I have been living in Germany now for almost four years, with my German husband and two children, ages five and three. As the kids are quite small, our main vacations have only been to come back to Canada (NL, of course!) to visit family and friends.

Finally, this April we took a five-day vacation into the nearby Black Forest, and I just had to take my Downhome along with me! We visited a "bauernhof," which is basically a real farm that also has vacation apartments to rent. You are then welcome to pet/feed the animals on the farm, play in the child-friendly yards, take hay rides, etc., or go on day trips.

With two boys who are train-crazy, we chose to visit an amazing miniature train museum, where there is a whole landscape set up with villages, mountains, people doing all sorts of daily work and trains, trains, trains driving everywhere. The kids could push buttons to make trains drive or to make chimneys smoke, etc.

We also took several small hikes through the beautiful countryside, seeing majestic mountains, quaint valleys, picturesque lakes and rivers, etc. ("Sounds like Newfoundland, doesn't it?" my father would ask.) In the Schluchsee area we climbed a lookout tower for a gander at the wonderful panorama. Here is a picture of me, taken by my husband.

I got my first subscription to Downhomer 15 years ago when I finished university and moved to Toronto to look for work. It was a gift from my parents. I've been receiving it ever since and have enjoyed every issue. Keep up the good work! Also, I'd like to say hi to all my friends and family back in Canada. I sure miss everyone back home and send you my love.   Submitted By: Cindy Heckfuss (nee Dollimount)