Post-Wedding

We met Andre's parents before and after the wedding. They are a wonderful couple. They love their sons (and their new daughter, too!) They truly welcomed us with open arms and made us feel like family. They have residences in both Germany and Spain. Like our American snowbirds, they plan to "fly south" for the winter (in Spain.) They plan to return to Germany to visit with Amanda & Andre in the springtime (before the depart to the US.) Afterward, they plan to return to Spain (maybe for a few years?) So, it sounds like our next trip to Europe MIGHT include a visit to Spain as well. :-)


We had originally planned to take Amanda & Andre to Dublin, Ireland after the wedding. But, there is only ONE airline that offers nonstop flights between Dusseldorf, Germany and Dublin. Plus, their flight times were opposite of our desired schedule. The end result, as a rate that was too high (for a stay that would have been too short.) So, we shuffled our plans a bit, and made a run up to Amsterdam instead.

Amsterdam is only about a 2-3 hour drive north of Dusseldorf (depending on traffic.) We had day-visited Amsterdam when we came to Europe a couple of years ago. We REALLY enjoyed the pulse of the city. But, it was just TOO COLD for our Florida blood-flow. So, we welcomed a chance to return, and we were blessed with sunny skies on our first day, too!

I still can't say enough positive things about Amsterdam. It's a unique mixture of cultures, history, languages and geography. We LOVE waterfront cities (especially those that embrace their waterfront heritage and locale.) Amsterdam seems to have as many canals and boats as it has streets and cars. The only thing that out-numbers cars and boats -- are BIKES!!! :-)

We had made tentative plans to subsequently drive to Hamburg and/or Kiel, Germany -- or maybe Denmark or Berlin. But, time was running short, and the car we had borrowed wasn't very comfortable (for people sitting in the back seats) on long trips. So, we explored Amsterdam for two full days.

No! The little red car pictured is NOT the car we were driving. It was so small/cute, I simply couldn't resist taking a picture of it. If my mechanic friends double-click on the photo, and look closely below the driver's-side headlight/bumper, you will notice that this little two-seater is BELT DRIVEN!!!!)


A wonderful surprise, however, was an impromptu side trip to the sea-front town of Zandvoort, Netherlands. What Clearwater Beach, Florida is to the residents of Tampa -- Zandvoort is to Amsterdam. It's a quaint little sea-front beach town, complete with all the typical tourist traps, restaurants and bars. Andre bought us fresh seafood sandwiches and snacks from a vendor at the beach. We then settled into the wonderful little beachfront restaurant for warm drinks, and to watch the sunset. (Andre won extra brownie-points from Kelly for picking such a happy ending to our excursion.)

Zanvoort is only about 15 miles (as the crow flies) from Amsterdam. Due-west 120 miles across the sea (English Channel) is the coastline of the United Kingdom.

After our trip to the Netherlands on Monday and Tuesday, Kelly & I borrowed Andre's car for some alone time on Wednesday. During our previous trip to Dusseldorf, we learned that a dear/close friend's family history originated from a town (and castle) just 45 minutes north of Dusseldorf. We didn't have enough time to locate and visit this castle last time. During this visit, however, we MADE the time! (And, we're very glad we did!)

Castles in Germany (I'm assuming throughout Europe) had two basic origins. They were either built as a fortress -- for defensive purposes (like a military fort;) or, they were simply built as elaborate chateaus. After all, if you have some extra coin in your pocket -- why not build your wife a castle?!!!

Castle Lembeck (or Schloss Lembeck as it's called in Germany,) was the later. It's a large estate, built among the farmlands of Germany. While we Americans think/assume that any/all castles have moats -- that's more the exception than the norm. Castle Lembeck, however, is indeed a Wasserschloss (water-castle.)

Personally, I was more impressed by the plot-plan of the estate, than the castle itself. Someone put a LOT of forethought into the layout and development of the grounds -- before a single brick was laid. IN addition to the moat, there are several creeks and what appeared to be irrigation ditches/canals throughout the property. Even some of the stone walls that were around the castle were designed with built-in planting beds atop of them <-- proof-positive that the designers/architects were more focused on the look, feel an grandeur of this castle, than it's defensive characteristics. The castle now hosts a restaurant, and also serves as a hotel. The locals speak very little English (outside of the major cities.) But, that was PERFECT by me/us. We have seen TOO MUCH American and English influences during this trip. While we saw several McDonalds in Amsterdam, I was HAPPY that we didn't see a single Starschmucks!!! So, it was actually quite "authentic" for Schloss Lembeck to be exclusively German during our visit. (Sure, they probably have a member or two of the hotel/restaurant staff who speak English, and/or offer an English menu for the asking.) But, we didn't ask, and we LOVED it! Oh, and I can't stop there... Many castles today have indeed been converted into restaurants, hotels, or bed & breakfast establishments. But, THIS castle also functioned like a community park! Sure, it had picnic benches and countless spots to cozy-up with your sweetheart among the rose gardens and such. But, THIS castle also had a few surprises for the kids!

First, there was a park-sized playground area (complete with slides, swings, jungle-gym, etc.) But, that's NOT ENOUGH for a castle! A castle demands MORE! And, Schloss Lembeck didn't disappoint the little ones, either!

