Most of you have probably not ever heard about, much less visited, Grenzach-Wyhlen, but this is my 2nd home! I lived here 18 years ago (where has the time gone?) and can recall it like it were yesterday. It is a very small Germany village about 10 minutes from the Basel, Switzerland border. It lies in southern Germany in the heart of the Black Forest. What is so special about Grenzach you ask?
1. The feeling of such a small quaint village where almost everyone knows everyone.
2. The fresh food shops: cheese, meat and breads and the little all purpose market that use to close on Wed. from 12-2 (that drove me crazy at first but then I begin to appreciate it).
3. The friendly neighbors you would pass daily on their bikes, or by foot who always said "Grusse Gott" or "Guten Tag" to you, with a smile.
4. The weekend farmer's markets loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables.
5. My daily run to the Rhine and back past the dairy farms and fields of sunflowers.
6. New friends from America adjusting to a new tiny village, just like myself.
7. The smell of the "valley" in the summer.....after a rain.
8. Good dark, bittersweet chocolate!
9. Apricot tea in the afternoon.
10. Friends stopping by for breakfast, a cup of tea/coffee, a bite of lunch - whatever was cooking, regardless of time of day!
11. Taking my 1DM (Deutsch Mark) and container to the local dairy man for fresh milk and cream.
These are the things I miss.........and many more!
If you are ever interested in a tour of Germany ---I can provide you with plenty of "insider" tips on travel within southern Germany and the Black Forest! Summer is a GREAT time to be there - don't delay!