Transcription
FREEWHAT’S UPJANUARY 2021W H AT T O S E E W H AT T O D OVisitGREECE’SSPECTACULARISLANDSTHE PLAKA:Athens' favorite neighborhoodCHAMONIX, FRANCEThe perfect weekend getaway MUCH MORE!RHEIN MAIN
WHAT’S UPA Stars and Stripes Community PublicationCOMMANDERMARCI A. HOFFMAN, Lt Col, USAFBUSINESS OPERATIONSMANAGER EUROPECAROLINE MILLERPUBLISHING & MEDIA DESIGN,DIRECTORMARIE WOODSWRITER-EDITORMARY DEL ROSARIO, ANNA BAGIACKASGRAPHIC ARTISTSCARRIE FARRELL, LAURA HERSHENGAGEMENT MANAGERKAREN LEWISMARKETING COORDINATORREMY JOHNSONMULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING,MANAGERDOUG DOUGHERTYMULTIMEDIA ADVERTISING,CONSULTANTSSEAN ADAMS, HEIDI BAYFIELD,NATE JAMISON, TOM KEYS,CLAUDIA STIER, JEFF TEESELINKADVERTISING COORDINATORSAL GREEN, KRISTI KIMMELCOVER DESIGN BYLAURA HERSHPhoto Location: Santorini, GreeceADVERTISING OFFICEUnit 29480, APO, AE 09211Postfach 1980, 67607Kaiserslautern, Germany 49(0)631-3615-9000or email: dougherty.doug@stripes.comCONTACT US:Telephone: 49 (0) 0631-3615-9111or DSN: 314-583-9111Email: memberservices@stripes.comVisit our website for more informationat www.StripesEurope.comTO ADVERTISE CONTACT:SEAN ADAMSRHEIN MAIN MULTIMEDIA CONSULTANTadams.sean@stripes.comTEL: 0172-666-8135
January’sObsessionOUR LOOSE-LEAF LOVEteatimeIf you asked me fiveyears ago if I’d care fora cup of tea, I would’vescrunched my nose upand said: “No, thanks.”One of the many reasons why I grewto love tea was its accessibility. Thereare so many tea shops all aroundGermany that it’s hard not to beseduced by their charm and aroma.I remember walking into TeehausRai, formally known as Teehaus, andinstantly falling in love with thisquaint store peppered with kitschydecor with a sea of loose, fragranttea leaves all nicely presented in tincanisters. There were so many flavors, I was completely overwhelmedby my options.Germans prefer loose tea as opposed to tea bags, and I can see why.Once you’ve steeped that colorfulmix of strawberry and passionfruittea, the aroma alone will be enoughto get you hooked. But, don’t justtake my word for it. The next timeyou head to a city, peek your head inone of the shops and see why I loveit so much.By Mary Del RosarioBack in the States, I’ve alwaysloved going to Teavana andenjoyed smelling the tea leavesand admiring the cute teapots ondisplay, but I couldn’t ever bringmyself to actually enjoy it. It was oneof those things that I wanted to love,but I just couldn’t. Now, thanks tomany “Kaffee und Kuchen,” coffee andcake dates with German locals, I canproudly say I’m a tea lover.Tea in Germany (well, Europe for thatmatter) is big. Not only is it soothing to the soul, but it’s also a wayto connect with family and friendsby drinking and talking. Personally,I love eating “Marmorkuchen,” ormarble cake with a piping hot cupof rooibos tea in my hand. Asidefrom the comforting aspect, it’shealthy for you. Germans swear bytea as a remedy for anything. Havea headache? Pregnant? There’s a teafor that.4HERE ARE A FEW WORDSOF TERMINOLOGY TOREMEMBER THAT MIGHTBE USEFUL TO YOU WHENVISITING A TEA SHOP:“Ziehenlassen“ – to steep tea“Schwarzer Tee” – black tea“Grüner Tee” – green tea“Rooibos Tee” – rooibosmy personalfavorite!!“Früchtetee” – fruit tea“Kamillentee” – chamomile tea“Hagebuttentee” – rosehip tea“Pfefferminztee“ – peppermint tea“Ingwer“ – ginger“Zimt“ – cinnamon“Aromatisiert” – flavored“Teelöffel” – teaspoon“Teekanne” – tea pot
GERMAN LIVINGGERMANY’S HIGHLIGHTRüdesheim am RheinLooking for the perfect day trip without breakingthe bank? Nestled between the banks of the RhineRiver and the Hochstein Mountains is a picturesque village that seems to be pulled right from aGrimm Brothers’ fairy tale.6By Adam Mann