Adjacent to the playground was a trampoline!!!

Oh, but wait... That's NOT enough for a castle...

Instead, they had what APPEARED to be TWO above-ground trampolines (engaged for safety purposes.)

But wait, there's more!!!

Each one of these "cages" actually enclosed MULTIPLE trampolines!! The first cage enclosed six trampolines; and the second cage enclosed four trampolines. Children could literally bounce from once trampoline to the other (within the cage.)

We had dinner plans for the evening with Amanda and Andre, and didn't stay to eat dinner at the restaurant, nor spend the night.

What we enjoyed most about our post-wedding adventures, was exploring like LOCALS. We could only fantasize about what it would be like to LIVE here for a couple of years ourselves... To discover little beachfront communities along the Baltic, North, Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas. To pack little picnic lunches monthly, and go find and explore new castles. To take day-cruises on the various rivers of Europe. And to re-live history, and make a little of our own...

I hope that I have enough time (and money) to finish getting my private pilot's license before I return to Europe again. Google Earth just doesn't do the place justice. And, there's only so much you can see and discover from the motorway at ground-level.

Tomorrow (Friday) morning, we will be at the airport to catch our flights back to the States. It's indeed time. Amanda and Andre need their space -- and we need to get back to our own space, too. We depart very satisfied, and happy. Our family has expanded exponentially, and even reconnected with some of its European roots (Roeder, Isselhardt, Mueller, etc.)

I'm already looking forward to our next visit -- hopefully a summertime visit next time?

Tchuss,

Nick & Kelly.

Amandre Ottradovetz

We are pleased to announce that Amanda Christian Ross and Andre Günter Lajos Ottradovetz were married in Düsseldorf, Germany on Friday, 8 October, 2010 at 10:15am.

Kelly and I arrived in Germany the Sunday prior to the wedding to help prepare. We spent the week prior performing last-minute shopping, meeting Andre's parents, and shaking off our jet-lag (it was a LONG trip, with two stops/changes this time.)

Amanda took us to the Irish Pub where they first met, and we also made a dry-run of the wedding day, too: The German courthouse, followed by a stroll through the neighboring park to the pub-cellar where their reception would be held, and lastly a short walk to their hotel.

With eyes as blue as Amanda's, it should come as no surprise that blue is her favorite color, and that she was planning a blue-themed wedding. Some of the shopping details began to get a little bumpy as the wedding day neared. But, to all of our surprise, I think the end result was BETTER than originally planned?

Amanda ended-up buying red shoes (instead of the yellow shoes she had ordered.) Plus, red gloves, and a red scarf to go with her "old" red clutch purse from goodwill. Also, she ended up buying a white coat instead of the red coat she couldn't find. The end result was a truly "American" red, white and blue theme that we couldn't have planned any better if we had purposefully tried!

Among all the black, deep blues, deep greens and other Autumn colored-clothes around the courthouse -- Amanda truly stood-out among the crowd.

(Friendly reminder: You can double-click on any photo to open a higher-resolution version of the photo.)


German weddings: In Germany, the actual "marriage" occurs at the local courthouse first. The building itself is actually specifically and solely designed to host weddings. (e.g. it's not the same courthouse where there are criminal trials underway, or people strolling in to pay their utility bills, etc.) Each of those events occur in other (civil/government buildings.) THIS government building (courthouse) is for weddings only. They seem to have it designed with about four-six "modules/rooms" to process and perform concurrent marriages. About every 15-30 minutes, a half-dozen couples are wed. It's a busy scene, with tons of guests waiting outside the courthouse to greet the newlyweds. So, the waiting crowd is actually about 2-3 times larger than your own wedding party (because there are concurrent weddings underway.) It actually makes for a very large, welcoming crowd!

German & American Traditions: On the eve of the wedding, it is a German tradition for the bride and groom to break plates onto the floor, and subsequently clean-up the debris together. This signifies the couple tackling their first chore together (as a couple.) "Together, we can work through life's challenges."

Thus, we "broke plates" with Amanda & Andre on the eve of their wedding, and allowed them to clean-up thereafter.

An English tradition that has taken-hold in America includes:
Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe

Amanda's indeed covered all the bases -- right down to borrowing her mother's earrings at the last moment -- and swiping a 2 euro coin from my pocket and stuffing it into her shoe before heading into the courthouse. (Sixpence --> 2 euros = inflation?) (wink)

As we exited the courthouse, we were greeted with our first surprise of the day. Amanda's girlfriends were all holding-up a sheet with a big red heart drawn upon it. I wasn't aware of this German tradition. Apparently it goes like this:

As the bride and groom are emerging newly-married from the Standesamt (civil registry office,) friends of the bride and groom have prepared a sheet with a heart drawn upon it. The sheet is held in front of the couple, and they must cut the heart out in order to pass. In order to enhance the challenge, they are typically given the smallest pair of scissors (such as nail scissors) in order to symbolize overcoming the first challenge of their new union. Typically, the husband then carries his bide through the heart.

