berlin Cathedral

…and the Holocost memorial http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memorial_to_the_Murdered_Jews_of_Europe

The Berlin Holocost Memorial

During our intense, living history lesson on Saturday, we did find time for playing in the park and having dinner at an Indonesian restaurant.  During our dinner, we continued our discussion about the history of Berlin.  As we were leaving, a German couple who overheard some of our discussion remarked at what inquisitive and thoughtful kids we have.  They also commented that the German people will forever appreciate the role America played in freeing them from the tyranny of the Nazi’s.  What a remarkable day.

On a beautiful Sunday morning, we walked through the city doing a bit of shopping and pretzel eating



Matt the Pretzel man



…and a visit to Lego discovery http://www.legolanddiscoverycentre.de/berlin/en/index.htm

The Boys and the Lego Giraffe

Berlin is a striking mix of the new and the old.  Much of the city was destroyed during WWII and then subsequently used as a no-mans land during the 28 years the Wall stood.  Today, in the former area of the wall, very modern office buildings, hotels and shopping centers now stand in close proximity to buildings that are centuries old.  In many areas of the city a thin line of bricks has been imbedded in the street to show where the Berlin Wall once stood.  Without this reminder, it would be very difficult to tell if you are in East or West Berlin.  The city has truly become one.

The kids straddling the Wall memorial line in front of the old Wall

Back to School - 2011 Edition

(posted by John)

Allison (grade 8), Ryan (grade 6) and Matthew (grade 2) began their second year at the International School of Amsterdam (ISA) on August 25, 2011.  You may remember that we moved to Holland in October 2010, thus the kids were not able to begin the 2010-2011 school year at ISA.  We all enjoyed this more natural start to the school year.  It was also nice to start the school year already having made many friends.  We are looking forward to a great school year!

First day of School 2011

Summer in the States - 2011

(posted by John)

I took the summer off from our blog, now it’s time to catch up!

On June 23^rd Jen and the kids traveled back to Eden Prairie for the summer.  Many parties, sleepovers, and other get togethers with friends and family ensued. 

Eden Prairie Friends

Eden Prairie neighborhood friends

I followed arriving on July 1^st, just in time to host "cousins camp" at our cabin in Alexandria, MN...

Cousins Camp

...and celebrate Independence day in St. James, MN, with the Jen’s side of the family.

Jen's side of the family celebrating Independence Day

...and spend time at the beach with cousin Andie

At the beach with cousin Andie (John's side of family)

I spent the next week and a half working while Jen and the kids continued to connect with family and friends and Allie and Ryan each spent a week at church camp with friends.

I took vacation time for the last two weeks of July, much of which was spent at our Cabin.  Boating, fishing, tubing, go-karting and mini-golfing were only some of the activities we enjoyed as a family.  Ryan got up on waterskiis for the first time, Allie skied as well, and Matthew showed his expertise on the Jimmy Jam.

Ryan on the "Jimmy Jam"

Allie waterskiing

Nice catch Matthew!

Three Hot Dogs

Of course we enjoyed plenty of sunsets and campfires as well!

We love campfires!

At the end of July we participated in the St. James Relay for Life, a fundraising event for cancer research.  The event includes many activities, most designed to raise money.  One of those events was the “Mr. Relay” contest where men were encouraged to dress up as women  and compete to raise the most money within a one hour period.  The contest was similar to a beauty pageant with events such as dancing on stage and making a speech to the audience.  Well…I couldn’t be more proud to report that Ryan was crowned Mr. Relay 2011!!!  He raised over $500!!!

Mr. Relay

I traveled back to Holland on August 2^nd, two weeks ahead of Jen and the kids who did not arrive back in Holland until August 16^th.  This was much too long of a time away from each other...

We had a great summer connecting with family and friends.  Thank you to everyone for making our summer in Minnesota so enjoyable and for keeping in touch when we’re back in Holland. 

We look forward to seeing everyone again when we return for the Christmas Holidays.  Hopefully, we will also have many of visitors in Holland this year.  Our door is always open!

Best Wishes,

The Ferianceks

Norway - Land of the Midnight Sun

(posted by John)

Imagine Colorado mountains combined with the Boundary Waters area of Minnesota.  That is the closest analogy I can think of to capture the beauty of Norway.  Throw in being a far north as Alaska on the summer solstice (longest daylight of the year), and you have the makings of quite a vacation!

The kids last of school was June 16th and we wanted to experience one more European trip before heading back to Minnesota for the summer.  Fortunately, our friends the Pemantell's invited us to join them on a trip to Norway.  We had been wanting to explore Scandanavia in the summer and take a trip with our friends so this was a perfect match.

We arrived in Norway at around 11pm on Thursday, June 16.  It was still light out!  Almost an eerie feeling to have so few people/cars out and about when it's still light out.  We stayed our first night at the YMCA Hostel in Bergen, Norway.  Yes, HOSTEL.  Jen and I have never stayed at a hostel, let alone with kids.  It turned out great.  We had our own room with six twin beds.  It was just like staying in a college dorm room.  I'm glad I no longer live in a college dorm room...

The Pemantell's and Feriancek's (Jen taking photo)

Friday morning we woke up early to take the train into Fjord country.  We booked our transportation through a program called "Norway in a Nutshell"  http://www.norwaynutshell.com/en/explore-the-fjords/norway-in-a-nutshell// and geared our trip around seeing the Sognefjord, the largest fjord in Norway http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sognefjord.  We departed Bergen for the town of Myrdal where we switched trains to go to the town of Flam.  The train from Myrdal to Flam is famous for its scenic decent http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fl%C3%A5m_Line.  Unfortunately it was cloudy and rainy on this day, but we were still able to enjoy the trip. 

