Paris: More than just the City of Love

Though traveling in the world today can be a bit nerve-wrecking, here are a few tips from a traveling artisan to experience Paris.

Konstanz- A Calm Lake City

Konstanz (Constance) is a lively, yet relaxing famous university town offering a wide range of leisure activities for visitors of all ages.

German High School Primer #1 – Types of Secondary Schools and Diplomas

by Kat Nickola This is our first year in Germany and our children are attending a local German high school. I thought I’d write about our experience as the year… Read more

Cooking with Klaus – Sauerbraten!

Ingredients • For four persons : 600 to 700 grams of beef • Salt • Pepper (corns and ground) • Sugar • White wine, Red wine • Vinegar (a simple… Read more

A Medieval Town, Kirchheimbolanden

Kirchheimbolanden is a medieval town between Kaiserslautern and Mainz with some charming features and an interesting history.

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Worms

Worms makes an excellent destination for a day trip. It is packed with outstanding architecture, pedestrian zones and green space. Worms is steeped in history, too. As one of Germany’s… Read more

Visit the Ancient University Town of Marburg

Marburg is a University town north of Frankfurt, in the Lahn valley. It retains its cobbled streets and the Hessische architecture of the 17-18th century.

Living History at Hessenpark

Hesse is a “middle-German” state famous for its capital, Wiesbaden, the 14th largest airport in the world, FRA, and the adjacent banking city Frankfurt am Main. Unfortunately it took some… Read more

Winter Camping in Germany: 4 Great Locations

Story by Ronnie Juhans Photo by Jens Ottoson / Shutterstock.com You might be asking yourself: Who is crazy enough to go camping in Germany during the winter? After all, nighttime temperatures… Read more

Cooking with Klaus – Little Chocolate Cakes (low carb version)

Ingredients for 4 people Ingredients for 4 people • 4 -5 tablespoons of vegetable oil • 7/8 cup ground almonds • 4 tablespoons cocoa powder • 2 teaspoons baking powder… Read more

Super Simple Swaps to Reduce Waste

With our planet slowly falling apart, we see words like ‘zero waste’ and ‘sustainability’ floating around the internet and feel guilt-tripped by people with 2 oz. waste jars that hold… Read more

Garmisch-Partenkirchen: An Alpine Adventure

Located in the heart of the Bavarian State, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the must-see destinations whilst based in Germany.

Can’t-Miss German Day Trips A-Z: Xtra Special Winter Outdoors Edition

Whether you love winter or simply endure it until spring arrives, one thing is true: getting outside and active is important for your health during the long, dark months. Fortunately,… Read more

7 Ideas to Experience Germany Like A German

To have an incredible experience while stationed in Germany, here are seven New Year’s Resolutions you should definitely keep!

What Ever Happened to the Sembach Airfield?

by Kat Nickola “It’s hard to tell there was a runway here,” my husband says over the chilly winter wind. “True. But they left a few bunkers and pavement,” I… Read more

5 Tips for Decluttering Your Home

If you can no longer move inside your closet or garage, it may be time to start polishing up on your organization skills.

Christmas Eve Traditions in Germany

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in different languages

While Christmas may not be celebrated in every culture, almost every language has a term for it. Take a look at our list of international well-wishes and impress your family… Read more

Creative Glühwein Recipes

Glühwein, which literally translates to ‘glow wine‘, is a staple at every outdoor event throughout the winter months. It lets you continue to take advantage of your convenient location in… Read more

German Christmas Meal

While many Germans resort to classic dishes like potato salad and sausages or Schnitzel, most take advantage of the spare time that comes with the holidays and create extravagant meals… Read more

Recipes To Bring Comfort This Christmas

The holidays provide an important opportunity to get together with family and friends. This time of year, however, can be especially tough for those serving in the military, stationed far… Read more

5 Steps to building your own holiday traditions

by Nate Cairney, contributing writer Featured image by Africa Studio / shutterstock.com “Holiday traditions” are often so ingrained that we rarely stop to think about them. What happens, then, when you and… Read more

Slow Cooker Roast Beef Dinner- Perfect This Time of the Year

Roast Beef dinner is the perfect meal this time of the year.

