Tuesday, June 26, 2012
Mark this one off his bucket list ...
Big Papa driving 200 kilometers per hour (130 mph) on the German Autobahn ... He could hardly wipe the smile off his face!
Tuesday, May 8 ... Reutte, Austria
We decided to spend our last night in Bavaria in the picturesque town of Reutte, Austria ... it's proximity to Neuschwanstein made this the perfect place to hop off.
Reutte is just across the border ... so we decided we should indisputable proof that we were in Austria.
This is a picture of the Lech River, a tributary of the Danube ... the distinctive sage green color is a result of runoff from the Alps.
Reutte is just across the border ... so we decided we should indisputable proof that we were in Austria.
This is a picture of the Lech River, a tributary of the Danube ... the distinctive sage green color is a result of runoff from the Alps.
If that Business Analyst thing doesn't work out ...
I could go back to Germany and run my driving school!
Monday, June 25, 2012
Tueday, May 8 ... Neuschwanstein Overlook
The last stop while we were at the castle was a short hike up to the overlook. It's from the overlook where all of the picture postcard worthy photos are captured.
Pa snapped my picture standing on the skinny little footbridge.
And gushing beneath our feet ... the water source for the castle.
After our visit to the castle, we stopped in Fussen for a well deserved bite to eat at the Rick Steves' recommended Alstadt Hotel.
Pa snapped my picture standing on the skinny little footbridge.
And gushing beneath our feet ... the water source for the castle.
After our visit to the castle, we stopped in Fussen for a well deserved bite to eat at the Rick Steves' recommended Alstadt Hotel.
Tuesday, May 8 ... Neuschwanstein
Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public a mere seven weeks after the the death of reclusive King Ludwig II of Bavaria.
In 1864, Ludwig II acceded to the throne at the age of 18 without any experience of life or politics/
Ludwig was hugely fascinated by the musical dramas of Richard Wagner, so muc so, the carvings that adorn the King's bed were inspired by a Wagner opera.
Even before he died, the eccentric king had already become something of a legend for his reclusive nature. The king's refusal to react rationally led the government to declare him insane and depose him in 1886 – a procedure not provided for in the Bavarian constitution. The next day he died in mysterious circumstances in Lake Starnberg, together with the psychiatrist who had certified him as insane.
Hohenschwangau, the king's boyhood home is set in the shadow of the larger and grander Neuschwanstein.
The walk up the hill to the castle turned out to be a pretty good hike, fortunately, the halfway point included this pretty awesome overlook of Schwansee, the lake that lies in the foothills of the castles. You can see Hohenschwangau behind Jeff's shoulder.
Here we are standing in the entry gate of the castle.
Sorry .. but as usual .. no photos inside. However, Jeff snapped this photo from the window of the gift shop. With a view like this ...
In 1864, Ludwig II acceded to the throne at the age of 18 without any experience of life or politics/
Ludwig was hugely fascinated by the musical dramas of Richard Wagner, so muc so, the carvings that adorn the King's bed were inspired by a Wagner opera.
Even before he died, the eccentric king had already become something of a legend for his reclusive nature. The king's refusal to react rationally led the government to declare him insane and depose him in 1886 – a procedure not provided for in the Bavarian constitution. The next day he died in mysterious circumstances in Lake Starnberg, together with the psychiatrist who had certified him as insane.
Hohenschwangau, the king's boyhood home is set in the shadow of the larger and grander Neuschwanstein.
The walk up the hill to the castle turned out to be a pretty good hike, fortunately, the halfway point included this pretty awesome overlook of Schwansee, the lake that lies in the foothills of the castles. You can see Hohenschwangau behind Jeff's shoulder.
Here we are standing in the entry gate of the castle.
Sorry .. but as usual .. no photos inside. However, Jeff snapped this photo from the window of the gift shop. With a view like this ...
Tuesday, May 8 ... Garmisch and the Bavarian Alps
We spent the morning wandering around the town of Garmisch. We did some sightseeing and shopping.
The Richard Strauss fountain is in the center of the shopping district. Richard Strauss was an operatic composer; his work followed the lead of Richard Wagner.
