I was somewhat successful regarding my mom’s dad’s side of the family. I found my way to Gunlingen, Germany. I stopped at a hairdresser’s place and asked if they knew of any Zipfels. They said not in Gunlingen, but in Breisach, Germany. I proceeded to an address of a Zipfel in Breisach, but it was an apartment building and I didn’t go see if I could find Zipfel. I looked for the City Hall and made my way up a hill to where the city hall is located, along with a church. I went to the City Hall, but they were not much help. They will not just give out information. I did get a map of the area, though. Next to the City Hall was a small café. I decided to go in and ask the wonderful ladies if they knew of any Zipfels. They heard of the name, but did not know anyone personally. I ordered a pretzel and cappuccino and talked with them briefly. I eventually showed them my genealogy book and they gave me the name and e-mail address of the archiver of the city. This archiver covers the small towns connected to Breisach, including Gundlingen. The ladies helped me figure out what town the Zipfels I knew about are in. They also found another one in the phone book. I thanked them greatly and gave them my e-mail address to stay in touch.
Now, I proceeded to put an address into the GPS system and it kept telling me to take pedestrian streets instead of drivable streets. I thought I would never get off that hill. I had to back up at least 2 times and continue another way down. I’m surprised I didn’t get stopped by the police. If I didn’t have a small car, I don’t know how I would’ve made it.
I went to one address and it was another apartment complex, but this time I went to the door, but didn’t see Zipfel listed. I went to another address. This time, a couple was leaving and they looked at me odd. As they passed me, I rolled down my window and they did the same. I asked about Zipfels. “Yes, they live there, but they are on holiday in Spain . . . no France.” I have the address, so I could send them a letter . . . later.
I proceeded to look for other Zipfels. I eventually found the address for one . . . once someone walked me to the address. I rang and after the 3rd ring, an older woman answered the door. Needless to say, I became flustered and said “thank you” instead of “hello” and she closed the door in my face. :( I rang again, but figured she wouldn’t answer. I then went to the other address in the same town. This time, I prepared what I would say . . . in German. I found the ringer for Zipfel and rang. He called from the balcony. I asked if he spoke English . . . a little bit. (This is the standard answer to this question, BTW). I explained that my mom is a Zipfel and I was looking for relatives. He came downstairs and talked with me for a bit. I showed him my information, but the names did not look familiar to him. He shared his name, along with his father’s and grandfather’s. I asked if I could take a picture, but he said no. He also told me that the lady who shut the door on me is his mother. I forgot to ask when his father and grandfather passed away.
After that, I decided I was hungry and found a German restaurant in a nearby town. Unfortunately, they were not serving food at that moment. So, I decided to drive back to Karlsruhe. Driving on the Autoban is thrilling. In one second no car is behind you; then all of a sudden, there’s a car and you need to move to the right. I can say that they were going faster than 130-140 km/hour. ;)
After returning to my hotel, I decided to walk the streets to find a German restaurant. I asked the hotel person for a recommendation, but he did not give me a name of a restaurant, just that they are up and down the main street and off another street. Granted, I only walked down the main street, but I couldn’t find one that served food. I was getting frustrated. I stopped at one and went in. I got odd looks and was told that they do not serve food. As I was leaving, I wondered if it was a bar that served only men since I received an surprised look from a gentleman leaving . . . hmmm. I gave up looking and just ate at the hotel. My goal tomorrow is to have a bratwurst and spetzle. I think I’ll spend most of Saturday in Frankfurt.
So, the first Mission Impossible is on TV tonight. I’ve also seen other sitcoms (Malcolm in the Middle, Scrubs, Two and a Half Men, and How I Met Your Mother). I watch the mouths of the actors and it looks like they are saying the German words . . . not the English words with German subbed. Granted, the voice of the German is not the same as the actor, but the actor seems to be at least mouthing the German words. So, I wonder if the movies are re-shot with German being mouthed. Anyone have any insight?
This is my last night in Karlsruhe. I can’t say that I’m sad to say goodbye. This town’s roads are under MAJOR construction. I’m lucky I was able to leave today and get back to the hotel. I think I found a country that rivals the States in regards to road construction . . . Germany. Think about the Autoban on which drivers can go any speed above 60 km/h and there really is no speed limit. As cars are driving along, there are speed limit signs that bring the top speed from 120km to 80km in a matter of kilometers. Then, we have to cross the median . . . and the lanes are tight! Again, another reason why I’m glad I have a small car.
That’s all she wrote for tonight. :D
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