Kaffee und Kuchen

The wood stove had the house warmed nicely, as warm as the greeting we received from these two friends.  Carlo and Hiltrud had invited Rick, Sylvia and me for Kaffee und Kuchen.  This is a German tradition on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 p.m. or so.  Coffee and cake, often a variety to sample, are on offer.  We were invited to partake in the tradition. 

                          Hiltrud und Carlo Hengst

Hiltrud used her beautiful china, a gift from her German cousins. The delicate flower pattern, the plates and bowl-like saucers beautifully complemented the elegant cups.  The Sumatran coffee was a perfect match for the delicious Kuchen, a subtly nutty, beautifully decorated, four layer affair.  A golden colored egg liqueur completed the treat.

Almost better than the cake though was the conversation about the tradition and shared family stories of raising children and the wisdom that comes with age.  Singing followed, beautiful German songs from the opera Hänsel and Gretel by Engelbert Humperdinck.  Carlo and Hiltrud sing in harmony as beautifully as many professional singers.

While we live in Prince Edward Island, Canada, for a few hours on Sunday, we had the good fortune to experience a slice of Germany, its traditions, culture and music.  

Danke, Hiltrud und Carlo.  You make life in PEI so much richer than we ever could have imagined.