European Lakes with Swans, Darling?
Jun 17th, 2008, 02:44 PM
#25
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I went to a castle in Germany called Mespelbrunn back when I was in college ages ago. I took a photo of the swans in front of it. I don't know if the swans are still there, but it is a lovely castle anyway!
I remember being chased by annoying swans in Vondelpark in Amsterdam.
I remember being chased by annoying swans in Vondelpark in Amsterdam.
Jun 17th, 2008, 09:57 PM
#27
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The ponds of Nymphenburg palace in Munich all feature swans.
The swan is the heraldic animal of the Wittelsbach royal family.
Their most famous offspring, mad King Ludwig II even built his most famous castle with the swan as the central motive.. Neu-schwan-stein (swan is Schwan in German).
You will also find swans on Lake Starnberg, 20 kms south of Munich, where Ludwig took his last swim with the swans, so to speak..
Somehow I got the impression in the course of this thread that a tour in the footsteps of King Ludwig might be especially suitable...
The swan is the heraldic animal of the Wittelsbach royal family.
Their most famous offspring, mad King Ludwig II even built his most famous castle with the swan as the central motive.. Neu-schwan-stein (swan is Schwan in German).
You will also find swans on Lake Starnberg, 20 kms south of Munich, where Ludwig took his last swim with the swans, so to speak..
Somehow I got the impression in the course of this thread that a tour in the footsteps of King Ludwig might be especially suitable...
Jun 17th, 2008, 10:11 PM
#28
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Danke Cowboy1968! I'm not sure if your suggestion is helpful to Thingorjus or PalenQ, but it is for me... I will be traveling through Munich and parts of Austria in July. I will be sure to look for the swans. And I'm laughing... This is a travel blog and the reference to a Ludwig tour was so appropriate!
Jun 17th, 2008, 10:26 PM
#29
Once upon a time, between Locarno and Tenero, there was (and still is) an area called Minusio. Located on Lago Maggiore, the town is nothing special but the area around the lake is divine. No cars (except for one or two ferraris) or crowds, just the path along the lake with large atmospheric trees and a shoreline of grass on one side and old Tessiner villas surrounded by palm trees and mediterranean vegetation on the other.
During my evening walk to Tenero (went to the camping ground with the kids to get an ice cream), we'd pass families of swans laying on the grass, who were losing their winter down. Their meeting place was covered with soft down feathers that would whirl around as the soft wind blew. It was a bit like snow on a warm late spring evening.
The end.
During my evening walk to Tenero (went to the camping ground with the kids to get an ice cream), we'd pass families of swans laying on the grass, who were losing their winter down. Their meeting place was covered with soft down feathers that would whirl around as the soft wind blew. It was a bit like snow on a warm late spring evening.
The end.
Jun 18th, 2008, 12:33 AM
#30
A link to the place we stayed at in Minusio. I would recommend renting on of the bungalows for one week. (minimum amount of nights)
http://www.paganetti.ch/german-page01.html
http://www.paganetti.ch/german-page01.html
Jun 18th, 2008, 04:57 AM
#31
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Here's a swan to keep thingorjus entertained while planning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rpqmcXqcNw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rpqmcXqcNw
Jun 18th, 2008, 05:21 AM
#33
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Somehow I got the impression in the course of this thread that a tour in the footsteps of King Ludwig might be especially suitable...
I couldn't agree more...and if you don't get your pretty little butts out to Herrenchiemsee and the largest and best-decorated palace of all the four Ludwig builds then you've missed the point, Sweetie Darling.
I couldn't agree more...and if you don't get your pretty little butts out to Herrenchiemsee and the largest and best-decorated palace of all the four Ludwig builds then you've missed the point, Sweetie Darling.
Jun 18th, 2008, 05:48 AM
#34
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Thanks, schuler, you are a doll.
We were thinking of Ticino, Switzerland because I am a huge Patricia Highsmith fan and she lived there in Ticino for 14 years.
I think there are swans on Lake Lugarno.
We would like to rent an apartment right on the lake, something with a garden.
I am going to start doing research soon.
Dukey, I am NOT a fan of King Ludwig. I have been to Neuschwanstein and thought it was HIDEOUS.
Thingorjus
We were thinking of Ticino, Switzerland because I am a huge Patricia Highsmith fan and she lived there in Ticino for 14 years.
I think there are swans on Lake Lugarno.
We would like to rent an apartment right on the lake, something with a garden.
I am going to start doing research soon.
Dukey, I am NOT a fan of King Ludwig. I have been to Neuschwanstein and thought it was HIDEOUS.
Thingorjus
Jun 18th, 2008, 07:07 AM
#36
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No, I like swans. In fact, Keith and I have a painting over our bed that depicts a lake with swans. In the background is a house with a mansard roof and lovely gardens with wisteria and sunflowers. The painting was my mother's before she died.
My mother bought the painting because she said it reminded her of Lake Lucerne.
However, I have been to Lake Lucerne and don't want to go back again for a holiday.
I want something different.
Thin
My mother bought the painting because she said it reminded her of Lake Lucerne.
However, I have been to Lake Lucerne and don't want to go back again for a holiday.
I want something different.