And what's a trip to Bavaria without finding someone in a Tirol hat ...
But seriously, I took a picture of Jeff in a Tyrol hat, mostly because he nixed wearing lederhosen ...
After getting our fill of t-shirts and postcards, we set out for the Neuschwanstein Castle. The route from Garmisch to Fussen took us close enough to the Alps, you could almost reach out and touch them.
The Richard Strauss fountain is in the center of the shopping district. Richard Strauss was an operatic composer; his work followed the lead of Richard Wagner.
And what's a trip to Bavaria without finding someone in a Tirol hat ...
But seriously, I took a picture of Jeff in a Tyrol hat, mostly because he nixed wearing lederhosen ...
After getting our fill of t-shirts and postcards, we set out for the Neuschwanstein Castle. The route from Garmisch to Fussen took us close enough to the Alps, you could almost reach out and touch them.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Monday, May 7 ... Garmisch
Garmisch is a winter destination and a magnet for skiers. We rolled into town and found a lovely B&B, the Gasthaus Christina. Here is a picture of Josef, our host.
We did get a chance to walk around town that evening. The architecture is so unique ... like something out of a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. We, of course, found a local guesthouse and more beer! Like scotch whisky in Scotland, the beer is Germany is regional. and not to be missed.
Monday, May 7 ... Munich and the Bavarian Alps
We checked out of our hotel in Paris very early ... we had some distance to cover if we wanted to catch our train to Germany.
We were pleased that at this early hour (3:00 am!), the Paris traffic presented us with no problems. We made our way to Charles de Galle Airport, caught a commuter train to the Paris East train station, then a cab to the Paris North train station in plenty of time to meet our 7:30 am passenger train that will take us to Munich. This picture was snapped on the train station from Charles de Galle Airport to the Paris Eat train station.
There were plenty of places this operation could have gotten derailed, but everything came together and we were able to grab a bit of breakfast at a cafe in the East train station. I had the most delicious croissant filled with raspberry preserves ... Yummy!
Our train was on time and after finding ourselves a seat, we settled in for the 5 hour ride, first to Stuttgart where we are set to catch a connecting train that will take us to our destination. Our time in Stuttgart is very, very short. We have exactly eight minutes to catch our connection. We arrive on track one and have to make our way to the furthest most track, 16, to pick up our connection. Hauling our luggage and negotiating a very full train station, we counted ourselves quite fortunate to board our connector, just as the doors were getting ready to close.
An hour and a half later, we are in Munich. It's been a very long time since I'd been to Munich (Oktoberfest 1986, to be exact) and a first visit for everyone else. Whilst Mom and Pa pick up the rental car, Jeff and I waited at the train station with the bags.
Here's Jeff and his very first German beer.
We planned on spending the night in Garmisch, but we can't leave Munich before a schnitzel and a couple of good beers at the Augstiner Brau Haus.
After a terrifically satisfying lunch, it's back in the car on the Autobahn and we are pointed towards the Austrian Alps. The sight of the Alps is so incredible ... it's impossible to describe. We pulled into a rest stop so we could snap a couple of pictures, but since it was approaching 6:00 and we still needed to find a place to stay, we didn't dawdle.
We were pleased that at this early hour (3:00 am!), the Paris traffic presented us with no problems. We made our way to Charles de Galle Airport, caught a commuter train to the Paris East train station, then a cab to the Paris North train station in plenty of time to meet our 7:30 am passenger train that will take us to Munich. This picture was snapped on the train station from Charles de Galle Airport to the Paris Eat train station.
There were plenty of places this operation could have gotten derailed, but everything came together and we were able to grab a bit of breakfast at a cafe in the East train station. I had the most delicious croissant filled with raspberry preserves ... Yummy!
Our train was on time and after finding ourselves a seat, we settled in for the 5 hour ride, first to Stuttgart where we are set to catch a connecting train that will take us to our destination. Our time in Stuttgart is very, very short. We have exactly eight minutes to catch our connection. We arrive on track one and have to make our way to the furthest most track, 16, to pick up our connection. Hauling our luggage and negotiating a very full train station, we counted ourselves quite fortunate to board our connector, just as the doors were getting ready to close.
