Posts Tagged ‘castle’

Rhine, Wine, And Castles

Saturday, July 7th, 2012

Cologne, Koblenz, and now Rudesheim. Bavarian cities that draw in the river boats and the tourist dollars. But they have such charm.

What enthralled me with the castles is that they were not for protecting the valley and river below, but for pirating the ships that needed to travel the water highway. They demanded tolls, and even stretched chains across the river so no one could pass.

The castles are in all states; some near-rubble, and some active museums or private homes (must have seen two dozen of them yesterday).

Our cruise line believes in a lot of free time, so I may not be seeing everything I should, but we enjoy the exploring on our own and feeling like that they are our own discoveries!

Colorado Springs

Wednesday, June 23rd, 2010

Down to Colorado Springs to spend the day at Focus on the Family, to spend the night at Glen Eyrie, home of the Navigators, and celebrate our 39th anniversary over  a Fondue dinner!

The Focus organization has grown to to an amazing world-wide outreach that Steve and I can say we have supported since practically since  the very beginning with our tithes.  I hang my hat on Dr. Dobson’s books for raising our kids.

The Navigators group arose from sailors sharing their faith. They have an awesome complex next door to the Garden of the Gods and we were so fortunate to find they had room for us in the castle.

From the Springs we drove up to  see Dave and Sandi Sunde in Louisville, Co. before heading to the airport!

Where Is “Rick Steeves” When I Need Him?

Saturday, June 6th, 2009

ludwigcastle1Awesome day, tho’ raining.  We headed out to Neuschwanstein Castle.  Think Disneyland and Mad King Ludwig. Oh my goodness!  Incredible!  It has such a view, waterfall, murals, and a hike. It is AMAZING to come upon this sugar-cube castle sitting on top of a mountain, built before major roads, heavy equiptment or tourists.

After our hike in the rain through  the forest, we had a pretzel and some fried “snowballs” (do-nut like or even begnet with powdered sugar) which we scarfed down after all the exercise.

oberamergauredridinghoodThen headed into another mountain valley to Oberammergau – site of the every-10-years Passion play.  Cute!  Do you think dirndls and leiderhosen will ever catch on in San Diego?? It was tempting  to buy one, and people do wear them in everyday life to some extent.

Throughout Bavaria, the houses have beautiful paints on the exteriors, history, or religious, and even a few fairytales. I’m gonna fall again, if I don’t watch my feet and keep my head out of the clouds.garmishweather

There was so much history today, I was at a loss to know what I was looking at.  Shame on me for not thinking beyond Italy (who can blame me).  But I’m gonna do some google-ing and bone up.

Tomorrow we hit Innsbrook (swaraski crystal world) replica rolex and then 4 days in Salzburg (staying at a pension just outside of the city).  I’m ready to yodel, it’s so exciting to see all we are seeing!!!