Thin
Jun 18th, 2008, 10:43 AM
#37
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I didn't mention it earlier because it's not on a lake, but if you like swans, you might like to consider on a future trip visiting the swannery at Abbotsbury on the Dorset coast in England. You'll probably never get so close to so many swans. Particularly recommended in the late spring/early summer, when there are cygnets.
http://www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery.htm
http://www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery.htm
Jun 21st, 2008, 12:09 AM
#38
A magical evening in Lucerne
Last night was a beautiful June evening, one of the first warm evenings of the year. My friend and I decided to drive to the Verkehrshaus and walk along the promenade into Lucerne. We found free parking at the Verkehrshaus (it was after 6pm) and began our stroll. We walked along the footpath, with lawns and trees and one side and majestic mountains (the Rigi, Titlis, Stanserhorn and Bürgistock) on the other. Ferries and sailboats dotted the peaceful lake and the humble skyline of Lucerne could be seen in the distance. Lovers were sitting on the benches, children were playing in the grass, tokers were getting high in the bushes and pristine white buoys were bobbing in the water. After a second glance, we realised these weren’t just typical buoys but swans feeding. Their heads were more in the water than out and one could name the whole swan group, “bottoms up!”
We continued our walk until we got to the Casino. We sat down outside and enjoyed a nice salad and a glass of wine. Being this was the casino and that it was right on the lake, we thought we’d pay a fortune for our meal. But lo and behold, the glass of white wine was only SFr. 5.—and the salad with prawns was SFr. 18.--. Very reasonable for Switzerland and the location.
After a lively discussion, we continued our stroll into Lucerne. And suddenly a very familiar man was heading in our direction. My heart pounded and I smiled at the thought of his movies: it was John Cleese! He walked past us with his typical trademark gait and went up to the ice cream man to ask about something. He didn’t buy anything but his mannerisms were just like in his films. He was a wonderful sight. He continued his stroll with his friend, being left alone by passersby. And we continued our stroll through the town.
The town was magical tonight. There were TVs set up inside and outside the restaurants and bars. The TV in front of the Pickwick had the most lively audience. It was the EM football championships and Turkey was playing against Croatia. People calmly watched TV while sipping on their coffees or beers in the middle of Lucerne. Not many people were strolling the streets so there were no crowds to be fought. On the Spreuerbridge (the second wooden bridge) I took off my shoes (blisters¨) and I continued our walk barefoot.
Lucerne can indeed be magical and I’m looking forward to going next Saturday again: the national Jodlerfest will be in Lucerne and, despite the crowds, will be a musical delight!
Last night was a beautiful June evening, one of the first warm evenings of the year. My friend and I decided to drive to the Verkehrshaus and walk along the promenade into Lucerne. We found free parking at the Verkehrshaus (it was after 6pm) and began our stroll. We walked along the footpath, with lawns and trees and one side and majestic mountains (the Rigi, Titlis, Stanserhorn and Bürgistock) on the other. Ferries and sailboats dotted the peaceful lake and the humble skyline of Lucerne could be seen in the distance. Lovers were sitting on the benches, children were playing in the grass, tokers were getting high in the bushes and pristine white buoys were bobbing in the water. After a second glance, we realised these weren’t just typical buoys but swans feeding. Their heads were more in the water than out and one could name the whole swan group, “bottoms up!”
We continued our walk until we got to the Casino. We sat down outside and enjoyed a nice salad and a glass of wine. Being this was the casino and that it was right on the lake, we thought we’d pay a fortune for our meal. But lo and behold, the glass of white wine was only SFr. 5.—and the salad with prawns was SFr. 18.--. Very reasonable for Switzerland and the location.
After a lively discussion, we continued our stroll into Lucerne. And suddenly a very familiar man was heading in our direction. My heart pounded and I smiled at the thought of his movies: it was John Cleese! He walked past us with his typical trademark gait and went up to the ice cream man to ask about something. He didn’t buy anything but his mannerisms were just like in his films. He was a wonderful sight. He continued his stroll with his friend, being left alone by passersby. And we continued our stroll through the town.
The town was magical tonight. There were TVs set up inside and outside the restaurants and bars. The TV in front of the Pickwick had the most lively audience. It was the EM football championships and Turkey was playing against Croatia. People calmly watched TV while sipping on their coffees or beers in the middle of Lucerne. Not many people were strolling the streets so there were no crowds to be fought. On the Spreuerbridge (the second wooden bridge) I took off my shoes (blisters¨) and I continued our walk barefoot.
Lucerne can indeed be magical and I’m looking forward to going next Saturday again: the national Jodlerfest will be in Lucerne and, despite the crowds, will be a musical delight!
Jun 25th, 2008, 01:36 AM
#40
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Just spent 11 days in Germany including Hamburg, Luebec, Berlin and Travemunde on the Baltic Sea. All the lakes and rivers here were loaded with swans (hungry swans).
The Spree River running through the formerly East Berlin area is especially beautiful with all the new ultra modern buildings and of course the swans add a nice touch.
Larry J
The Spree River running through the formerly East Berlin area is especially beautiful with all the new ultra modern buildings and of course the swans add a nice touch.
Larry J
