Why was it a Surprise German Holiday?

If you were paying attention, you'll have noticed we went to Germany last week.

It was all because my cousin Linda was doing a lecture on her genealogical research entitled "Did my Great Grandfather Live Next Door?" The research was impressive, the fact that the lecture was delivered in what I was assured was perfectly understandable German was just as impressive.

Linda rehearsing her speech and PowerPoint presentation 

Because we don't speak German, we were given a printed version in english by her husband, Philip. It made following the action far easier for us non German speakers.

And why was it a surprise German Holiday? Until two weeks beforehand we weren't totally sure we were going, and once we were sure we decided not to let Linda know. The plan was for my brother to join us from London, and for us to appear with our Australian flag to surprise her. Much to my disappointment Linda realised something was up, so our plan was foiled at the last moment, but here we are with the flag anyway, making ourselves evident.

It was a great success, with more attendees than was expected (cue panicked setting out of extra seats) and an appreciative audience that laughed in all the right places. At the end of her speech Linda listed some of the surnames that occur on our family tree, and afterwards various members of the audience introduced themselves as distant - and previously unknown - cousins. Amazing!