Germany has quite an obsession for its little sayings, phrases and proverbs. You may be learning German already or have a basic knowledge of the language, but all the sudden you are complete at loss in a conversation, because your conversation partner starts talking about an elephant in a porcelain store or a gifted horse… like what in the hell???

For someone like me who has lived in the Stuttgart area for over 20 years it is possible to miss out on some great local restaurants.

Last Sunday, my family and I visited a restaurant that we’ve always known about, driven passed, but never stopped to have a meal.

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Firework madness!

Germany may not be known for huge firework celebrations, like the 4th of July parties back in America,

You may call us crazy, but last month we decided to take our kids to Disneyland in Paris. I do have to add, our kids are 19 and 15, but they had been bugging to going back to Disney for years now. So what do good parents do? You eventually give in, sit

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Keukenhof has to be one of the most popular destinations in the Netherlands during springtime. It is one of the

This year Stuttgart’s beloved jeweler Ruth Sellack is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of opening her store front in the Eberhardstrasse in Stuttgart. While it was just a short move distance-wise, the team was finally able to

The official start to the Christmas season here in Germany has to be the lighting of the first candle on the Advent wreath, which is usually also the time that most of the big Christmas markets open up. The Christmas markets have to be one of the most anticipated

Germans love doing arts and crafts, especially during times of transition, like in the spring or fall. Families will often flock to the forests and fields on nice, sunny fall days, in order to gather supplies and ideas for their projects. Then on the gloomier, rainy

Bad Wimpfen and Burg Guttenberg are located in the beautiful Neckar Plain about an hour by car from Stuttgart or 1,5 hours from Kaiserslautern. Take the first exit on the highway A6 going towards Mannheim, the exit Neckarsulm and then head toward Mosbach. But beware – there

If you like the outdoors and want to treat your family to a natural, down to earth experience, these parks may just be the thing for you. Barefoot parks or dedicated barefoot trails are set up mainly for barefoot walking and playing. These open parks provide families the

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The hot summer months are fast approaching, and one of the most popular things to do in Germany is spending those days at one of the many pools or lakes.

Bestwhisky, a store with quite a promise, is located only about six miles, or 10 minutes, away from Patch Barracks in the Rotenwaldstreet 41, Stuttgart 70197. My first thought upon entering the store was, “feel free to lock me up in here and throw away the key!!”

Germans love their insurance, and insurance is offered for virtually everything. While most policies or plans don’t really make sense for Americans that are temporarily stationed here, others really do. Time has shown over and over that,

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For sweet tooth under us, we added a recipe for the one and only, the world famous Black Forest cake. Authentic with a little dash of cherry spirit and beautiful

You may have seen them on the news, or even out when you are walking around town or the woods. I am talking about caterpillars, oak processionary caterpillars in particular.

During the 4 weeks of Advent (roughly four weeks prior to Christmas) the Christmas Markets – Weihnachtsmärkte - open their doors.

They originated in German-speaking part of Europe & in the Eastern regions of France in the Late Middle

Every year a different German city has the honor of hosting the national garden show. This year the task has fallen upon Heilbronn. Each city designs and sets-up a huge public garden with their hometown’s touch. Those

We tested Stuttgarts steak restaurants for you. The same question keeps popping up on the Facebook pages and groups, “Where do they serve great steaks?” We checked out 3 restaurants and really would like to recommend you one of them.

It is cold outside, it is getting dark earlier and everybody wants to have a warm place to relax. In the area of Stuttgart there are lots of great opportunities to spend a nice time in a sauna world.

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Germany's Largest Seasonal Theme Park with over 14 roller coasters, water rides, and a number of exciting theatrical shows! Experience the sights, sounds,

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It is well known that Germany celebrates all kinds of harvests, the

The Stuttgart Messe is opening its doors to the Comic fans again. Today and tomorrow (June 29^th and 30^th) it’s all about comics, movies, cosplay and everything that comes along with the kingdom of nerds. Hang out

There are so many different ways to explore the outdoors or the historic cities in Germany. If you like riddles and treasure hunts, then becoming part of the geocaching community might be just the thing for you.

