Otherwise known as Karneval (Carnival), this "5th Season" here in the Eifel region of Germany was slightly muted from my times celebrating Mardi Gras in New Orleans. If you ever find yourself in this part of Europe around the middle of February the Fasching parades are a "must-see."

 

Here are my top 5 Memories:

5. Getting pelted in the head by candy is not fun. Getting soothed by a shot of Schnapps afterward--I can handle that.

4. This is the one time that my German neighbors don't seem at all fazed with candy wrappers, broken glass and plastic cups littering their streets. Clean up did commence the day after however.

3. "Hellau" and "Alaaf" are the only words you really need to know. Although "Enschuldigung" and "Tut Mir Leid" are great for clearing up any misunderstandings.

2. Just when I thought the German love of Baywatch and the "Hoff" were old stereotypes they made their appearance on a float.

1.They may not celebrate Halloween here but Fasching fans love their costumes.