When traveling, or living life in general, it’s just easier to stick with what you know, it’s safe.  Our multiple trips into Oberammergau conveniently landed us at the same eis cafe on the main street, the one that was always busy, no matter the temperature.  One lazy afternoon, I had an hour to myself.  I strolled in and out of shops, up and down every street.  My brain thinks differently when by myself, it slows and I find the “me” that is not in “mom mode,” a nice change.  I wondered about the shops tucked away on the side streets, away from the town center, and their survival rate.  Is it the 6 months of liveliness created by the Passion Play that keeps them breathing?

In my hour of calm I was  to be searching out a lunch spot for the family.  I ducked into Paola’s Italian Eis Cafe because of the chalkboard easel touting PIZZA!  It was very small, 25 feet in depth and 10 feet wide.  I glanced at the baked goods in the case and the small eating area.  The older blonde behind the counter in a gruff voice said something to the affect of, “what do you want?”  I smiled and walked out.  I felt like I had walked into someone’s house.   I didn’t know what to do with that, weird thing was, I wanted to go back and win that lady over to the happy side of life.

Later that day, our brood of six invaded the tiny cafe.  Again, we were presented with a, what-do-you-want attitude.  We told her pizza and she motioned for us to sit down.  Ordering was in the same fashion.  I felt like I was in trouble for being there.  Lots of smiling didn’t even crack her.  I watched her busyness behind the counter, cleaning and straightening.  Raleigh had his eye on her too as he walked down the one aisle to the front of the cafe to gaze at the case of colorful gelato-she sternly watching him until Raleigh smiled and winked at her!  The ice melted off this hard working lady and she hollers, “He’s a Casanova!”  It was done, not by me, but by a four year old that knew what this tired woman needed.

We visited awhile with Ingrid about her business.  Only she and her husband work, all day and into the evening.  She talked of wanting to sell it and live 6 months of the year in the Canary Islands and the other in Oberammergau.  She said business is not great and expressed that she was tired.   She seemed to have elements of a “fun lover,” a great personality hidden under exhaustion.

Den, Raleigh and I went back the next day to tell her good-bye and wish her well on her adventures.  Funny, when we walked in the shop she had the same stern look until she looked down to see Raleigh, and then back up to recognize us as now friends.  Her face lit up and she began to tease our little Casanova.

Sometimes a first impression deserves a second or third impression.  There are times when a smile or a wink can draw out the best in a person.

Oberammergau is also known for its wood carvers.  We popped into a shop and watched this man work on a 3 dimensional family portrait.

 

The Eisenhower Museum was on the main level of a private home.   We were greeted by a 50 year old gentleman, Clause, and his elderly mother.  They were so pleased to have us.  The family’s relationship to the Eisenhowers is what allows the existence of this museum.  Clause’s father, William, managed the General Patton Hotel along with the St. Florian House.  In William’s 29 years with the US Armed Forces Recreation Center in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany, he had met many VIP visitors.  The museum exhibit that stood out the most was William’s portrait painted by General Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1951.  We were amazed at the book of beautiful paintings done by the late president.  Den and Clause talked extensively about the history and looked at the many photos.  Clause shared many stories, one of which included a memory of sitting on Mamie Eisenhower’s lap. Clause once lived in Abilene, KS, home of the late president, and still visits frequently.  For more information on this museum please visit with my husband:)

 

We are told that the village we stayed in, Unterammergau is “OLD GERMANY.”  We were fortunate enough to see a local concert with children in traditional dress doing a traditional dance.

 

 

Good-bye, Germany.  It was a privilege to visit your country!