To this day Germany has one of the highest alcohol consumption worldwide, beat by only a few other countries. But drinking here, is very different to what you may be accustomed to from back home in the States. In this piece we will talk about the differences of drinking, alcohol laws

Surprised? Yes, even Germany has beaches. I know it’s a well-hidden secret. Since most Americans are kind of concentrated in the center and south of Germany, the North is often left out. But that’s just where the oceans

Creepy, haunted hour with spooky spirits

hen giant spiders build their nets, pale skeletons hide behind bushes, then it is time for the creepiest day at the Wilhelma. Witches, vampires and ghosts are taking over leadership at the zoological- botanical garden in Stuttgart on

Halloween is one of the oldest celebrations in human history, the roots of which are buried deep in the traditional Gaelic Festival of Samhain. Originally Halloween was more of a Fall Harvest celebration, as the year of the Celts ended on October 31st . The summer was over,

Today most Germans are usually not very superstitious, black cats, broken mirrors, or Friday the 13th doesn’t faze them anymore. Nevertheless, Germany is a place where you often feel, time standing still. Town centers can take you back to the middle ages and dark

It´s that time of the year again, it is getting chilly outside, and the heaters are slowly being turned on. Every year the German-American Facebook groups and pages are then slammed with posts about “the walls  suddenly turning moldy” or “the heater making ‚off‘

With the end of the summer comes the end of light eating, yes!! Feel free to cheer! Out with the salads, light fruity cakes and grilled meat and in with thick gravy’s, hearty meats and layered creamy cakes. Fall is the time where food is plentiful, celebrated and fruit is

One of Germans favorite past times during the warm summer months has to be visiting medieval markets.

Many of the old city centers are transformed into something from times long past. Cities like Horb offer trips right into the busy

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Entering the parking area of the New England style hotel “Bell Rock” at the Europa Park was like entering a different era, especially once we parked and

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As soon as the sun starts warming things up, the snow begins to melt and it starts staying lighter out longer, Germany awakes from its

Hear ye, Hear ye!!

In just one month the gates for the famous Horb knight games will open. Horb, located 35 miles south of Stuttgart at the A81, is one of the largest medieval markets in the Europe. This medieval festival doesn’t just lure its visitors in with an

This Saturday Clocks in Germany are falling back one hour, going from 3 am to 2 am, gifting us one extra hour of sleep.

Moved into your new home off base or curious about life in Germany? Struggling with daily life? Feeling overwhelmed? Having lots of

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On May 25, 2019, Duesseldorf, the traditional stronghold of Japanese business in Europe, is

Christmas markets are one of the most popular attractions during the winter month in Germany. Every larger city has one and everyone has their own little perks. One of the most charming markets has to be the medieval Christmas market in Esslingen. The market is located

I am a huge sushi fan, so I did not hesitate when I was offered the chance to check out a new, local place.

Located inside the Schwabengalerie in Vaihingen, the restaurant is easily reachable by public transport, and there is lots of parking available.

While living here in Germany, you may encounter some of us natives and more often then not friendships bloom. Especially if you live off base, you might strike up a neighborly conversation or get to know the other parents from your child’s daycare, kindergarten or school. This whole

The Snow Leopards at the Wilhelma have something great to look forward to: the zoologic-botanical garden in Stuttgart built a beautiful large outdoor areal on a steep slope, exclusively for the climbing enthusiastic cats. Edith Sitzmann, the finance minister of the state of

The Wilhelma in Stuttgart is offering a special free event for Mother’s Day this weekend.

The people that know me would probably all agree that I am not a work out kind of girl… so let’s just say I was more than surprised when I was told to check out a fitness place… oh dear, poor me. So, off I went to see what the big hype was about.

As every year, the summer months are the main time for PCSes. And while the permanent change of duty station is nerve wrecking enough, the dreadful turning over the keys on moving day is often completely overwhelming.

We have all heard the

Summertime is moving time, and one of the things that stresses people out the most is turning that rented apartment or house back to the landlord. Fearing that last walk-through, hoping and praying he finds nothing needing to be fixed or deducted from the

One question that comes up all the time in any spouse or pet group is where to find a puppy or kitten in Germany.

Germany does not support the sale of cats or dogs in pet stores since they are viewed as animals that need to live in a social environment.
There are plenty of places to get puppies and kittens from; you

It is finally here! Summer… it felt like this year was going to stay cold and rainy, but now the sun has made an appearance, the temperatures are climbing and the people are heading outside to enjoy the weather.
It really does not matter if you are the public beer garden type or like to soak in the warm

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Different trash cans

Usually the trash is sorted into the following:

Like many others, Americans love researching their roots. May it be heading you south of the border, to Asia or perhaps towards Africa… but if your family lines bring you to Germany, you should definitely come prepared if you want to pursue your research “in the

Summer is traveling season, and no matter if you travel within the country or all over Europe, thieves are everywhere. Especially the large European capitals are hot spots to rip off tourists. 

The “Gartenschau” garden show in Kaiserslautern is reopening its gates on March 30, 2019. Known as one of the most popular outdoor hang outs in the area, this place is perfect for a family with younger children. The garden show is laid

Though celebrating Valentine's Day has only become popular within the last few decades in Germany, there are several traditions the Germans have taken on whole-heartedly. This includes giving cards, sweet treats, gifts and flowers to their loved ones on this special day.

