Gemütlichkeit

Not a word that has a proper English translation. I have seen it described as:

Gemütlichkeit = the inner feeling one has in an environment he or she finds very comfortable, while it is often used in reference to the arrangement of the environment itself.


Even Disney realised the spartan bare necessities of the English language were much better in German.

In lovely peaceful surroundings, with a full table of food, a glass of gepflegtes Weißbier and shampoo - "well tended" wheat beer and sparkling wine - in the company of lovely people with the stereo softly playing Hits of the 60s, 70s, and 80s in background and bingo, you have Gemütlichkeit.

A lovely evening that really should not have been. German protocol requires a birthday person to get their house set up to receive guests throughout the day and be prepared to feed and water them however long they stay. Invitations are not made, you simply wait for the doorbell to ring.

Today was Angie's 3rd birthday (one of my keys isn't working) and she had planned to escape the razzamatazz by going to the Christmas Market at Kempten with her sister this morning, followed by the two of them relaxing at the local sauna in the afternoon. Sadly Sigi phoned in the morning say she was unwell but Angie did follow through with the sauna in the afternoon.

A few days ago MrsMY had contacted me as she wanted to arrange something secretly. I did get worried yesterday as the day trip was arranged but luckily MrsMY did then inform Angie so this evenings event could take place.

The M's invited us to their place to celebrate the birthday over a lovely raclette meal and a drink or three. In the photo, we are about to kick off with the Miss and Master M and MryMY's mum - and dog Sammy asleep under the table. Mr & Master M had even baked Angie a birthday cake with three candles which arrived with the digestive post-banquet fluids.

Was a wonderful relaxed cheerful evening and we were also joined by Gran & Grandpa M who came by to raise a glass when they got back from the theatre in Memmingen.

Thank you all for a great - unique - event and I won't forget MrM's delicious cream and cheese mixture which simply with a hot jacket potato and browned off under the raclette was a dream.

(Those who have been to the Oktoberfest and have sung along to the most played song are referring to a very different "Gemütlichkeit)