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

Holiday Kaiserslautern: City lights, forest magic

If you find you’ll be spending the holidays a little closer to home than you might have liked, don’t worry! Holiday beauty can be found in plenty of places –… 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

Story and photos by Kat Nickola “Mom, how far do you think it goes?” my daughter asked. “Well, we passed another tunnel entrance up the road around the corner. Maybe… 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

Take a Day Trip to the Historic Town of Ottweiler

Take a day trip to the medieval town Ottweiler. Take a stroll down the winding streets, marvel the half-timbered buildings, visit museums, enjoy a nice meal and more.

Why Hiking the French Alps is Fabulous, Even in Bad Weather

(Spoiler: there is food involved) Story and photos by Kat Nickola First it rained, then it snowed; my 10-year-old son dug out his layers, my teenage daughter found her waterproof… Read more

Top 4 Places to Dine Outside in Wiesbaden

You might want to try one or all five of the Wiesbaden restaurants listed above! Whatever you decide, enjoy eating outside in the sun while you still can!

History, Culture, and Sun in the South of France

Nîmes, located in the south of France, is famous for many reasons. The light is wonderful, which is why French impressionists gravitated toward the area. The weather is lovely, as… Read more

Cooking with Klaus – One Pot Chicken Pasta Meal

Ingredients for 4 people Slightly more than 1 pound of chicken breast, diced in ½ inch cubes 1 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped in half 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon… Read more

Homemade Bread – Yummy and Simple

Story and photos by Corinna Pongracz My small daughter, my husband and I love it when our home smells like freshly baked bread! That’s why I often make our bread… Read more

St. Martin – Picturesque little Village on the Wine Road

Located on the Wine Road, St. Martin is nested in the hills and surrounded by vineyards. It is the ideal paradise to visit for its beauty, wine, food, shopping and more.

Cooking with Klaus – Asparagus wrapped in Kraeuterflaedle (herb pancakes and ham)

Ingredients (for 4 people) 2.5 pounds asparagus 1.5 pounds potatoes 8 6-inch slices boiled ham 2 cups flour ½ cup chopped fresh parsley Salt, ground white pepper and nutmeg to… Read more

Delicious Baked Chicken Taquitos Recipe

If you’re looking for something quick, easy and great tasting, then Baked Chicken Taquitos is for you.

Cooking with Klaus – Stuffed Onions & Portobello Mushrooms

Stuffed onions with BBQ Ground Meat   Ingredients (for 4 people) 2 extra large onions (similar to Vidalia onion size) peeled, cut in half, and remove all but the outer… Read more

A Sweet Guide to Amsterdam

Due to host nation regulations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, bookings and trips may be cancelled or postponed, and travel to neighboring countries may not be allowed. Please verify… Read more

Homemade Tomato Salsa Recipe

Spice up your taste buds this summer with a homemade tomato salsa! Follow this simple recipe and enjoy with crispy tortilla chips or your favorite dish.

Cooking with Klaus – Dark Beer Marinated Pork Steaks

Ingredients for 4 people 4 nice pork steaks from the neck (Schweinenacken steaks) 4 medium sized onions, peeled and cut in half rings 1 bottle of dark German beer 1… Read more

Wafer Muffins – A Twist to Your Regular Muffins

Story and photos by Corinna Pongracz Muffins are simply great. They’re made quickly, there’s tons of versions and kids just love them! The best thing is that muffins are so… Read more

Flyin’ Fine! Airplane Travel Tips for your Youngster

by Lisa Helenius, contributing writer We all have to get on an airplane at some point. With a little one in tow (or two or three or more!), 30,000 feet… Read more