LUK ASBISH OFF/123RF. COMYou can plan the perfect getaway toRüdesheim am Rhein and spend as littleor as much as you would like. With onlyso many hours in the day, Rüdesheimam Rhein leaves you planning whatyou want to do on your next trip therebefore you even finish your first.Rüdesheim am Rhein is theperfect village for childrenand parents alike, with avariety of activities to appeal toany interest. When getting toRüdesheim, it is often easier topark across the Rhein River inthe village of Bingen. There isfree parking available at the ferry from Bingen to Rüdesheim,just off of Hafenstraße, andthe ferry itself costs less than 3euros per person.Once you arrive, stroll downto Drosselgasse, a traditionalcobblestone street, where thearoma and sounds of traditionalGerman cooking and music canwash over you and whisk youaway to a different time. Thereare more restaurants and storesthen you can count, leaving youwith plenty of options as youwander along.At the end of the street, makeyour way to the charmingcable cars that offer stunningpicture-perfect panoramicviews of the area as you workyour way up to the NiederwaldMonument. This impressivemonument was built between1870 and 1880 as a commemoration to the unificationof the German Empire afterthe Franco-Prussian war. Thedetail in the monument itselfis immense, and on the otherside, you are presented with a8stunning view overlooking theRhein and Rüdesheim.If you’re a little more adventurous, head to the edge oftown and make the 1.5-miletrek up through the vineyardsto the monument. Adjacent tothe monument is NiederwaldPark, with plenty of trails thatcut through the forest that area multitude of lengths, so youcan go for a quick hike or beout for the day.If all of this sounds more like aworkout and less like a getaway, then taking a roundtripcruise down the Rhine mightsound a little more appealing.The cruises themselves areaffordable, ranging from 20 to30 euros, depending on how faryou want to go down the river.I recommend heading to SanktGoar, and exploring the smallpicturesque town and castlethere before heading back toRüdesheim am Rhein.There are tour guides availableon the cruise, in both Englishand German, to tell you aboutthe history of the area and thecountless castles that you willpass. If you opt to go to SanktGoar, you will also pass theLorelei statue which has its ownunique folklore, all of which willbe explained on the cruise. Q SUESU E MARTINMAM RTINRTIIN/123/123RF.CRF.COMRFRF.CO
ONLINERESERVEPaint Mix CenterPICK-UPNEWHERERENTAL SERVICE atTiefpreisgarantie
TRAVEL INSPIRATION12
VisitGREECE’SSPECTACULARISLANDSBy Emma BareihsThe wondrous waters andwhitewashed towns of Greecetotal up to 6,000 islands.These golden beaches thatyou’ve seen in movies andpictures lure in travelers whowant to explore the islandsfrom all over the globe.Experience the idyllic cultureon your next holiday byisland-hopping in Greece.13
TRAVEL INSPIRATIONTo island hop, pick a cluster of islands in a close vicinity. Greece’s islands are separated intosix clusters. Of the six, the easiest to hop are the Cyclades. This collection includes Mykonosand Santorini, two must-see islands for first-timers. Greek island cruises offer a structuredexperience with daily set itineraries for different islands. If you want to explore the islands onyour own, personalized time, plan on flights and ferries. These are the islands worth hoppingin the Cyclades:ANDROSFly into Athens and take a two-hourferry to Andros. If you’re looking to stayfit on your trip, Andros has mountainsto climb. While you’re there, explore the5 million-year-old Aladino Cave. After,wander the Neraidotopos, a scene ofcrystal clear waterfalls and ponds. Walkup 143 steps to the Pano Kastro builtin 1200 that overlooks the Aegean Sea.Next, board an hour and a half ferry toMykonos.MYKONOSAlthough popular if you’re lookingfor a fun night with drinks, music anddancing, Mykonos also holds true to therelaxed nature of Greece. Stroll alongthe Little Venice neighborhood of colorful houses and watch the sunset fromthe famous windmills. Get to Paros witha one-hour ferry.PAROSParos is a mixture of every show-stopping Greek island: clear water, rockyterrain and Greek architecture. PanagiaEkatontapiliani, a Byzantine-era stonechurch in Parikia is worth a visit for thespiritual or architectural tourist. Then,tour the Agii Anargyri, a monastery witha holy spring that people collect waterfrom. Eat in the fishing town of Naoussa.It is a short 45-minute ferry to Naxos.NAXOSWhere the god of wine, Dionysus, grewup in Greek mythology, Naxos boastswith vineyards. Most of the island’s delicacies are also known for the island-produced cheese. Pair Graviera Naxou andArseniko, famous island cheeses, withthe local wine. Continuing the foodtheme, tour one of the many olive millssuch as the Olive Mill at Demari, Naxos’first motorized olive mill. Santorini is anhour and 15-minute ferry away.14Fishingvillage onParos
