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Too funny, swandav. I envy your proximity to all these gorgeous places, you just get to see them over time, while I have to compress it into a few weeks.
Remember those awful 10 hour drives through desert wasteland I told you about? Well, this is my payback time, I refuse to do long trips with nothing but saltbush to look at. Sitting in my lovely room looking at the Minting tower which I will visit today https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...593712cb9.jpeg |
Context, swandav, this is where I lived…
https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b67e1d59e.jpeg Outback https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...b23f77d2e.jpeg The dingo fence https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...61dd5b01a.jpeg Outback dugout so you can see why I choose green landscapes and quaint towns. Day 18: Another sunny day, blue skies, no wind. So lucky. After breakfast strolled across the river Inn, over the wooden bridge looking for a path that might take me to a viewpoint. Followed an uphill path for a bit (huffing and puffing), until opting to return and follow the river, as recommended by my waiter last night. https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e479a98a4.jpeg Searching for a trail https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...09aeae874.jpeg Nice walking path https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...be2f778ca.jpeg River Inn https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2c3a54d67.jpeg No idea where I’m going https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...4126b5108.jpeg River Inn Really enjoyable stroll, stopped to chat with dog walkers (being solo means I have to create opportunities to engage with people, I find walking the dog at home always leads to some sort of conversation). https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...90b77ad72.jpeg Mountains https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2137ff6b3.jpeg Panorama A couple of lovely hours just meandering the paths and checking out the little (rented/ owned?) garden plots for those living in flats, and housing (some modern, some chalet style, some more Tirolean). https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...9ed3ef3fe.jpeg Wooden bridge https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...c1e78bc93.jpeg Garden ornament https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f3a2d414d.jpeg River Inn https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e18b9e01c.jpeg Autumnal flowers https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...f88f60368.jpeg Abbey walls https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...57c0291b3.jpeg Garden hut https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...18d6a903e.jpeg Decorative https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...7f4191ad9.jpeg Suburbia https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...72917c497.jpeg Bird house Then headed to the Hall Mint Museum in Castle Hasegg (silver coins minted here from 1486 - coin presses, water driven machinery - on view, plus collection of coins over the centuries, a small archaeology museum, plus stunning view of rooftops and mountains from the tower). Interesting visit (€11.50), free audio guide. Dad would have loved this, but his vision impairment means museums so frustrating for him. He is interested in technology and machinery (very handy as Mr Fix-It in his day). Bought him a booklet about the history of coin minting, so will read it to him on our long layover. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d1fbe35aa.jpeg Charming streets https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...e46b3d129.jpeg Hotel backs on to this alley https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0e5ed5832.jpeg Street life https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...6da6d3d20.jpeg Welcoming restaurant Had a hearty lunch of potatoes, pork, egg! Headed to the Bergbaumuseum (salt mining museum - Hall is an ancient word for salt), but had not noted opening times, guided tour at 11:30 am only. Oh, well, last wander around the old town, then to my room for some quiet reading time. Nice blog here: https://annamoritz.wordpress.com/201...eval-treasure/ |
I'm loving this! I've had a vague thought of going to the Alps and doing lovely, gentle walks but kept picturing Eiger and sharp, jagged hills. Your trip report has convinced me so it will go into my file of "trips for the future". Plus, the small towns are so appealing. Keep it going, please!
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Holy cow, A! That is so bleak. I'm afraid it would break my heart. I marvel that your father and mother were able to carve out a life and a living there. I know it is such a blessing to him and to her when they come back to Germany! As you know, I also spent some years in the desert... but we had an ersatz California recreated suburb to live in. Stout-hearted comes to mind for your parents.
Still loving your descriptions and the towns and the pictures. Each one more compelling than the last. Thank you so; much for your report & photos!! s |
Wondering about the neighborhood in Nurnberg, Gostenhof. From the photos a lot of the buildings look really nice and pre WW2 in style. Looks as if those blocks escaped better than much of Nurnberg in terms of war damage.
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Return trip via Kufstein, such a pretty train ride. The mountains look like laid with green velvet carpet. Forests, little villages, lumber yards, fields, light industry.
