Well, we made it!

We took off from Newark airport yesterday, thanks to our friend Caine and his new limo service and even arrived 3 hourse before take off! Once on the plane, a passenger near us noticed a strange sound coming from below and reported it. Larry too heard this strange knocking sound and the experts came in to inspect. There were definite mechanical problems that seemed to puzzle them. After 3 hours of sitting on the plane at the gate, they announced that we would have to take another plane which finally came an hour later only to find that it didn't have enough fuel - what's another hour?! Of course, the usual vouchers were passed out which we were happy to take - and used for a good Bailey's on ice! The four of us slept through most of the flight, luckily able to stretch out with plenty of room. We arrived today around 1pm, fought with the rental car company who was trying to rip us off but Larry nipped that in the bud. I have to admit, it was very stressful trying to find our way around and decode the German road maps. I was REALLY missing New York (and Texas). But the people here have been AMAZINGLY warm and friendly AND helpful. This week we are staying in a 1 bedroom apartment (our toilet worries also put to rest) in a very charming town called Numbrecht. The owner Diana greeted us with fresh baked bread and danish. The kids enjoyed the German-version of Sponge Bob Squarepants on the tv. Quintin decided not to exchange his money when he found out what the exchange rate was. And Sydney was oohing and aaaahing at the beautiful countryside and language . Did I mention there are two horses out back?