Saturday Adventure

I was supposed to be running, but I couldn't focus. I was in the mood to explore. The thought of skipping a training run made me anxious, but I just wasn't feeling it. I had been cooped up in the house all week and a run was not going to cure my cabin fever.I'll just change my run to Sunday's  And off I went to wake Eric from his coma-like state.

We started off our adventure by taking the train. Normally we take the car when we go downtown but the train really immerses you into the culture and you feel more connected to your surroundings and get to see some things you normally don't get to see traveling by car.

After my first train experience we decided it was time I get to experience my first taste of German bread. Lucky for us our train stop took us right to a place called Grimminger. Grimminger's is like the Starbucks of bread. Or at least a Pete's. The bread shops you see the most in the area are Kamps and Grimminger. There is a Grimminger bakery on nearly every corner. We couldn't resist.

We ended up with a bread called rosinenbrot a.k.a. raisin bread. It was delicious. 

I savored every bite and tried to decipher it's ingredients in order to attempt to re-create it in my own kitchen. It was sweet, but not too sweet, and the crumb had an amazing flavor. The outside was brushed with an egg wash and the inside was as soft as cotton candy. It was un-like any American bread I had ever had. 

While we ate our bread we decided to make our way to the farmer's market, but made a few stops along the way. 

Our first stop along the way was the Schloss. (Castle )  It is a mighty fine looking structure I must say. 

I wanted so badly to go inside. Seeing this tour group made me wonder if they tour the inside as well as the outside. 

We did get go inside the church however.

You just don't see church's like this anymore, but little did I know this was nothing compared to the church we would walk into next. 

I was in awe when I walked into this church. You could almost feel a presence. A feeling you don't always feel when walking into the more modern church's.

One of the coolest features of this church is this organ. Apparently Mozart has had a go at it before. Amazing.

No matter how hard I tried a picture just could not capture the complete awesomeness of this church so here is a little video of it as well.



After the church visits we finally made it to the farmers market. We didn't buy anything but it was fun walking through it. There was such an array of produce that it created a rainbow effect.

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without some sausages.

After the farmer's market we worked up a bit of an appetite and decided to scout out a place to eat lunch. We came across a place called Maredo's and stopped to browse their outside menu. Upon examination I saw that they had Veggie Fajitas. There is a God! There was no doubt in my mind this would be our lunch stop. Watch out veggie fajitas here I come.

Eating at German restaurant was a bit of an experience. It makes it a little awkward not knowing the language but the staff knew enough English and we didn't have any problems. It is "Awkward but doable". As Eric puts it.

The best part of the lunch experience was getting to see the differences in culture, and how it presents itself in the food and dining atmosphere. Not only do they allow dogs in stores, but they allow them in restaurants ( how cool is that? ) We had quite the adorable Spaniel seated to our left.

Another difference is the way they serve their beverages. If you order soda they give you a glass marked with a measurement for them to know how much to put in. There are no re-fills ( unless you pay more ) so they make sure they don't rob you of your money. They also don't serve beverages with ice, although they were still cold. If you order water, it is always mineral water. (carbonated water ). Most Americans would probably find this gross but I actually prefer mineral water so I didn't mind one bit. Another difference was the serving of bread in place of chips and salsa.

At first we were a bit disappointed, but after tasting the bread, the initial feelings of disappointment were forgotten. It was so warm and fresh. Delightfully crusty on the outside, and pillowy soft on the inside. It was served with some sort of dip but I didn't try it due to my wonderful lactose intolerance. Eric informed me it was delicious though.

Now onto the Entree's

Eric had salmon with shrimp over greens. ( he didn't eat the greens of course ). I think they love french fries more than Americans because they seem to serve them with just about everything. Those disappeared from his plate pretty quickly.

And for the Veggie Fajitas:

The veggie fajitas were amazing. The tortillas were fantastic, and they definitely know how to cook their veggies.

If I were to rate them on my veggie fajita rating scale they would be right between Chevy's and Pancho Villas. With the addition of rice, beans, and guacamole they might have even be my #1 favorite. I have a feeling we will be back.

I no longer feel guilty about switching up my training schedule a bit. I think I needed this day more than anything and hope that there are many more like these to come.