Today

Since we took a little tour the other day from my bus stop in the city to my school, I thought it only fitting to take another one from my bus stop near Kasewinkel, back to the house.

Oh, but before I hopped on the bus, I stopped at the Stuhlmacher for a cup of tea outside. The sun was shining again today, and it was one of those days where it's a bit cold in the shade, but in the sun it's fairly warm. Or, at least it felt that way. Here is the view from my chair:

The Stuhlmacher is relatively significant in Muenster. You may have heard of the Peace of Westfalia? It ended the 30 Years War, and was the first time a war was ended diplomatically, rather than by overpowering force. Well, that treaty was signed in 1648 in Muenster's city hall, two doors down from the Stuhlmacher. The building where the Stuhlmacher is was built in 1470, and the restaurant has been there since 1890. It was all of course destroyed in the war (WWII), but has been re-built with amazing attention to historical detail. Almost all of Muesnter has been, actually, which makes it a rather remarkable German city. Anyway, to this day, many diplomats stop at the Stuhlmacher while in town. Henry Kissinger paid a visit, as did Bill Clinton, and the Secretaries of State/Foreign Ministers under Reagan and Gorbachev "celebrated" there after the wall came down.

Oh, and that's Lambertikirche in the background. I'm not sure if you can see them, but three cages hang toward the top of the spire. In the 1500s a group of Anabaptists tried to change the religion here from Catholicism toward their own beliefs, but the Catholics wouldn't have it. No-sirree. As a reminder to other people who might think of trying such a thing, the Catholic church took the bodies of three of the leaders of the uprising and hung them in the cages up there for all to see. Since that time, Muenster has been fervently Catholic.

So, back to Kasewinkel. I get technically get off the bus in Handorf, which is the nearest town to where I live. It's about a 15 minute walk back to the house from there. Here's the road I walk along (or bike, but today I was on foot):

Kasewinkel is technically a "Bauernschaft," which basically means a community of farmers. There are no businesses, other than the farms. The sign on the top there says Landschaftschuzgebiet, which means we live basically in a nature preserve. It doesn't stop the hunters from killing things, but it does prevent any further development in the area.

This is the oldest farm in the area. It dates from the 1100s, and has been in the same family since then, although obviously didn't look this way then.

It's a beautiful farm. I'll try to get better pictures up soon.

More bike-friendliness, although this is a rather quick, narrow road with traffic in both directions. Not a good choice for recreational riding.

Here's the "intersection" at which I go left:

A self-portrait of me:

I've noticed I look older and more tired lately.

The third-oldest farm in the area, dating from 1462 (and in the same family since then):

It's a huge dairy farm, with 150 cattle, a couple horses, and a mean German Shepherd. As with almost all of the farms here, several generations live together. The man running this farm now is 36, and a super fellow. He has agreed to give me 10 liters of milk and a starter kit so I can try making my own cheese! (Dad - this is Leo's farm, where we visited while you were here.)

Continuing on, and getting closer to the house I live in:

And finally, my driveway:

I turn in there, walk through this gate:

Into this...

...and an awesome dog who is always happy to see me.

Thanks for joining me on the tour. I love living in the countryside, especially with such a beautiful and historic city so close. Now if only people here would smile a little bit!

Hope you're well. My best to you all.