Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Susie and Jan Gabriel have been visiting New Ulm from Hessen, Germany, north of Frankfurt.

NEW ULM — For the last four days, Jan and Susie Gabriel have been visiting New Ulm from Hessen, Germany, north of Frankfurt.

Jan Gabriel first visited America as a musician as part of his father’s band in 1979, but it was in 1984 he discovered New Ulm. He has been returning ever since.

“There is something about this place I love,” Jan said. “I’ve made so many friendships.”

Usually, Jan’s visits coincide with musical performances, but this time he has returned to New Ulm on vacation.

“When you play, it is hard to find time to do other things,” he said.

He and Susie flew into Atlanta, Georgia, last week and traveled by car to New Ulm as part of a road trip. They will soon travel to Florida to visit other friends. He said the United States is one of the best places for a road trip.

“You can just get in a car and drive,” he said.

One of the reasons for their return to New Ulm was a chance to see Minnesota in fall and also to experience an American Halloween.

“All we know of Halloween is what we see in the movies,” Jan said. Seeing Halloween in New Ulm was more than he expected.

Jan and Susie will return to New Ulm in July for Bavarian Blast. He will play with the Herborn-Seelbach Band. Jan said even if you don’t see him at Bavarian Blast, you should hear him because he plays the drums.