"We're on the list."

The visitor permission list isn't nearly as significant as Schindler's was, but it is important. Because we are "on the list" we can gain access to the Garmisch Army Artillery Kaserne (barracks) and nearby (about 1 mile away)  Edelweiss Lodge and Resort where military personnel can come for R and R. We can't think of a better place for those who serve our country to unwind and relax. (The mountain to the right with its peak in the clouds is Zugspitze--the tallest mountain in Germany).

Unfortunately, we can't show you a photo of the guarded entrances to either the base or hotel--taking photos is verboten (forbidden). But each time we enter, our passports come out and we say, "We're on the list." The guards check and say, "Yes, you're on the list"--and we are allowed to enter.

The barracks/army base is really just a little community with a small residential area. We are staying in one of the homes on a cul-de-sac that most of the time is as quiet as our White Hall woods in Virginia.

The base has a Child Development Center, library, Garmisch American School (elementary-middle), commissary (super market), PX (Post Exchange--small department store), chapel, gas station, baseball diamond, etc. Of course, without a military ID card we are unable to purchase or use anything, but having all of these ammenities here is very convenient for the army personnel who live here.


The Edelweiss Lodge and Resort is beautiful--as you can see if you click on the link, which will also show sunshine photos! At the hotel even civilians can purchase items (in US $)--like souvenirs, Jelly Bellies (!), and Starbuck's coffee (Smile, you addicts; we know who you are).


We can also use our Bank of America (in partnership with Deutsche Bank--Bank of Germany) debit card for cash--of either denomination. This is especially helpful as many German businesses (like restaurants) only take cash.

The guests at the Edelweiss have a full range of conveniences such as pool, hot tub, exercise room, gift shop, restaurant, etc. In the lobby there is a widescreen TV showing kids' movies--with rows of little chairs in front of the screen. As we passed by today, there was a mom and 4 little girls--in braids and identical shirts--engrossed in whatever movie was playing; very cute.

We don't know the stories of any of the military personnel we see--where they serve, how long they have been in the military, whether or not they have been "deployed" (term refers to Iran and/or Afghanistan deployment), how many times they have been uprooted, etc. but seeing them gives us pause and fills us with gratitude for their sacrifices and sorrow for what many of them have had to endure.

Even those who are never assigned to a combat zone have little or no sense of being settled. The night before our host family left for vacation, there was a good-by party for two families who live in the cul-de-sac and will soon be moving--again. As our friends said, "It seems like you just get to know someone and they get transferred out."

Here in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, many young moms never venture outside the barracks gates as the language and cultural barriers are formidable. A few rarely even leave their homes; and you can imagine the potential problems that result from that kind of isolation.

 But for the most part we have seen happy, well-adjusted, active adults and kids who seem to be living life just as they would in the US. (We did have a few questions about the sanity of those playing a game of baseball in the pouring rain....But to each his own!).

 Right next to the Edelweiss is a common site all over Garmisch-Partenkirchen--little log shelters for hay. In a field of 20 acres, you might see 30 shelters. We don't know if the hay is baled or put in loosely--we will investigate and let you know in a future blog.

Either way, given all the rain we've been having (1/2 day of sunshine since we arrived!), shelter is a necessity.

Happy first day of summer--and guten nacht (good night)!