Dreieich Sprendlingen

After saying our goodbyes we put our bags on our back and headed for the Boston airport. We woke up in Frankfurt, Germany after a 7 hour and 22 minute flight, most of which we slept through. To our delight, we were welcomed by a family friend on the first day of our one year trip. Hansjorg and the Brans Family made us feel at home in their house in Dreieich Sprendlingen.

Dreieich (40,000 pop.), about 30 minutes south of Frankfurt, is comprised of five small towns, of which Sprendlingen (28,000 pop.) is the largest. In German, Dreieich means “three oaks.” (We saw the three oak trees that the town was named after. Two of them are the original ones, one has been replaced.) The first settlement of these towns was in 1000, although the oldest remains visible is the square tower built in 1050. The compound was destroyed in wars throughout the centuries. Although it was rebuilt at some point, only a few walls of the original structure remain today. What was once a moat that surrounded the entire castle walls is now is large pond on the other side of the wall (see photos page).

The site was of particular importance to the Brans Family because their son Renee was married to Yvonne there and their daughter Eva will marry her fiancé Marcus on the grounds in October. From the pictures you can imagine how beautiful a wedding would be there. Champagne will be served in the foyer behind the wall.

Although we were only in the area for a little less than 24 hours we got the grand tour. Not only did we manage to see the “Old City,” we also got to browse around the family sporting goods store, Brans Travel Shop Der Ausrüster, nap in the garden, and top off the day with a delicious Bavarian dinner and thirst quenching German beer.

We also had the pleasure of receiving Hansjorg’s German language crash course for dummies. Having a few German words under our belt was helpful at times, but, more so, it added an element of humor for all those who had the good fortune of speaking with one of us. In the end, we realized that if we opened our mouths with Guten tag (good day) in our wonderful American accents, people smiled and were more than willing to help the two frazzled looking kids in front of them.

Thank you so much Hansjorg and Gabby for sharing your home with us. We can only hope to encounter the warm and welcoming hospitality we had in your home throughout our trip. Best wishes to you both and the rest of your family.