In summer our family often goes to the island, which is situated in the river Volga not far from our town Kozlovka.
We go there every weekend for two or three days. On the island near the beach there is a pine tree forest. We have a special place for our tents among the trees.
It is so fine to spend the night in nature. We enjoy beautiful landscapes, fresh air, peace and quietness of this area. In the evening we sit around the fire and talk, sing songs, looking at the smooth and calm river, the sunset in front of us. The river is always quiet in the evening. In the morning you can hear wonderful songs of different forest birds. There are plenty of things to do on the island. You can walk around the forest, swim in the river, sunbathe, go fishing and boating and you also can pick berries or mushrooms.
After the rest on the island we always feel refreshed, lively and cheerful. I think there can be no better resting place than in our native land.
Generally speaking, regions in the south, like Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, have held onto their culinary traditions more than regions in the North. But with a little effort, you can find good German food just about anywhere you go.