An hour and a half later, we are in Munich. It's been a very long time since I'd been to Munich (Oktoberfest 1986, to be exact) and a first visit for everyone else. Whilst Mom and Pa pick up the rental car, Jeff and I waited at the train station with the bags.
Here's Jeff and his very first German beer.
We planned on spending the night in Garmisch, but we can't leave Munich before a schnitzel and a couple of good beers at the Augstiner Brau Haus.
After a terrifically satisfying lunch, it's back in the car on the Autobahn and we are pointed towards the Austrian Alps. The sight of the Alps is so incredible ... it's impossible to describe. We pulled into a rest stop so we could snap a couple of pictures, but since it was approaching 6:00 and we still needed to find a place to stay, we didn't dawdle.
Construction Update
On June 16, when Jeff and Mollie were in town, they had not been to the site of our new home so we took them for a short visit. We found the concrete forms had been removed and some of the construction materials, such as PVC pipe and cinderblocks, were being delivered.
We also noted the massive pile of dirt has been backfilled into what will be the garage.
On June 19, we arranged to meet with Troy Karsting (Troy is the owner and builder of Stonybrook Homes) at the site to discuss some of the construction details. Troy is a super nice guy. He is friendly, helpful and accommodating. Troy is building us a truly beautiful home.
After a return visit on June 23, we see that the cinderblock wall is almost done and the rough in plumbing is set
We also noted the massive pile of dirt has been backfilled into what will be the garage.
On June 19, we arranged to meet with Troy Karsting (Troy is the owner and builder of Stonybrook Homes) at the site to discuss some of the construction details. Troy is a super nice guy. He is friendly, helpful and accommodating. Troy is building us a truly beautiful home.
These masons are building the cinderblock wall that will separate the two sides of the townhouse. Our unit is on the far side of the wall they are building.
After a return visit on June 23, we see that the cinderblock wall is almost done and the rough in plumbing is set
Monday, June 18, 2012
Scouty-Girl
Scout blew into town like a whirlwind ..
And we were down for WWE Lincoln. The only thing we were missing was a kitty in a gold bikini holding up a numbered placard.
Scout has the clear reach advantage and she thought she had the drop on him; but since Cluny wrestles in a heavier weight class ... We'll call this one a draw ...
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Normandy American Cemetery Stories ... The Bedford Boys
The town of Bedford, Virginia, population, 3,000, lays claim to having lost more of it's sons in the D-Day invasion than any other American municipality ... 22 young men lost their lives, 19 of them made that greatest of sacrifice on the first day of the invasion.
The story of The Bedford Boys is recounted in Alex Kershaw's book.
Our guide, Anthony, shared the story of two brothers, Raymond and Bedford Hoback who are memorialized in the Normandy American Cemetery. Raymond Hoback's name is inscribed on the garden memorial and Bedford Hoback is interred in Section G of the cemetery. In all, there are 33 pairs of brothers whose final resting place is in Colleville Sur Mer.
The story of The Bedford Boys is recounted in Alex Kershaw's book.
Our guide, Anthony, shared the story of two brothers, Raymond and Bedford Hoback who are memorialized in the Normandy American Cemetery. Raymond Hoback's name is inscribed on the garden memorial and Bedford Hoback is interred in Section G of the cemetery. In all, there are 33 pairs of brothers whose final resting place is in Colleville Sur Mer.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Normandy American Cemetery Stories ... Billie D Harris ...
The story of Billie D Harris was told to us by our guide, Anthony, and was recently profiled on the CBS morning news program. To hear the story being re-told so soon after our visit was stunning.
Billie D Harris, a First Lieutenant and World War II fighter pilot, was shot down and killed over Nazi-occupied France in July 1944. Harris maintained control of his plane well enough, avoided crashing into the small town of Les Ventes, and crashed his plane into the woods instead.