SANTORINITourists are drawn to Santorini, a spectacle of Greece. Walk along a blacksand beach or get lost in the white and blue villages of Fira and Oia. Youwill find shops, food and picture-perfect settings for sunset. Take a twohour ferry to Milos.MILOSAlthough famous for the Venus de Milo, placed in the Louvre Museumtoday, Milos remains one of the least-crowded islands in the Cyclades. Youcan’t go to Milos without a trip to some hot springs. One of the most popular mineral baths is Ta Loutra tou Lakkou, recommended for skin diseases,andmuscle and joint pain. Visit Sarakiniko beach to sunbathe on moon-likerocks. Board an hour and a half ferry to Serifos.GOOD TO KNOW1 . If you opt for a cruise, keep in mind thatSERIFOSmost cruises are going to stop at the mostpopular islands.Get active on the hills of Serifos. Hike the mining trail called Megalo Livadi,where a mining industry once thrived, to find mining cars and trackshidden in the mineral-rich island. Trek the terrain of Serifos to find themythological one-eyed Cyclops Throne for a panoramic view. Finish thegetaway with a two-hour ferry to Athens.Avoid the tourist peak in July and August. The spring, while still busy, will not beas crowded as the summer months.2.3 . Do not plan on flying to each island.While some islands have small airports, mostislands do not. Speed ferries are the bestoption. On average, ferry tickets can rangefrom 5 euros to 40 euros.4 . Plan your days around ferry times.Depending on what season you decide tohop, ferries may not be as frequent. Bookyour tickets in advance and plan your tripsaccording to the ferry schedule.5.Booking tickets online is the best wayto reserve seats. However, many onlinebookings only give you a receipt. Take yourreceipt to the ferry booths to pick up tickets.6 . Pack light. Chances are you will beclimbing many stairs and boarding manyboats. Avoid tired arms by not packing largeand heavy bags.7 . Pick a few islands and spend more dayson them, or hop several islands knowingthat your time will be short.8.Renting a scooter or 4-wheeler for theday might be cheaper than taking buses ortaxis around to sites.Famous windmillson Mykonos9 . Most ferries have food and drinks. But,remember to bring plenty of water to stayhydrated in the sun.1 0 . Snagging an outdoor seat on theferry offers the best views of the surroundingsea. Most of the outdoor seats are shaded,but windy. Q15
Plaka Stairs - Famouscafe-lined stairs. Among thecafe-restaurants that exist inthe area is Yiasemi.Up Closeand PersonalwithPlakaby Stacy Roman16Visiting any major metropolis usuallymeans checking out famous sites—the Colosseum in Rome, Buckingham Palace in London, the EiffelTower in Paris. In Athens, places such as theParthenon, Acropolis and the Theater of Dionysus are likely to get crossed off your bucketlist. However, it’s not just ruins and landmarksthat make up a city. Vibrant neighborhoodsteeming with culture, history and, my personal favorite, food, mix together to create aphenomenal spot just waiting to be discovered. In Athens, this can be found just to thenortheast of the Acropolis in Plaka.Dating back more than 3,500 years, Plakais one of the oldest settlements in not justAthens or Greece, but Europe as a whole. Walking through the steep, narrow cobblestonealleyways is like stepping back through time.Although the area is arguably more gentrifiedand a bit touristy, it still retains its Bohemiannature and old-world charm.
