Well better late than never, Ika and Matt finally had the time for a special trip just a few years after their whirlwind wedding in Aspen.  Poor things barely had time to ski back then because Ika was due back in her Master’s program in early January:)  It does my heart good to see that they chose to tour Germany, our old stomping grounds, with their time off.  Robert and I lived in Weisloch, just 13 km south of Heidelberg during ’70 and ’71.  For those who don’t believe in the power of prayer, Robert was drafted during the ‘Nam War and 99% of the draftees were headed for the war.  I prayed out loud night and day, I swear. Having only been married a matter of months I was not prepared for widowhood so young.  As He is known to do, He answered in a bigger way than I expected; we spent a year and a half in Germany.  Matt and Ika were able to locate our old apartment in Weisloch and sent a picture of it for my memory book.  We were on the third floor overlooking the main street, where we watched parades and sauntered down for a bite of schnitzel on occasion.  The family that owned the building loved Americans and told us in their broken English that they had seen America; they had visited New York once.  We heard that often in Germany, they all thought New York was a great representation of America. We would just smile and nod, not wanting to burst their bubble. New York is so NOT like the America we knew. The people were warm and friendly, the wine and beer were beyond compare, and the country so picturesque.  It was a beautiful time in our lives, and a very special memory.  I have to go back!  On the Bucket List:)