Germany is a "Bread Paradise". With over 3050 registered varieties, almost all available types of grain used, from wheat, rye, barley and oats to millet, corn, rice and potato starch. While bread rolls go under so many different names in the various regions it is easier just to point.

November's Volkstrauertag commemorates all who died, were left to mourn, or are victims of violence brought about by combat or oppression. Military, civilian, of all nationalities. From Europe's old battlefields to the armed conflicts and struggles in our present-day world.

Birthday celebrations in Germany are "different". Imagine being expected to take everyone out for dinner on your own birthday. And never wish a German Geburtstagkind, Birthday Child, Happy Birthday until the actual day. One minute after midnight yes, but not even a second before.

It is a food in Bavaria, "flüssiges Brot/liquid bread", has its own day "Tag des Deutschen Bieres", and don't forget to raise one thumb when ordering. Fun facts you probably don't know about German beer.

Rinderrouladen, "Beef Rouladen", or even "Roll-Em-Ups", thin slices of beef rolled up around a seasoned onion and bacon filling, in a wine sauce. Once saved for celebrations or Sundays, now the delicious German classic is a popular "every day" dinner choice during the cold weather season.

What is a Currywurst? Well life without it would be unthinkable for many Germans. A grilled sausage with special curry sauce far tastier than ketchup and curry powder, or the contents of a packet, it's an iconic fast food snack enjoyed everywhere. Its story and authentic sauce recipe.

It is said German castles have real Ghosts, and Witches, Forest Goddesses of pagan times, have never really gone away, but the centuries old All Saints and All Souls Day traditions are as much a part of the season's culture as ever. Despite recently introduced Halloween with its plastic skeletons.

Is it a Weckmann, a Stutenkerl or Nikolaus? Different names for the "Bread Man" that in German speaking countries no November St. Martin's Day, or December St. Nicholas, would be complete. A traditional sweet yeast dough holiday specialty, here is its story and a recipe.

Candle lit lantern processions, Martinstag, and the Legend of St. Martin. Germany's children bring light and music to a November 11 in Germany, St. Martin's Day. Singing, "Weckmann" enjoyed by an open fire, church services in his honor, and Martinsgans for supper. But who was St. Martin?

Nature's preschool for children. Waldkindergärten, Forest Schools. Open air, the natural world and exploration, replace classroom walls whatever the weather. Favorites with children and parents, waiting lists are long for this 19th century system from the man who invented the Kindergarten.