LEFT: Tower of the Winds considered the world's firstmeteorological station.RIGHT: The Roman Agora towards the Tower of the Winds.What to DoDotting the hilly streets are plenty ofjewelry and trinket shops to find theperfect one-of-a-kind souvenir or justmarvel at the colorful blooms blanketing the rustic building facades. Thereare plenty of historical places to seewithout leaving the neighborhood.The Tower of the Winds, Doorwayof the Medrese and the Mosque ofMehmet the Conqueror are all withinshort walks of each other. If the kidsneed a little entertainment, head tothe Museum of Greek Children’s Art forhands-on and interactive exhibits. Fora romantic date night, bask in the twilight at Cine Paris, an outdoor movietheater with breathtaking views of thecity and the Acropolis.Good EatsStart the day by heading to one of the localcafes such as Oionos Cafe Bar or Kidathineon,both of which are perfect for people watchingat the park across the street, for a deliciouslatte and thick, creamy yogurt with locallysourced Greek honey. Or try a slice of spanakopita, a tasty spinach and feta mixture enveloped in flaky phyllo. Feeling a bit warm fromthe Mediterranean sunshine? Head to DaVinciGelato or Coco’s Ice Cream for a refreshingsweet treat.While touring thewell-known historicallandmarks are a mustdo, take a day (or two)and get up close andFor dinner, head to Taverna Saita, a traditionalGreek taverna off the beaten path that offersfreshly caught seafood, savory souvlaki,mouthwatering moussaka and tantalizingbaklava for dessert. A great spot for a light biteand dessert is Yiasemi, complete with tablesperched on the stone steps outside. Offeringa variety of tarts, pies, salads, cakes and anarray of delicious imbibements, it’s a cozy andfriendly place to reflect on the day. Qpersonal with the spacesand places surroundingthe city. You’ll discoveramazing sights andbeautiful culture aroundevery corner.TOP: SpanakopitaMIDDLE: SouvlakiBOTTOM: Baklava17
TRAVEL INSPIRATIONHow to Spend 48 Hoursin Chamonix, FranceWhat To SeeWhether you’re a thrill-seeking skier or prefer to catch views closer to solidground, Chamonix has lots to offer you. Home to the very first winter Olympicsin 1924, this French destination continues to welcome skiers, snowboarders,hikers, climbers and tourists from all over the world. While you could spend aweeklong vacation exploring via a pair of skis or a snowboard, the many publictransportation options allow you to see the best of the area in just 48 hours.For those coming for the views, your first adventure should be the gondola rideup to the 3,842-meter Aiguille du Midi peak. This is Europe’s highest lift stationand offers a close-up of Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. While there,check out “Step Into The Void,” a glass room with 1,000 meters of free air belowfor a safe, yet heart-pumping experience. From there, you can hike to the Montenvers Train Station and the 7-kilometer Mer de Glace, France’s longest glacier.If a hike isn’t up your alley, you can also take a train ride to the glacier whereyou can walk through ice tunnels followed by a bite to eat at Restaurant LePanoramique Mer de Glace. As the glacier decreases in size each year, it is hardto avoid contemplating the environment around you. For another bucket-listgondola ride, take the Skyway Monte Bianco cable car trip that crosses the border into Italy, landing at Helbronner Point. Other unique rides include the cog railTramway du Mont-Blanc and Le Brevent Gondola for the best views of Mont Blanc,where you can also dine with amazing scenery at the mountain restaurant. DELCREATIONS/123RF.COMThe alpine resort town of Chamonix, France has become anepicenter for climbers, skiers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. With glaciers, trails, ice tunnels and awe-inspiringpeaks, you don’t need a week to check off some of thesebucket-list items when it is safe to travel again. GREGDA /UNSPLASH.COMBy Anna Leigh BagiackasFor the best visuals, get up early and catch one of the first cable cars to avoidthe clouds rolling in, typical in the afternoon. In the non-winter months, catchsome speed (or go for the slower, more leisurely ride) down the Chamonix LugeAlpine Coaster and watch paragliders take flight in this hub of mountain flying.For those wanting to enjoy views from below, you can walk or hike along theArve River between Chamonix and Les Praz.While you might think that the mountainous views are what it’s all about inChamonix, you are still in France, therefore food and drink are a top priority.You are in Haute-Savoie cuisine territory, meaning meals are heartier and morereminiscent of what you’d find in Switzerland than in Paris. You will find variouscombinations of delicious melted French cheeses, potatoes and cured meats,such as fondue, raclette and “tartiflette,” which is made up of potatoes, baconand cheese. These are popular choices after a day on the slopes and thesedishes will warm you from the inside out, as well as a glass of French wine. Trythe “Fendant,” a local wine made from the region’s Chasselas grapes. Q18 MICHAEL LANDRUM /123RF.COMMust-Try Food and Drinks