Indeed, Andre was given a small pair of scissors, and proceeded to snip/hack his way through the sheet. He then lifted Amanda, ad stepped through the heart with her.

Fortunately, the weather held-out for us! We brought sunshine with us from Florida (which has been a blessing all week -- especially compared to our last WINTER trip into Europe!) The morning was a little overcast (which is actually perfect for photographs.) The slight cloud-cover also helped keep temperatures in-check (not overheating with all the suits/jackets and such -- nor shivering and freezing like Kelly & my own ice-covered wedding...)

As we then strolled though the neighboring park, we happened-upon our second surprise for the day. Andre had made arrangements to have a mini-champagne bar set-up in the park to greet us all. He had also hired a locally-infamous organ grinder to follow us throughout the stroll as well. We spent nearly two hours in the park with the newlyweds -- taking photos, sipping Champagne, and getting to know everyone.

Everyone then headed towards the nearby pub for the reception. Amanda and Andre had selected a little place that was quite popular with the locals. The pub has what feels like a remodeled wine/beer cellar downstairs. You can truly feel the history of Germany in places like this -- cellars that are several hundred years older than America herself. I told some of our new German friends, that OUR (American) "history" is NOT in the USA. Instead, it's here in Europe. Our families are from Scotland, Ireland, and yes, Germany. Their history, is also OUR history.

With each visit to Germany, Kelly and I comprehend a bit more Deutsch. Yet, with each visit, it seems all of Europe has learned more English. Most of the people at the reception were indeed able to speak English to us. Yet, even when they were speaking in German amongst themselves, we picked-up the gist of most their conversations.


Ironically, the Wednesday prior to their wedding, was "German-American Day" in the US. While we were in the park, I noticed that one of the German guests was wearing a pin on his lapel -- featuring crossed/joined Germany/American flags. I had never met this gentleman before. I didn't comment on the pin, but it DID catch my eye -- a kind gesture. About 30 minutes later, someone walked up to me, and presented the pin to me (and pinned it to the lapel of MY coat.) Our daughter entered this day as an "American Bride." But, she exited this day as a German-American. On this morning, Andre entered this wedding as a German groom. He exited this day, as the new son of American parents.

The remainder of the evening, during the reception in the wine cellar was as typical in Germany as it would have been in the States -- good friends, sharing stories, and having great company with one another. We spent nearly 12 hours (noon until midnight) getting to know Amanda & Andre's friends and coworkers. From cheerleaders to fireman; young and old -- we had a wonderful evening. German food, and plenty of German beer!

I danced with my daughter (and Kelly with our son.) Amanda taught Andre how to properly "eat wedding cake." Andre and I smoked our verboten Cuban cigars. And, before midnight, as if on cue, the prince & princess rode off into the evening together...

So, up goes another check-mark on my life-list: Proudly walk my daughter down the aisle.
No, there was no aisle to walk down. And, I think I like that?!!! I probably would have been more of an emotional wreck than her! The father-daughter dance was enough to jerk a few tears of happiness, and earn the check-mark for this proud Daddy.

My life-list is nearly complete. More things are now checked/completed, than unchecked. It's now time for Amanda & Andre to create their OWN life-list!!! We hope that they enjoy the adventures of their lives and their marriage, as much as we have enjoyed our own.

We thank EVERYONE for their love and support. It takes a village to raise a child -- and we can ALL share in the joy of this day.

Nick & Kelly.


Random Pics...

Amanda and her maidels before the wedding, outside of the courthouse. Can you find the bride-to-be?












Pre-wedding jitters outside the courthouse?
I'm glad SOMEONE (aka Dad) remembered to bring her Passport to the courthouse, too! (whew)

Andre almost got off the hook...











Our American Bride, decked out in red, white and blue (plus sporting her old, borrowed, and new.)













Inside the courthouse, preparing to receive their vows.














It was all Greek to me...
Their vows and ceremony were in 100% German. (We could have paid a little extra for a bi-lingual ceremony. But, I felt that it would have spoiled the true heritage of the moment.) I have been unimpressed by the amount of American/English now overwhelming Europe. Starbucks are beginning to pop-up on many street corners, McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, and KFC fastfood everywhere. And the outlet mall looked/felt 100% American (including the Made in China logos.) Why come all the way to Germany to attend an English/American wedding? The 100% German ceremony felt much more "authentic."

But, it makes us married couples wonder -- maybe wedding vows SHOULD be in a foreign language? (wink)


Andre has told me on several occasions, that speaking English comes easier to him after he's had a few drinks of alcohol. Apparently, a few drinks loosen him up a bit -- so he's not as concerned or hesitant about what he's trying to say -- and the words just flow a bit more easily? So, I applied his words of wisdom at the Irish Pub where they first met.

Go figure --- IT WORKS!!!!

Here I am (after a few drinks) speaking FLUENT Deutshe to a local who goes by the name Keeno. We understood one another PERFECTLY!




Love Birds in the park.
We were blessed with wonderful weather, on such a wonderful day. The leaves were beginning to change, and you could feel Summer trying to hold-on for just a few final days...























Let them eat cake!



































There Goes My Life . . .
Happy wife, happy life. :-)

(Words for Andre to learn and live by, too!)