Germany has long had a special place in my heart. While I love hiking the gorgeous Black Forest, exploring fabulous Berlin, and visiting historical sites all across the country, my favorite aspect of all is the people.

Whenever I go to Europe I always try to get to Germany to visit my dear friend Rita. We met years ago as nannies in Portugal and have been as close as sisters ever since.

Last summer I was so excited to visit her again, this time in Bühlertal, a pristine mountain town where she lives with her husband Slawik and cute-as-a-bug little girl, Emma Joy. (Click here to view images of this pretty little town)

One brilliantly sunny morning, Slawik took care of Emma Joy so we could have a Girls Day Out. We drove down t0 Bühl, a larger town about 10 km south of Baden-Baden. (Click here for Baden-Baden in the rain or here for Baden-Baden in the snow)

It was a perfect sort of day for strolling, so stroll we did!

 

Buhl bridge

We wandered along a sun-drenched stream that would lazily through town.

 

Bühl stream

Laughed ourselves silly whilst posing ridiculously at the town park.

Bühl park

Searched through bins, old suitcases, and tattered boxes in search of treasures at the Bühl flea market.

 

Bühl flea market

And moseyed past several cheery cafes until we found what we really needed: ice cream.

Bühl cafe

It was fabulous.

All too soon it was time to head home for lunch. But much to our delight, good ol’ Slawik not only looked after Emma-girl, he also made us lunch! Herbed prawns and fantastic crispy fried potatoes dipped in mayonnaise. Absolutely delicious.

I was craving them yesterday, so even though I only had one potato left in my kitchen, I sliced it thinly, sprinkled the slices liberally with salt, paprika, and garlic, and fried them in olive oil until each side was crispy and beautifully browned. Wonderful.

Each bite brought back treasured memories of adventures in Germany with beloved friends.

German fried potatoes

Do you have a favorite food that brings back good memories for you?