A stop at the Waterfall mid-train ride from Myrdal to Flam

We arrived in Flam and had a few hours to eat, do a small hike, and shop for souveniers before departing on a boat cruise from Flam to Gudvangen via the Sognefjord.  Being on the fjord was certainly the highlight.  Absolutely amazing.  In certain areas of the Fjord the cliffs are over a 1,000 meters high and the water is a 1,000 meters deep (that's over 3,000 feet!).

Matthew on the Naeroyfjord

Hearing the stories about the Viking age and how these towns were settled 700 - 1,000 years ago is quite amazing.  I also did not realize the impact the Vikins had throughout Europe during the middle ages http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viking_Age  Our lodging for the next three days would be a cabin in Gudvangen, Norway.  Perfect.  Amazing views right out our front door, a playground for the kids, and hiking trails close by.





Fun on the teeter totter

Our Saturday consisted of exploring Gudvangen and the small village of Bakka (well Gudvangen is small, maybe tiny is more accurate for Bakka).  Bakka is located right on the fjord. 



The hiking kids in Bakka



The hike to and from Bakka wore us out so the rest of our evening was dinner in the cabin and playing on the playground.  Family and friends...best part of the trip.






Friends & Family



Sunday consistent of a bus ride back to flam for our "Fjord Safari!"  We dressed up in rain gear and goggles provided to us by the company operating the tour and headed our on a three-hour tour ("a three-hour tour"...think Gilligan's Island) of the Naeroyfjord, a UNESCO recognized historic site (this is the same fjord we toured on Friday and is the fjord on which both Gudvangen and Bakka are located) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N%C3%A6r%C3%B8yfjord.  We were in a small boat with a tour guide so we heard much of the history of this area, saw seals that are native to the area, and of course breathtaking scenery. 

No words are necessary...

We ended the day with dinner at a micro-brewery in Flam (highlight for Chris and I) and a bus ride back to Gudvangen.

Monday was moving day, one more night in Bergen before heading back to The Netherlands.  A bus and train ride got us back to Bergen in time for dinner and an early night to bed. 

On Tuesday, we tour the city seeing the old city center of Bryggen http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bryggen, and the Bergenhus fortress... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bergenhus_Fortress and the Bergen fish market...

ARM in front of Bryggen waterfront

Tuesday evening we flew back to The Netherlands to get ready for Jen and the kids to fly back to the US for the summer.  Hope to see you then!

John

Uncle Randy comes to town

(posted by John)

We were fortunate to receive a visit from Jen's Uncle Randy from June 9-14.  We did not do any traveling other than to see the sights in The Netherlands, attend Ryan's baseball tournament, various school events, and in general enjoying each other's company.  We did drink a few bottles of wine during Randy's stay...  We enjoy Randy's visit and look forward to seeing him in MN this summer!

Randy and the kids

Dinner at Joselito

Cheeseman's in Europe

(posted by John)

This spring we have been blessed by a number of visitors from the States.  In late May/early June, we were excited to have our great friends the Cheeseman's (Jen, Mike, Zach, Isabel & Grant) visit us.  We first met Jen and Mike in Philadelphia while I was attending business school and our friendship has continued to grow ever since.  They currently live in Houston, but beginning in 2004, we would meet every summer in Colorado to hike, camp, sightsee, etc.  With our move to Europe, 2011 is the first summer since 2004 that we have not met in CO, but luckily, Jen and Mike packed up their crew and came to visit us in Europe.



Great friends in Amsterdam



The Cheeseman's arrived on Friday, May 27 and we spent the weekend exploring Amsterdam.  A traditional dutch pancake house, gelato, pizza place, gelato, playing in the park, gelato, you get the idea...

How many kids fit into a wooden shoe?

That Sunday, the Cheeseman's departed for Paris.  We saw all the pictures upon when they came back to our house on Wednesday night.  They played hard!  As has been the case for our kids, to experience a foreign culture and the sites of Paris at such a young age is priceless.


The Cheeseman's returned on Wednesday night for four days of play with the Feriancek's.  We balanced sight seeing (including a boat ride through the canals of Amsterdam http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canals_of_Amsterdam and visiting the Anne Frank House http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Frank_House )  with just hanging out, playing in the park etc.  The same plan we use when we visit them in Colorado.  We ALWAYS have a great time with the Cheesemans and we look forward to their next visit to Europe our our visit to Colorado :)

Playing in the fountain at Museumplein in Amsterdam

Boat ride through the canals of Amsterdam

John

St. James Girls visit Holland & Belgium

(posted by John)

Jen will eloborate on this post at a later date, but I wanted to acknowledge the visit made by Jen's friends from high school made from May 20 - 30 this year.  Originally I believe the plan was for the four of them to go somewhere warm to celebrate their 40th birthdays.  Well, our move to Europe put a little kink in those plan so we were very excited when Nikki, Julie and Andrea decided that a European vacation was a great way to celebrate as well!  So the girls packed their bags (many bags) and headed to Holland.

The first part of their trip was focused on Amsterdam and a few other cities in the surrounding area.  The kids and I had fun partaking in the Heineken experience with them (a tour of the original Heineken brewery in Amsterdam) and eating at the Hard Rock Cafe.  Jen and the girls the headed off to Belgium for three days and I heard many stories of fantastic sightseeing, great food, and great chocolate!  I believe the city of Brugge, Belgium was the highlight, I have not yet been there but can't wait to go!

As I said, Jen will insert more detail about this trip, she was very excited that the girls made the trip across the Atlantic to expereince a slice of Europe with us.  Thank you!

Canal cruise through Amsterdam

John