If you were to take HWY 475 into the small town of Rheine Germany, about 2km from the city center, or zentrum, you would pass a small side street that leads to a the storage site for a construction company. But before you got to the site, tucked away behind thick brush and a cherry blossom tree, there lies The Villa. The true charm of the place, besides the people you find you there, lies in the back yard.
Rheine lies on the Ems River, and there is about 150 yards between the back premises of the villa and the Ems. In between is a beautiful green area - I'm gonna quote the one and only Kate Svec here from an email she wrote me just a couple weeks ago because it explains the beautiful green area I'm talking about.
"The green fields you were riding through adjacent to the river are what's referred to as a 'riparian zone.' The nutrients carried along by the river make for a lush, thriving ecosystem adjacent to the water - hence the intensely green grass. in the U.S. this would be prime real estate. in europe its prime recreation space to be conserved, not developed."
So there you have it folks.
The most important thing you do at the villa is chill. Whether it be in the back or in the common area inside that has a woodburning stove. We watched two movies - Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Changeling. Both were good and worth a watch.
We helped construct and install an above ground pool today in the back - another place to chill. It was exactually quite an impressive project.
We also went to a park called Huenborg, that featured a Stonehendge type structure that dates back centuries. We chilled there too.
Most importantly, however, has been the kindness shown to us by our host especially, Tamai. But also by two new friends Ina and Nadya. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We hope to return the hospitality and friendship should any of you ever make it to the USA.
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