Today I hosted the first official
Cöllefornia-Stammtisch
at Ludwig’s German Table in San José.
A Stammtisch = German for “regulars’ table”, is an informal group meeting held on a regular basis. It is not a structured meeting, but rather a friendly get-together. (Wikipedia)
I haven’t done a lot of writing lately, but this Stammtisch was something I’ve been thinking about for a while. 11/11 seemed like the perfect date because today the official “Karneval season” starts in Cologne. I posted the event to my facebook page and to one of the bigger German fb groups in the Bay Area. My lovely friend sent me some decorations, some Bierdeckel, a garland, napkins and a traditional Cologne Karneval hat. I wasn’t sure if anyone would show up besides a few of my friends, but the turnout was great.
We were thirteen adults and four kids and some people even came dressed up! It was so much fun. There were people born in Cologne, people who had lived in and around Cologne, whose children were born in Cologne or who are just in love with Cologne and the Karneval.
We had several “Früh Kölsch” and enjoyed some Schnitzel, Currywurst or Flammkuchen. The Australian family, who had lived in Cologne for three years, was all dressed up in red and white, the colors of the city – I loved it! I’m not only happy about how many people showed up, but I’m delighted about how lovely everyone was. After all this time here, I made new friends once more. Time well spent as my friend always says. Thank you to Nicole and her team at Ludwig’s who have been wonderful hosts as usual.
We already made plans for the next Stammtisch and for a big Karnevals Party. Maybe I will see you at the next Stammtisch? I’m really looking forward to it!
Danke für euer Kommen, es war echt super schön! Bis zum nächsten Mal!
