VeggieWorld Expo
VeggieWorld is a consumer and trade fair for products and services all supporting the vegan lifestyle. VeggieWorld is the largest vegan expo and the longest running of its kind. Being a life-long vegetarian I just had to check out this expo!
I really had no idea what to expect when I was going to VeggieWorld. How many other vegan supporters could there be in this area? I thought it was maybe a small event with a few vendors. No matter what I thought, I was for sure going to check this out to show my support and also get some yummy veggie food! Well when I got there I was so shocked how huge this event was. There was parking all over an industrial area of the town and in every parking lot in the area. The expo was in a huge two floor event hall! Everything was so professional and organized I was so impressed. It cost 12 euro to enter the expo and my parking was 3 euro.
The first vendor I visited was a really popular one, maybe because she was cooking up some delicious samples. She was making small pieces of bread that was cooked with the seasoning they were selling. It tasted like scrumptious garlic bread but only better. You can use the ‘Wurzfee, Streuwurze und Gemusebruhe’ on vegetables, bread and make soup out of it. There was no way I was leaving without some of this magic seasoning.
I started on the first floor, which I later learned this floor focused a lot on mind, body and health rather than food. Regardless, it was very packed!
They had vendors that had items such as oils, books and clothing with representatives that were very informative!
The variety of the vendors was really incredible. In one corner of the expo you can learn and purchase items for your dental health, gong healing and get a massage. I actually saw several vendors where you can get a face/sinus massage, foot massage, and back massage.
They had a list of on-going seminars during the expo with topics from meditation to cooking classes.
The first floor was very interesting but we really wanted to try new food so we went upstairs. First stand was a vegan falafel/ middle eastern stand, which had a huge line so I just stared and drooled.
Of course the VIP of this event just has to be tofu! They had several tofu stands where they were grilling up samples of all different kinds of flavors. Don’t mind if I do! Even if you have had it a million times before you still have to take a sample and make a face like it is the first time.
Everyone was walking around holding coconuts, either chopped or with a straw sticking out, and then I found out where they were coming from.
We sampled delicious ice tea which has no sugar, one calorie and it is all natural. It is called ‘Naturbursche Stevia-Eistee’ and I am going to now buy it in bulk from a local supermarket.
There were tables with flyers with information about events and products. One of the most interesting flyers I found was information on was ‘Vegan Travel, Vegan River Cruises’. Such a cool idea to travel with like-minded people and most of all to be able to eat anything you want on the cruise that you are paying for! So many times I pay for dinners or events, and end up only having salad and the side of rice for dinner, but yet pay the same as everyone having steak.
We tried vegan ice cream that was being served by Veganz, a vegan store/ café in Frankfurt. The ice cream tasted so good and also healthy. I didn’t even know this store existed but I will have to go there now that I know it does!
Typical for any other German fest, they of course had (organic) beer and (vegan) sausage!
After all of the sample eating we still wanted to have some lunch so we went to the café in the expo hall. This was the first time in my life where I go to a café and everything is vegetarian! They had tofu curry and other hot meals, but I got an amazing salad from the salad bar.
We left VeggieWorld feeling great! Maybe from the information we learned, or the super-food samples we ate one toothpick after another, or from seeing there are so many vegan supporters in the area but I think it was because of a combination of all three.
VeggieWorld travels throughout Europe. You check out the expo at upcoming VeggieWorld events:
05-06 March in Utrecht
12-13 March in Hamburg
30 April – 01 May in Munich
02-03 April in Paris
23-25 September in Zurich
21-23 October in Dusseldorf
26-27 November in Berlin
Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
Frankfurt Zoo: Animals and the City
As one of the biggest cities in Germany, Frankfurt is known for its’ commerce, culture, tourism and night life. However, before the party animals come out at night, during the day you can visit 450 types animals from around the world at the Frankfurt Zoo!
