Pat

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

“Tokyo: Trains, Temples, and Childhood Idols”

25 September 2025

I can’t believe that Godzilla was the last of his species. If nuclear testing continues, then someday, somewhere in the world, another Godzilla may appear.

Godzilla, King of the Monsters

Unfortunately, Dr. Yamane’s quote from the 1954 epic Godzilla concerns me less about the return of giant atomic monsters than about the current political world of the USA. With my morning coffee and Tokyo Tower view, I plan my day. 

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By Pat, ago

Tokyo: Rainbow Bridge to Iconic Statues: A Tokyo Primer

24 September 2025

I’ve read that there are no fewer than eighteen ways to say “hello” in Japanese, which means I’m visiting Japan eighteen steps behind. When I learned the Russian alphabet, at least I could puzzle out the words on a sign—even if I couldn’t pronounce a single one correctly. Japanese, however, covers a whole different universe. Then, add the usage of Chinese characters alongside Japanese characters. Q

I don’t have the faintest clue what the characters mean, let alone how to say them. So for now, my linguistic arsenal in Tokyo consists of a polite bow, “konnichiwa,” and smile—which, I hope, is one of those eighteen greetings.

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By Pat, ago

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