Lieutenant Harris was afforded a funeral conducted by the citizenry of Les Ventes and buried in the town cemetery; his grave was covered knee-deep with flowers. All these years later, that tiny town still remembers Billie Harris with a street named for him (Rue Billie D Harris) and an annual parade.
Here's where the story gets interesting.
Peggy Harris, Billie's widow, never knew what had become of her husband. The military provided conflicting stories about his status. Even after 60 years, Peggy was told that Billie was listed as MIA.
A family member, determined to solve the mystery and provide Peggy a real answer, requested Billie's military records. Plain as day, the records indicated that First Lieutenant Billie D Harris was buried in the American Cemetery in Normandy .. Billie had been interred there the whole time.
Peggy Harris, who never remarried, visits Billie every year.
Billie D Harris, a First Lieutenant and World War II fighter pilot, was shot down and killed over Nazi-occupied France in July 1944. Harris maintained control of his plane well enough, avoided crashing into the small town of Les Ventes, and crashed his plane into the woods instead.
Lieutenant Harris was afforded a funeral conducted by the citizenry of Les Ventes and buried in the town cemetery; his grave was covered knee-deep with flowers. All these years later, that tiny town still remembers Billie Harris with a street named for him (Rue Billie D Harris) and an annual parade.
Here's where the story gets interesting.
Peggy Harris, Billie's widow, never knew what had become of her husband. The military provided conflicting stories about his status. Even after 60 years, Peggy was told that Billie was listed as MIA.
A family member, determined to solve the mystery and provide Peggy a real answer, requested Billie's military records. Plain as day, the records indicated that First Lieutenant Billie D Harris was buried in the American Cemetery in Normandy .. Billie had been interred there the whole time.
Peggy Harris, who never remarried, visits Billie every year.
Normandy American Cemetery Stories ... The Roosevelts ...
Theodore D. 'Teddy' Roosevelt, Jr., was a Brigadier General and Medal of Honor recipient who fought in World War I and World War II. He was the eldest son of President Theodore and Edith Roosevelt. Teddy Roosevelt, Jr. is buried next to his brother Quentin Theodore Roosevelt.
Quentin was the youngest son of President Roosevelt. Inspired by his father and siblings, he joined the United States Army as a pilot during World War I. Quentin was was killed in action over France on Bastille Day in 1918.
Quentin was buried at Chamery, but at the behest of his family, he was exhumed in 1955 and moved to the Normandy Cemetery, in order to be re-interred next to his brother. This was an extraordinary circumstance afforded to the deceased war hero brother of an American President and brother of a Medal of Honor winner.
Quentin was the youngest son of President Roosevelt. Inspired by his father and siblings, he joined the United States Army as a pilot during World War I. Quentin was was killed in action over France on Bastille Day in 1918.
Quentin was buried at Chamery, but at the behest of his family, he was exhumed in 1955 and moved to the Normandy Cemetery, in order to be re-interred next to his brother. This was an extraordinary circumstance afforded to the deceased war hero brother of an American President and brother of a Medal of Honor winner.
Normandy American Cemetery Stories ... The Nilands
We had a terrific tour guide, Anthony, who walked us through the cemetery and told us stories of a couple of the heroes buried here.
Anthony started with the story of the Niland brothers. The Nilands are four American brothers from Tonawanda, New York, who served in the military during World War II.
Two Niland brothers survived the war, but at one time, it was believed that only one of the four brothers, Frederick "Fritz" Niland, had survived. After the Department of War reported the deaths of his three brothers, Fritz was sent back to the United States to complete his service. The family later learned brother Edward, who listed as missing and presumed dead, was being held captive in a Japanese POW camp.
Steven Spielberg's film Saving Private Ryan is loosely based on the brothers' story.
Anthony started with the story of the Niland brothers. The Nilands are four American brothers from Tonawanda, New York, who served in the military during World War II.
Two Niland brothers survived the war, but at one time, it was believed that only one of the four brothers, Frederick "Fritz" Niland, had survived. After the Department of War reported the deaths of his three brothers, Fritz was sent back to the United States to complete his service. The family later learned brother Edward, who listed as missing and presumed dead, was being held captive in a Japanese POW camp.