“Visitors are amazed when I say that Sigmaringen is Germany’s most important castle,” the guide says with a smile. “But this castle belonged to, and still belongs to, the Hohenzollern dynasty that played a vital role in German history.” Towering on a

As many of you are going through the PCS madness, I know- just about now, you are writing a mental list of last minute shopping trips of things to bring back to the states. Your parents want something from Germany, Auntie Maggie made sure to remind you on your last phone

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This dish is a flavor bomb, that’s for sure. Usually I try not to use the same fresh herb twice in one dish, but Oregano is very prominent in this

Public pools and waterparks are immensely popular during the summer in Germany. While nearly every village has a local outdoor pool or swimming lake, the waterparks are a little more wide-spread. But, just like in back in the States, they have

By the time November hits in Germany, the days tend to be dreary, rainy and chilly. It gets darker earlier and takes forever to get light in the morning.

Along with November come some fun traditions, especially if you have little

“Why don’t German homes have air conditioners?” is one of the questions that come up every year. By the time May or June

Germans love to spend their time outdoors. Even better if you can keep the kids occupied at the same time. Strawberry fields make for a great family outing opportunity. Not only are those sweet treats great for snacking, but also awesome in

For all of you who are new to Stuttgart, or not just new to Stuttgart, but new to Germany – Welcome, to Germany and to Stuttgart. Stuttgart is not only my hometown, but, with over 620,000 residents, the largest city in the state of Baden-Wuertemberg. It is also the B-W

This past July the USO Stuttgart held its 25th annual Golf Tournament at Golf Club Hammetweil (4 Stars) in Neckartenzlingen. This tournament is not only meant to provide a little bit of recreation and entertainment for service members and their families—it helps to strengthen the bond

The German Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are right around the corner, perfect time for a little day trip. Gondwana, das Praehistorium is offering an amazing deal to celebrate those special holidays with

Since some of the participants showed quite an interest in the outcome of my survey, I figured I would share some of the results with you.

But first I would like to express my great appreciation to all participants and supporters that stepped in and helped me on my way to success on the bachelor thesis.

I would like to present you a summary of work that I think

Since we were visiting in the Stuttgart area, opportunity demanded a proper Swabian dinner. The Schwoabentöpfle was perfect for that occasion. Located on the outer skirts of Stuttgart, right by the public pool and soccer field, the restaurant offers a nice relaxing

Would you believe it if I told you that German windows sweat?

Most likely not, and they really don’t…but, when the cold season starts, you may notice water collecting on the windows inside your home. This condensation can ruin wooden

The worldwide second largest beer fest is, right after the Oktoberfest, the Stuttgart or better the Cannstatter Volksfest. As every year, starting on Sept 22nd, 2017 until Oct 8th, 2017; it’s time to head to the "Wasen”.

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The bicycle is celebrating its 200th birthday on June 12th this year. This popular vehicle has quite a moving history.

You may have noticed that stores are setting up party items, costumes and streamers. No, Germany is not having a blow out on Halloween costumes, but is preparing the high season of Karneval, Fasching or as Americans may know it, Mardi Grass. You

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The Cannstatt Volksfest is now coming to an end, and after two weeks of beer being sold by “Maß”, it’s about time for something new, don‘t you

One of the most anticipated Christmas traditions every year has to be the Adventskalender or Advent-Calendar. Choosing just the right one, is of the most important things for children as it marks the beginning of the Christmas season for them. We have all heard at

If you ask around, one of the “must-see”

A couple weeks before Easter you may start noticing that German bakeries offer little lambs, made from biscuit, a cake very similar to the American pound cake. They are sold glazed or just dusted with confectioner’s sugar and often carry or wear a

One of the biggest issues and fears when people get over here to Germany has to be ending up with a nightmare Landlord. As an admin for a “Landlord troubles group” on Facebook, I see the complaints and horror stories on a daily basis. While there are always two sides to a story, a lot

The legal expenses insurance of the Württembergische. The helper in almost every situation.

 An answer to every legal question.

After the freezing temperatures, mild weather is finally on the radar and with that comes not only the bloom of the snowdrops.  We finally get to see the 3 new additions of the meerkats; peeking out of their holes at the Wilhelma. The

The Brezel Fest is a long-standing tradition in Speyer. It was originally born out of an idea to bring money into the city in 1910, when the merchants and bakers were suffering. The city council founded the tourism

If you are a passionate traveler, or just a weekend trip fan this fair is right up your alley and a must visit, for sure. Hosted by Stuttgart, you have a whole 9 days to check out the craziness, starting January 13th and ending on January 21st, 2018.

