Ich Bin Ein New Ulmer

The gnomes at the gnome hostel started talking about stoops. "You've already been to the Runestone and Sesame Street?" they all asked me, amazed. They wondered why I kept moving on, so I pointed them to my blog my blog while I sat and enjoyed some Apfelkorn. All of the gnomes nodded their heads and let out a collective, "Yup," when they finished reading. Turns out my thirst for adventure isn't such a unique story among gnomes! They all started suggesting other places to visit, but I got excited about one place in particular. The gnome who suggested I get a pack told me I would like a town called New Ulm. "There are lots of extravagant stoops in New Ulm. And there is something downtown that I think you'll really enjoy, but I'm not going to tell you what it is. It'll be a surprise. There are even a couple of gnomes I know who live in New Ulm. If you visit, say hello from me!"

The very next day I said goodbye to all of my new friends. They all waved good bye and wished me luck on my newest adventure. After a long walk that took almost the entire day, I was greeted into New Ulm by a giant fellow who manned his post atop a giant gazebo. "Hello up there!" I yelled as politely as I could. "Could you point me into town?" He said hello to me and introduced himself. "Hi! I am Herman The German! Welcome! To New Ulm!" and he pointed his sword in the direction over the hill. I continued walking and found myself at the top of a hill where there was a view of the fall colors in the city of New Ulm.

I walked right into town, first to say hello to the gnomes for my friend back at the hostel. They were store guards! They were so happy to hear from their friend that they did a little dance and jumped about. "Walk around! Walk around! There is so much to see -- especially if you're looking for stoops!" Those energetic fellows got me excited to explore the town! And they weren't kidding about the stoops! It was strange in New Ulm -- there was a roof guarded by a giant green and gold bird. And I stood on a cozy stoop between two lions! There were castles to guard! It felt good standing in front of such grand buildings. I didn't think anything could tear me away from trying these magnificent stoops. If you look very closely, you can see me and my tall red hat on the stoop in the photo of the striped building above!

Then the time was 3 o' clock. And my attention dramatically shifted, against my will, from my stoop adventure.

I heard miraculous bells! And I knew it was the surprise my gnome friend had hinted about.