January 2021MWR GOWiesbaden.ArmyMWR.comWiesbaden Familyand Morale, Welfareand Recreation/WiesbadenArmyMWRStart the new year by learning a new skillPlease note: These events areall subject to change during theongoing COVID-19 response.Please call the facility in advanceto ensure the event is indeedhappening as scheduled.U.S. ForcesGermanHuntingCourseWi e s b a d e nOutdoor RecreVirtual Foreign Bornation hosts itsnext U.S. ForcesSpouse MeetingGerman HuntingGet together with fellowCourse Jan. 26 toforeign-born spouses during Take part in the Dri Tri II Jan. 4-18.April 24, 2021.Treffpunkt meetings that are held at the Wiesbaden Sports andevery second Wednesday of the Fitness Center. The times of all Successful course completionmonth from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at three elements will be combined gives you the right to purchase aArmy Community Service. Call for the final score. Individuals and German Hunting License and toACS at civ (0611) 143-548-9201 teams can participate with first-, be knighted during a traditionalto register.second- and third-place medals Jaegerschlag ceremony. Classesgoing to winners in both the indi- are held Tuesdays and ThursMaking the Most ofvidual and team categories. Also, days from 6-9 p.m. ShootingMy TSPand practical exercises are onArmy Community Service’s T-shirts will be presented to eachFriday afternoons. Cost is 250Financial Readiness Program participant while supplies last.per person (includes registraCallciv(0611)143-548-9830offers a wide range of classestion fee and membership in theorstopbytheFitnessCentertoaimed at helping communitymembers better manage their schedule your individual or team Wiesbaden Hunting, Fishingand Sport Shooting Programfinances. This virtual class, on workout reservation time.— ammunition, transportationJan. 5, 2021, from 9-10:30 a.m., Light Up the Mindcosts and range fees are extra).is mandatory for Soldiers vestThe Wiesbaden Library hosts Participants must be U.S. citizensing in the Thrift Savings Plan.the Light Up the Mind winter and hold a valid ID card. Call civCall civ (0611) 143-548-9201 toreading program through March (0611) 143-548-9801 or stop byregister and inquire about other19, 2021. Patrons can earnthe Outdoor Recreation Centerupcoming classes.badges and tickets by loggingon Clay North to register.Dri Tri IItheir reading. Tickets can thenTake part in the Dri Tri II — be used to enter the library’s Ask the Teama five-kilometer spin bike ride, weekly drawing for a door prize.Get your questions answeredfive kilometers on the rowing Visit wiesbaden.armymwr.com/ virtually during the weekly “Askmachine and a 10-kilometer programs/wiesbaden-library for the Army Community Servicetreadmill workout — Jan. 4-18 more information.Relocation Readiness Team”sessions. The MS Teams sessionsare held online every Tuesdayat 10:30 a.m. Send an emailto o request an invitation to joina session.U.S. Forces GermanFishing CourseLearn what you need to knowto purchase your German Fishing License and successfullyfish while in Germany duringOutdoor Recreation’s FishingCourse Feb.3-7, 2021. Coursesubjects include Fishing Law,Hydrology, Equipment, Ichthyology, Diseases andmore. Cost is 75for adults ages 16and up or 25 forages 10-15 (minimum age is 10). Register at theWiesbaden Outdoor RecreationCenter on Clay North or call civ(0611) 143-548-9801.Fitness Center ClassesJoin fellow community members for a host of great fitnessclasses at the Wiesbaden Sportsand Fitness Center. Classes include everything from yoga tospin, martial arts to functionalfitness training — and lots more.Stop by the center or visit asses.Virtual Mommy andDaddy 101Pick up the tools to becomean outstanding parent duringMommy and Daddy 101 classes,courtesy of Army CommunityService, on Jan. 5 from 9 a.m. tonoon. or Jan. 19 from 5:30-7:30p.m. Call civ (0611) 143-5489201 for class log-in details.
rocks. Board an hour and a half ferry to Serifos. SERIFOS Get active on the hills of Serifos. Hike the mining trail called Megalo Livadi, where a mining industry once thrived, to find mining cars and tracks hidden in the mineral-rich island. Trek the terrain of Serifos to find the mythological one-eyed Cyclops Throne for a panoramic view .
