A Georgia Girl in Germany

I was invited to a New Year’s Eve party at my former boss’ house, and was looking forward to the fireworks display over the city of Stuttgart from his hilltop house overlooking the city below. We arrived there before the light show began, so I had to snap this photo of the city lights before everything below was illuminated.


The city itself didn’t sponsor a fireworks display like we’re used to back in the states. Instead, many residents purchase their own fireworks to shoot off from their own yards. Nope, there are no restrictions on shooting off fireworks within the city limits. Imagine even a fraction of the city’s nearly 600,000 residents all shooting off fireworks as midnight drew near. It began slowly about an hour before 2007 arrived, then built to a crescendo about 15 minutes prior and lasted a good 30 to 45 minutes. It was absolutely spectacular!


Of course, some of my fellow partiers brought their own fireworks to shoot off during the festivities. Sam and John did the honors a few times.



It’s been a mild winter thus far, so it wasn’t unbearable to stand outside and watch the display, which most of us did. Nick, Jaime & Pat watch as fireworks lift off behind them.

Matt with Benjamin (yes, all three kiddos stayed up to usher in the new year…as did all but one of the other kids).
Bev, Travis and Jeanne enjoying champagne as midnight neared.

Even the next-door-neighbors lit off fireworks, which looked marvelous being so nearby as they illuminated the tree between the two houses. Surprisingly, nothing caught on fire!




Hope everyone is looking forward to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2007!

Labels: Benjamin, Pam's thoughts