*Edited by Hubert Evertz

I just got back from Bad Neuenahr to see my Onkel Oswald and Tante Angela. After many years, it was really great to see him again. It's also hilarious to see him and my dad together, you can see some small similarities between the two.

So here's the low down on places in Germany with the name "Bad" in them. It doesn't mean that they are bad to visit and that you should stay clear, it actually means quite the opposite. "Bad" in German means "bathroom," so a place with "Bad" in the title is known for its springs. Typically, they have a famous spring that they bottle mineral water from and sell (Bad Neuenahr bottles Apollinaris mineral water). But what also comes with the spring? Awesome spas. Sadly, the weather was pretty cold so we didn't go in the springs, but that just means I'll have to come back!

Bad Neuenahr is also a beautiful wine town. All the vineyards grow on the sides of mountains, which means good wine but hard hard labor. Also, their wineries have the grapes grow on the slate along the mountain, which gives it a different taste. It's interesting how the slightest change in climate/location/mother nature's mood can make all the difference in the taste. Although, that goes for all farming.

I'll maybe post some pictures of Onkel Oswald later, my camera is all the way downstairs and right now I'm pretty lazy. But until then, I'd like to address a different topic... German Fussball.

You may or may not know, the European Fussball Championship started a couple days ago, and man is Europe excited. What I find funny is that Europeans call Americans overly patriotic, but the second the Euro Cup starts there are German flags everywhere. But it's all good.

You also may or may not know that Germany beat Poland, but lost their second game to Croatia :( I watched the half of the second game with my dad, Onkel Oswald, and Tante Angela in a small pub (the other half back at Oswald's house). It was like watching it with 20 extra Huberts in the room (plus one easily excited woman). So while Deutschland was losing to Croatia (pronounced "Cro-at-chia" in German, which sounds so funny) I realized...

Deutschland Fussball players are mighty fine. So here's an ode to my favorites...

Ballack

By far the most attractive, although this picture does no justice and makes him look like a total sleezeball. But trust me, that's some premium German eye candy right there. And I guess he's pretty good at Fussball too...

Lucas Podolski

Lucas, here, was the first name I could remember (cue flashback to little brothers constantly cheering "LUCAS POOOO-DOLL-SKIII!"), so he holds a special place in my heart. Although Ballack might take that place if Lucas doesn't stop highlighting (or guylighting) his hair. Because right now, he looks like a chipmunk.

Lehmann

The only man who can pull off masculinity and balding. Sorry, Dad.

Gomez

I'm guessing this picture is from last year, because Gomez now has long hair. And although he is only 50% German and 50% Spanish, that is 100% fine by me.

Schweinsteiger

The "bad boy" of team Germany. He isn't a starting player and sadly won't get the chance to start or even play again because he got a red card in the game against Croatia. Poor guy. Yea, I mean, I guess pushing a Croatian on the ground is poor sportsmanship but no one was hurt... right?

Wooo! Longest post ever!