Steven Spielberg's film Saving Private Ryan is loosely based on the brothers' story.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Sunday, May 6, Normandy American Cemetery
The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial is the World War II cemetery located in Collleville-sur-Mer, Normandy, France, that honors American soldiers who died in Europe during World War II.
Located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel, it covers 172 acres of some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen. The cemetery is the final resting place of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations in World War II.
This infinity pool stares out at Pointe du Hoc.
When it came time for a permanent burial, the next of kin were asked if they wanted their loved ones repatriated for permanent burial in the US or interred at the closest overseas cemetery. I can't imagine being faced with that kind of decision.
The names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the Normandy campaign but could not be located are inscribed on the walls of a semicircular garden. At the center of the garden is a colonnade and within the colonnade, a bronze statue, Spirit of American Youth. The statue faces the reflecting pool, the mall with burial sites on either side and a chapel positioned at the center of the cemetery.
Here we are with our backs to the colonnade. You can see the Spirit of American Youth rising above Mom's head.
While we were visiting, we were able to witness a commemoration ceremony including a salute and the playing of Taps.
Located at the end of the reflecting pool is the cemetery chapel. On the ceiling of the chapel is the most beautiful mosaic. The colorful design symbolizes America blessing her sons as they depart by sea and air to fight for freedom, and a grateful France bestowing a laurel wreath upon American Dead who gave their lives to liberate Europe.
Located on a bluff overlooking Omaha Beach and the English Channel, it covers 172 acres of some of the most beautiful countryside I have ever seen. The cemetery is the final resting place of 9,387 American military dead, most of whom were killed during the invasion of Normandy and ensuing military operations in World War II.
This infinity pool stares out at Pointe du Hoc.
When it came time for a permanent burial, the next of kin were asked if they wanted their loved ones repatriated for permanent burial in the US or interred at the closest overseas cemetery. I can't imagine being faced with that kind of decision.
The names of 1,557 Americans who lost their lives in the Normandy campaign but could not be located are inscribed on the walls of a semicircular garden. At the center of the garden is a colonnade and within the colonnade, a bronze statue, Spirit of American Youth. The statue faces the reflecting pool, the mall with burial sites on either side and a chapel positioned at the center of the cemetery.
Here we are with our backs to the colonnade. You can see the Spirit of American Youth rising above Mom's head.
While we were visiting, we were able to witness a commemoration ceremony including a salute and the playing of Taps.
Memorial flower arrangement lain at the foot of the statue.
This is the reflecting pool west of colonnade and the green space in the mall beyond
Located at the end of the reflecting pool is the cemetery chapel. On the ceiling of the chapel is the most beautiful mosaic. The colorful design symbolizes America blessing her sons as they depart by sea and air to fight for freedom, and a grateful France bestowing a laurel wreath upon American Dead who gave their lives to liberate Europe.
After our visit to the cemetery, we stopped in Bayeax, for a quick bite before we headed back to Paris.
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Sunday, May 6, Normandy
We headed to Colleville-sur-Mer, this small coastal village close to the D-Day Normandy landing beachheads is a three hour drive from our Paris hotel. With Pa behind the wheel and me behind the map, we wound our way through the French countryside and arrived at Omaha Beach.
Dotted along the beach, we found numerous gun embankments. It was a pretty powerful experience to walk along the beach, collect sand, and climb into the concrete defensive positions that remain part of the landscape.
The amphibious landing operation conducted that day was and is the largest ever with 130,000 allied troops landing along the beaches of Normandy ( Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno and Sword). We found ourselves on the Fox Green section of Normandy Beach. It was cold and blustery .. but we were pretty stoked just being there.
Dotted along the beach, we found numerous gun embankments. It was a pretty powerful experience to walk along the beach, collect sand, and climb into the concrete defensive positions that remain part of the landscape.
There were several unit specific memorials that overlook the beach, including the 5th Engineer Brigade and the 1st Infantry Division, better known as the Big Red One.
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