I will be honest; I love going to the zoo! I think I get as excited if not more than the kids every time we see a new animal. We are so lucky to have two great zoos within a half an hour of each other. The Opel Zoo is located in the Taunus Mountains, and this zoo in Frankfurt is a city zoo nestled right in the middle of the cityscape.
I really do mean in the middle of the city! It made me wonder if in the description of this apartment when it was up for rent, read: “City center apartment, comes with washer and view of lions”.
Hello neighbor, can I borrow a cup of sugar?!
The zoo is well paved and the route on the map is easy to follow. When you first come into the zoo you are greeted by a big teddy bear and it looks like there isn’t any glass separating you.
The zoo is really great because even though it was raining on and off during the day we went, they have a lot of indoor exhibits that you can still enjoy.
Everyone loves seeing the monkeys!
Wait is that guy on the top right staring at us?
Yes. Yes he is… keep walking.
Inside they have spots where you can sit and rest or even have some snacks.
One of the highlights is the nocturnal building! You walk into the darkness and you can see the creatures we normally would never see in the light. This was a great way to really show and teach kids about nocturnal animals. The bat room was so cool!!
The sea life room was filled with splashing penguins, floating fish and happy kids! The penguins were great fun to watch and you can even see them get fed.
Above the sea life is an area that looks like you walked into a jungle with many reptiles to see.
Outside the rain let up a bit and we went on the big playground.
Still there is so much more to see at the Frankfurt Zoo but time and the weather was not allowing us. It just means we must come back and explore the rest of this great zoo.
The gift shop has a lot of super items for sale and it was not very expensive. We were able to pick up a few souvenirs.
Right across the street from the zoo is a Pizza Hut so we decided to have lunch there. The owners were really nice and the place was very kid friendly!
We can’t wait to go back to visit the Frankfurt Zoo! I mean it, I am not ‘monkeying around’!
Address:
Zoo Frankfurt
Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1
60316 Frankfurt
Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
Kloster Eberbach International Easter Market
The Kloster Eberbach is a beautiful monastery located on the Rhine River and each year they hold an International Easter Market with over 80 vendors! Spring is coming soon and this market is an ‘egg-cellent’ way to kick it off!
This was my first time going to an Easter Market, so I was very excited! Also I was up for any reason to be able to go check out the inside the incredible Kloster Eberbach. The parking was located right outside of the monastery and there was no cost.
After a short walk through the courtyards of the monastery I arrived at the market!
The architecture inside alone already lived up to my expectations of what I envisioned to see at this gorgeous monastery. Then inside this picturesque room were rows of vendors, or shall I say, artists!
As I embarked on my stroll through this egg filled Easter Market, I had the same feeling as when I first started going to the Christmas Markets in search for the Christmas spirit. I was hoping this market would get me out of the cold, damp winter funk and be that glimmer of hope that spring in on its’ way! Bring on your fuzziest chicks, colorful flowers and neon eggs... I am so ready!
Every table was a new discovery of art. Each artist had a different style of egg decorating. You really wouldn’t think this is possible until you see if for yourself. From bright colors, to dipped in silver to hallow lace-like eggs, they really had it all.
Some of the artists were even working on the eggs at the table and you can see the intricate details and hard work that goes into their eggs.
It was not too crowded inside so you were able to really get a good look at each table. The prices of the eggs were generally not cheap, but there were some tables with more affordable ones. They also had a children’s table set up in the back with egg crafts for them to make and take home.
I walked around for a while and looked at every single table so I was pretty hungry at that point. Luckily they had a table with Easter goods for sale and also a café on the first floor. I had a delicious homemade cake and a cup of tea and it really hit the spot!
On the way back to the car, everyone was stopping at the winery gift shop.
The gift shop was informative, relaxing and they had very nice items for sale.
My first Easter Market was a very enjoyable and I even found a souvenir to remind of this lovely market!
Address: Bingerpfortenstraße, D-65399 Kiedrich
Author’s Profile: Gemma is a mom, a veteran and an Army civilian living in Wiesbaden, Germany. With New Jersey roots, she is enjoying her extended European vacation.
