Pat

Retired. Have time for the things I love: travel, my cat, reading, good food, travel, genealogy, walking, and of course travel.

Touchdown Tokyo: Smart Toilets, Godzilla, and Me

23 September 2025

The last time I visited Tokyo, I never actually made it past Narita Airport and a nearby luxury hotel—an unplanned overnight courtesy of United Airlines. My grand cultural immersion consisted mostly of jet lag, a soft robe, and the gleaming marvel of Japanese engineering: the smart toilet. With more buttons than a cockpit and a heated seat that felt like a first-class upgrade, it left a lasting impression. So, this time, flying back to Tokyo for real, I’m venturing beyond an airport and hotel bathroom, ready to discover the city that invented such everyday genius.

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By Pat, ago

FRANKFURT AIRPORT

30-31 May 2025

We laze in charming Würzburg as long as possible. Temperature reaches mid-seventies and the sun is blasting. However, sadly, we must board an ICE direct train from the Hbf to Frankfurt’s Airport. It is over an hour delayed, proving the Germans right in their complaints about their trains.

However, once onboard, our trip is smooth and speedy. We arrive into the airport, practically beneath our hotel the Hilton Garden, within less than 2 hours. Just enough time to choose our “favorites or not-so-much list.”

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By Pat, ago

WÜRZBURG, GERMANY

28-29 May 2025

Marienberg Fortress and from Alte Mainbrücke

After visiting Würzburg in 2021, I wrote: “The Nuremberg Residenz is too groß and grand, Bamburg Residenz too small and simple, but Würzburg Residenz is just right.” I enjoyed my visit to the city’s highlights then and I look forward to revisiting and experiencing the city once more. 

Once again, Martha and I have traveled by efficient German regional trains. In spite of light, persistent rain and cold wind, we meet our connection to arrive at Würzburg’s Hbf. From there a short 10-minute walk takes us into the old city and to our lodging at the Vier Jahreszeiten. 

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By Pat, ago

Then – There are the Walls! 

Rothenberg, Germany – 25-27 May 2025

The walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber are a dream come true for lovers of medieval architecture—and for anyone who ever wanted to pretend they were on castle patrol. Stretching nearly 2.5 miles, these 14th- and 15th-century fortifications wrap around the old town like a stone embrace. Over 40 towers, gates, and bastions complete the fortifications.

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By Pat, ago

ROTHENBERG, GERMANY

25-27 May 2025

Rothenburg is a Bavarian village often included on river cruises. It’s located on the Tauber River, which flows into the Main River, and the Main River connects to the Danube through the Main-Danube Canal. Cruise the Main-Danube Canal and you will reach one of the finest cities in Franconia Bavaria.

Rothenburg also represents one of traveler-guru Rick Steves’ favorite places to visit. “…Germany’s best-preserved walled town…the king of medieval German cuteness. Even with crowds, overpriced souvenirs, and a nearly inedible pastry specialty… (a fried ball of pie crust called a Schneeball – “snowball”), Rothenburg is still the best.”

Good enough recommendation for me. Rothenburg attracted me with “best-preserved walled town.”  So, making sure I traveled to the correct Rothenburg, the one on the Tauber, I happily added this city to my itinerary. 

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By Pat, ago

NUREMBERG – AKA  NÜRNBERG

22-24 May 2025

I fell in love with Nürnberg when I visited in 2021. I forever love a walled city with turrets and moats.

Actually, I fell in love with Nürnberg artist, Albrecht Dürer. Or maybe it was the city’s connection to the efforts of the Monuments Men after WW2. Could be the wonderful Frauekirche dominating the main square of Hauptmarkt with its gothic facade, bell tower, and functioning mechanical clock. I fondly recall that Johann Pachebel was an organist at St. Sebaldus. 

Hard to decide what was best about Nürnberg. I know this city will be a wonderful repeat visit with Martha.

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By Pat, ago

Platz Cruising in Regensburg Germany

21 May 2025

Regensburg proves to be a wonderful old city filled with beautiful architecture, a grand cathedral, historic plazas and cafes. The Danube weaves through the city as church bells toll from soaring towers. Boats cruise the waters passing under historic bridges. We spend our day casually cruising pedestrian streets and along the river.

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By Pat, ago