Travel

Celle – Its Castle of Intrigue

19 September 2021

Walking Celle is like strolling through a Brothers Grimm folktale.

Walk Celle’s streets, ogle its magnificent architecture, enjoy the statues and fountains, and stand in the Markt Plaza when the Glockenspiel rings out. Overall, this is a charming city that should not be overlooked in one’s travels of Lower Saxony.

Celle is situated on the banks of the Aller River and is one of many wonderful cities along the Timber-Frame Road. Attractions include a castle, museums, and lots of street art in the form of a series of figures engaged in life about Celle. But for me, the main attractions are the timber-framed houses, some 400 of them, that line the streets of the historic Altstadt. It’s proximity to the beautiful, and fragrant, Lüneburg Heath is another reason to spend a couple days here.

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By Pat, ago

Why Celle?

17 September 2021

Two major events explain why I visit Celle.

In the winter of 1911, my grandmother Dora left her home and family in Celle to emigrate to the United States. I don’t exactly know why this petite 33 year-old, 5’2” woman, speaking little English and traveling alone would choose to leave her family and move to America. She must have had “spunk.” I know she was a spry 89 year-old.

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By Pat, ago

Würzburg -Much History Has Flowed Under Alte Mainbrücke

16 September 2021

The Nuremberg Residenz is too groß and grand, Bamburg Residenz too small and simple, but Würzburg Residenz is just right.

Würzburg Residenz

From its entry foyer where carriages debarked its elite passengers under a 3D fresco to flow past the spectacular oval Garden Hall with its massive windows, pink marble columns, white stucco putti and vibrant frescos, to climb the Grand Staircase with its gorgeous high ceiling frescoes and life-sized sculptures, the 18th century Würzburg Residenz was meant to impress. And that includes the female statue at the top of the staircase gazing sweetly at her beheaded prince.

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By Pat, ago

Living in the Age Of Masks

15 September 2021

Training through Germany

I love the tradition of dining on the sidewalks and in plazas. Weather here is perfect for outside seating. Dining in the fresh air and surrounded by the ongoing activity of local life gives me time to ruminate and people watch. It is always a pleasant, passive pastime.

Masks are no longer just for Halloween.

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By Pat, ago

Bamberg – Worthy Hills to Climb

14 September 2021

I suppose I could say all rail lines lead to Bamberg because my train is transiting southeast to reach the city of Bamberg, some 45 miles north of Nuremberg. The train travels via Bayreuth and I go where the conductor goes. The countryside is green, bikers abound, fields are plowed and raked. I see a smattering of half-timbered houses, barns, corn, bundled hay and chickens. Occasional white sandstone cliffs dot the landscape among dense Bavarian forests with high distant hills. Quiet streams weave around it all. Quite idyllic, except for the steeply pitched roofs which hint of winters with lots of snow.

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By Pat, ago

Nuremberg’s Castle and Cave

12 September 2021

One reason for immediately liking Nuremberg is I love old walled cities. Nuremberg Castle and city walls represent a formidable medieval defensive system. During the Middle Ages, the castle was one of the most important imperial castles of the Holy Roman Empire. Today, refreshed and caffeine reinforced, I am ready for the climb to explore.

To reach the castle, I follow the city walls. Construction of the present wall started as early as the 12th century and ended officially in the 16th century. Not just the high stone wall but over 130 towers (today 71 remain), seven fortified gates, a flat field (kennel) of over 150′ then another smaller wall and the wide and 40′ deep moat though which water never flowed, protected the city and its inhabitants. Why so much?

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By Pat, ago