The seniors have had an active few days, been to town wandering around the Oktoberfest site, Nymphenburg palace, walked around a lake. Our final group dinner was at a nearby Bavarian restaurant (Landlust), a 2 km walk each way, great food much sourced locally and their family farm. Visited Herrmannsdorf, near Glonn, on our last day. It is about 15 minutes from where we are staying. An organic farm, free range ducks, chickens, sheep, goats, etc, a cheese making area, a butcher and baker, a store selling locally sourced and organic foods. Wonderful day. A pleasant walk through forest, and a really nice drive through outer suburbs, fields, forest and villages. https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...cd58b3294.jpeg Pretty forest nearby https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...d77817830.jpeg Beautiful trees https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...31595c305.jpeg To the beehives https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...8bc0889ea.jpeg Even the barns have decorative wood https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...2ce75b8cd.jpeg Inspiring pioneer https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...282eefb5c.jpeg Local honey https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...1268cb61d.jpeg Ducks at Herrmannsdorf https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...46a7fc2c6.jpeg Piglets https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...fdeaf521e.jpeg New born calf https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...3c8a3244b.jpeg Rural views on our walk https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fod...0e3d79350.jpeg Goats at Herrmannsdorf Then the S Bahn to airport for our long flight home. The only grumpy/ unpleasant person we met so far was at the airport. Bought a book ticketed at €11, and I spent ages sorting through my minor coins to rid myself of them. So presented with exactly the correct change. “Ein Euro mehr ” she says. I point out the €11 price tag. She looks at the €11 price, re scans it and repeats herself as it scans at €12. I wasn’t bothered about the price, just her attitude and if I was at home I know it is not ok to tag something one price and demand another, and annoyed I had to hunt around for more coins. She was not apologetic at all. Currently in Singapore airport with a 7 hour layover, so ends our holiday. Lovely trip and family reunion, all went well and thanks to everyone who helps with ideas on this forum. Switzerland in June….. vickiebypass, so there will be an Eiger in my next trip :) robincal, lots of reconstruction in the city, Gostenhof has some lovely buildings and some rather ordinary, it isn’t ‘prettified’ I guess, but interesting vibe and a mix of gritty and gracious. swandav, I think my mother felt like she had landed on Mars when she got to the outback. But they are both resilient, strong characters, made the best of what they had. |
Sorry your trip ended on a slightly sour note, Adelaidean, but at least you have those great pictures and memories to make you smile.
Looking forward to "joining you" on your next trip. |
These photos are gorgeous and your dad is a real trouper. You take the best trips, Adelaidean! Thank you so much for sharing your journey.
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Thank you SO much for taking us along, and for the super duper pictures!
I can't wait until I retire to plan a similar trip! |
I'm so sorry your trip is over. (I'm sure you are as well.) I've so enjoyed traveling along with you. Thanks to you I've set up an air fare alert for late next summer. I'm going to Germany!
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that's great Dee Dee. Where are you going to go?
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Oh annhig, I don't know yet! I'm just starting to research (planning is so much fun!). It will be southern Germany/Bavaria, Baden Württemberg and maybe a bit of Austria too, probably 3 weeks. I've only been to Bavaria once before using Berchtesgaden as a base for (I think) 5 nights before moving on to the Austrian Lake District. I'll definitely be looking for suggestions. I note you've been invaluable making suggestions to others. I look forward to your input. In the meantime I'm hard at work doing genealogical research trying to learn where my German ancestors originated. I'd love to incorporate my German roots into this trip!
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Oh Adelaidean this is a wonderful trip report and quite an inspiring story.
I have only just caught up with it and look forward to re reading very carefully so down the track when retirement finally comes we can plan for this area. Your parents sound inspiring in the way they tackled life in such a remote area and then their later life travels ! I did note the monastery and assumed you were referring to New Norcia - as a former West Aussie I recall a number of visits there many years ago. And - those outback shots present a familiar landscape too!!! Although only part of my childhood was in Kalgoorlie I too now love being near mountains/alps etc and wandering along the parts of paths you have written about. Thank you for sharing this personal travel tale and welcome back to warm Adelaide. I hope you and your dad recover well and look forward to hearing more about your travels. |
Was looking up a story my aunt told, of a hot air balloon escape from East Germany in the '70's, she saw the landing......anyway...an article I found
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archi...=.a302ca319477 amazing. |
Adelaidean, thank you so much for posting that poignant article, which I should so like to send to Jeremy Hunt, our new Foreign Secretary. He recently caused gross offence to our european neighbours by likening leaving the EU to being like escaping the Soviet Union, thus demeaning the horrors that people like those in the article went through and the many EU citizens who lived within the sphere of Soviet influence.
sorry to end ? your wonderful TR on a sound note! |
Originally Posted by Adelaidean
(Post 16804194)
Was looking up a story my aunt told, of a hot air balloon escape from East Germany in the '70's, she saw the landing......anyway...an article I found
https://www.washingtonpost.com/archi...=.a302ca319477 amazing. Night Crossing |
Thank you for that link, trophywife, shall look for that.
Ann, an excellent movie I had the kids watch some time back was “The Lives of Others”, a really excellent portrayal of life under the Stasi. Thanks for reading, am back at work and enjoying the great memories. |
Originally Posted by Adelaidean
(Post 16804399)
Thank you for that link, trophywife, shall look for that.
Ann, an excellent movie I had the kids watch some time back was “The Lives of Others”, a really excellent portrayal of life under the Stasi. Thanks for reading, am back at work and enjoying the great memories. |
Somehow I don't think that films like that were part of Mr Hunt's education. What a shame. There was also a German TV serial recently set in both East and West Germany which explored the effect on young people of living under such regimes.
The judge with whom I stayed as part of a lawyers' exchange programme was part of the Leipzig Monday protests; she said that every time she would ask her mother to look after her children if she didn't come back. I am so disgusted by this man. |
My father recalled a neighbour who ‘disappeared’ after being reported on for making a negative comment about ‘the Party’ - no one even dared to ask what happened to him. They just continued on without mentioning his name (but his parents would quietly help with food).
When my Dad escaped he did not see his parents again for 25 years. They had already been refugees as children during the war, fleeing their little village in Silesia (his mother with 2 little children, she’d barely been out of her village before, husband was conscripted so she was on her own) then finding refuge in what was to become East Germany and living under that regime. |
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