July 11 The pretty little town of Oppenheim on the banks of the Rhein River in Germany has a gruesome secret behind its massive red sandstone church. There, in the cellar of the little Michaels Chapel, lie the remains of some 20,000 souls who were laid to rest in the nearby cemetery between 1400 and […]
Author Archives: jim
A Shortcut Today Through France
July 9 While making our way from Meersburg on the Bodensee of Germany over to the southwestern corner of the country and the Suedliche Weinstrasse we decided to take a short-cut through a part of France. The Alsace is loaded with picturesque, colorful villages. The deeper colors and pastels can be found on houses along […]
The Bloody Failure of the Maginot Line
July 9 (From Wikipedia, photo by European Focus The Maginot Line named after the French Minister of War André Maginot, was a line of concrete fortifications, obstacles, and weapons installations that France constructed along its borders with Germany during the 1930s. The line was a response to France’s experience in World War I and was […]
Good Night From Room 13 in Zum Baeren in Meersburg, Germany
July 9 We love staying in traditional hotels in Germany. These are a disappearing breed, as the younger generation doesn’t seem to be interested in the hard work required to operate an historic inn and restaurant. Brutal hours, responsibility for an historic structure and not exceptional monetary compensation are reasons why these jewels are closing […]
Welcome to Meersburg and a Wine Fest Besides
July 7 There is nothing like a good old-fashioned wine fest to get you in the mood to celebrate being in Germany. When we arrived in this colorful lakeside town there was one going on, second day, the so-called ‘Adults Day’ when most of those in attendance were behaving themselves because they had to be […]
Our Philosphy is Opposite the Big Bus Companies
July 5 Our current guests have all of the time they want to explore medieval Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany. We’re spending three nights here in a lovely old inn, right in the center of the town within just a few minutes of everything. We had a snack at a bakery today, and we witnessed […]
Exploring Miltenberg am Main, Germany
July 5 Sisters Jennifer and Christina are exploring part of Southwestern Germany on our popular ‘Castles, Country Inns and Historic Guesthouses Tour’ which includes stays in some of the most unique villages and small towns we know in this region. The two young Canadians just experienced a night in Germany’s oldest hotel, built in 1590. […]
Prague’s disappearing Jalopy Tradition
July 3 (From a trip we did to Prague in May) One of the best ways to experience Prague is by hiring a driver and an old jalopy. We’ve been doing this for years, and it is always a great time. A bit on the expensive side, but worth it if you have the right […]