If you are a passionate traveler, or just a weekend trip fan this fair is right up your alley and a must visit, for sure. Hosted by Stuttgart, you have a whole 9 days to check out the craziness, starting January 11th and ending on January 19th, 2020.

I have been getting a lot of requests over Facebook, of where to take the family out to dinner for those special holidays coming up…or at any time really. So, I decided to stop by the Maredo Steakhouse in the center of Stuttgart, on the Lange Street cornering Kronprinzstreet.

We, from the Together Magazine, are super excited to be able to present this awesome event to you all!

Our partner, the Sprungbude, is hosting a Ninja challenge night for all American personnel and families stationed in the area. The ninja warrior challenge will be featuring 4

For 12 days Stuttgart will be celebrating wine and great food. Local specialties, sweets and over 250 different wines are there to represent the area.

The Stuttgart zoo is one of the largest and well-known zoos within Germany, it draws in over 2.1 million visitors every year. The park covers an area of almost 70 acres, about the size of 40 football fields and is bordered by the Neckar river and

Today, we know zombies are a thing of imagination, seen only on TV shows and in movies. Really, the only ones scared of them these days are probably little kids. However, for our ancestors here in Germany, that fear was a very real one.

Or simply put, the USO, is a non-profit organization that provides services, programs, and events for the United States military‘s service members and their families. Established by President Roosevelt in 1941 in preparation for the Second World War, the USO celebrated its 75th anniversary this

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Spring is moving in quickly at the Wilhelma; the milder weather has caused the blossoms of the Azaleas to literally explode inside

Ticks are widely spread all over Europe and especially Germany. Ticks themselves are not dangerous, yes, they bite… but the bite itself isn’t any worse then a mosquito bite. What makes the ticks so dangerous is that they carry diseases and pass them on to their host.

Living in Europe, traveling, seeing the old world…these are usually the visions families have when getting the news of a new duty station overseas. But then reality hits and there it is, the pile of “what to do next” and “how to do that”. Thankfully the internet has made things much

Why Is Pet Owner Liability Insurance Important?

Whether you are out on horseback or on a walk with the dog, you are liable for any damage to objects or persons your animal may cause, and that can be

Germans love a good party, and even more so when great food is involved. This weekend the Schwabengarten is hosting a special party. A party to celebrate all that makes America great and to show some appreciation to our American friends!

Germans love a good party, and even more so when great food is involved. This weekend the Schwabengarten in Leinfelden is hosting a special party. A party to celebrate all that makes America great and to show some appreciation to our American friends!

The Marxzell Car Museum is an hour drive from Stuttgart or 1.5 hours from Kaiserslautern. Coming from Stuttgart, take the exit Karlsbad on the A8 to Karlsruhe. At the exit turn left, and then you're only 20 minutes away from the museum. From Kaiserslautern go via Neustadt to Karlsruhe,

During the warm summer months and especially during summer break, Germans have festivals and celebrations all over. Particularly popular are village or town celebrations.  The festivals are usually hosted by the city, while in smaller communities, clubs and villages get

It’s admittingly hard to travel back into the past, if you are lacking a time travel device. But there is a city you can visit, where such a device is not necessary. You can get there all on your own, back to the Middle Ages, back when the night watchman

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With Summerbreak almost over, stores are stocking their shelves with school supplies for the new school year. The isles and baskets are overloaded with

If you are new to Germany or not yet familiar with the Christmas market, you may be surprised to learn that the main beverage served at the market is a hot wine. It’s a great way to warm up from the cold weather and even though its just wine, it

Frankfurt Bonobo baby is finding a family at the Wilhelma. When Grandma had to fix it. Hopes are that the reunion with his grannie Kombote will be the fix for the little Bonobo from Frankfurt. Xhosa will receive his second chance to grow up with his kind in the zoologic-botanical

Winter is coming to Germany and while you may have been told putting winter tires on your car is law, you might have been left in the dark when it comes to the specifics, or where given hieroglyphic remarks like “from O till O” or “have to have the snowflake symbol, but

The green Ampelmann – Green man on the pedestrian light

-you wait, alongside hundreds of other people, until a traffic light turns green, even if there’s no car in sight. You wait patiently to cross the street when the little man is red, because you are afraid that some old

Then the Stuttgarter Weindorf (Stuttgart Wine Village) is a must.

It is one of the finest wine festivals in Germany with regional specialties and a wide selection of excellent regional wines from Wuerttemberg and Baden.        

On the Stuttgarter

The Bongos in the Wilhelma seem to be enjoying their enclosure, that was renovated in 2016, very much. Those extremely rare forest antelopes, here in the Stuttgart zoologic-botanic garden, had a baby again this year…just like 2017. Mother Asante gave birth to a calf on March