Wandering the Kaiserslautern Wildpark

Story and Photos by Kat Nickola With winter settling in, it’s tempting to stay inside. But, part of staying healthy means getting fresh air and exercise, and Germany is a… Read more

Book Recommendation: Ahab

In “Ahab” Corporal Will Foley, a young U.S. Army paratrooper stationed in Grafenwoehr, loses his foot in an ill-fated jump. While he struggles to come to terms with his slacker… Read more

Cooking with Klaus – Shrimp & Vegetable dish

Ingredients (for 4 people) • ½ cup chopped parsley • 8 ounces crème fraiche • 2 small zucchini diced into ½ inch cubes (or diced celery if you prefer) •… Read more

COVID digital certificates: apps and tips

November 12, 2021 It is increasingly important to have a COVID digital certificate on you at all times. Depending on where you live, you might need it to get into… Read more

Finding Secrets in the Soca Valley of Slovenia

Find adventure, exploration, history and so much more in Slovenia’s idyllic Alpine Soca Valley. Story and photos by Kat Nickola “Mom, how far do you think it goes?” my daughter… Read more

Racing MiG ghosts in Croatia

Story and photos by Kat Nickola “Hippie one line up and wait three two right,” my husband says from the drivers seat. I roll my eyes. Always a pilot. “Cleared… Read more

Taking a Car Ferry to (or from) Sicily is a Surprisingly Enjoyable Way to Travel

Story and photos by Kat Nickola So you want to visit Sicily? Of course you do! Roman ruins, crumbling Greek temples, good food, sunny beaches, vibrant cities, boating on the… Read more

Mallorca is Open for Business

Story and Photos by Kat Nickola As I sat for dinner on my final night in Mallorca, the server bustled over to ask – in her native English – “What… Read more

German Stores

Shopping Beyond the Military Base

Get started on your shopping journey beyond the gate guards – discover info on popular grocery and hardware stores as well as drugstores in Germany.

Cooking with Klaus – Red Wine Noodles with Panko Crumbs

Ingredients for 4 people 1 cup finely diced carrots 1 cup finely diced celery 1 cup finely diced onions 2 finely diced garlic cloves 8 tablespoons olive oil 1 chili,… Read more

Discover The Great Glenway - Scotland

Hike along Scotland’s Great Glen Way

The Great Glen Way runs from the edge of Loch Linnhe to the Inverness, cutting a trail through some of the Scottish Highland’s most impressive scenery.

How to Take Advantage of the Plentiful Bike Trails in the Kaiserslautern Area

Story and photos by Kat Nickola Take advantage of the bike trails while you are in Germany! There is no need to find a specific trail, or do a special… Read more

Iceland - A Unique Destination

Iceland – A Magnificent Destination

Reykjavík is the capital of Iceland – a unique destination steeped in history offering breathtaking landscapes, pristine nature and a thriving nightlife.

Kletterwald “Climbing Forest” Neroberg

Climb among the trees at the Wiesbaden Neroberg Kletterwald. This ropes course offers adventure for the thrill seeker and the not so thrill seeker!

Cooking with Klaus – Greek Chicken Kabobs

Ingredients for 4 people • 1¾ pound chicken filets • 20 wooden skewers/sticks • Baking parchment paper • 1 cup green olives • 4 tablespoons olive oil • 1 organic… Read more

Fall in Love with Germany

What You’ll Miss When You Leave Germany…

Although there are times when living in a foreign country might be difficult and make you miss home, once you PCS out of Germany, there will be a pretty long list of things you’ll miss. Here are a few things you should take full advantage while you’re still based in Germany!

International Delights at the Whisky Museum in Kirn

The castle and guard house, which house the Whisky Museum, are landmarks of the town of Kirn.

Become an Adventurer at Gondwana Prähistorium

“That wasn’t a museum. That was an adventure,” were my friend’s first words when we left. And it really was an adventure. Gondwana – Das Prähistorium, which is located in… Read more