Monschau is an idyllic town within ancient walls, a medieval townscape with well preserved half-timbered houses, narrow streets and cobblestones.
Monschau is is also known to be the cultural centre of the entire Eifel region Continue reading Monschau and it’s rich history
One crisp January morning in Germany, I opened my door when I heard the sound of soft singing. I saw three children dressed in robes and golden paper crowns, they were the Sternsinger—the “Star Singers.” They were disguised as the Three Wise Men and brought with them a centuries old tradition. This tradition still warms hearts across the country at Epiphany. It was Three Kings … Continue reading Three Kings Day: The Meaning of Sternsingers in Germany
A few years ago, while traveling through South Bavaria, I found myself in the enchanting city of Passau—a place where three rivers meet and history flows through every cobbled street. Nestled at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, Passau is known for its baroque beauty, its vibrant culture, and one extraordinary treasure that left me breathless: the largest cathedral organ in the world. … Continue reading Passau Cathedral has the worlds largest Organ
My daughter and I enjoyed some beautiful, sunny days early October in the vicinity of Füssen near the King Ludwig II castles. Since Neuschwanstein was under renovation, we were looking forward to take a tour through Hohenschwangau castle, which was also Ludwig’s and Otto’s childhood home. Nestled in the shadow of its famous neighbor Neuschwanstein, Hohenschwangau Castle quietly reigns with its own regal charm. Our … Continue reading King Ludwig II childhood castle, Hohenschwangau
During the first week of October 2023, my daughter Patricia and I spent five beautiful days in Oberammergau, nestled in the heart of the Bavarian Alps. The air was crisp, the leaves just beginning to turn, and the mountains wrapped us in their timeless embrace. On one particularly warm Saturday, with skies so blue they looked painted, I decided to try once more to reach … Continue reading To the Zugspitze with my daughter
The Felsenkirche in Idar-Oberstein, Germany, is an iconic landmark in the region and has a rich history that dates back several centuries. The Chapel was established around 1350 a.D. to serve as a place of worship for the miners working in the nearby gemstone mines. The church is perched on a rocky outcrop, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The actual church was built … Continue reading An iconic landmark, the Felsenkirche of Idar-Oberstein
When the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll reported to military duty on 1.Oct.1958 at the Ray Barracks near Bad Nauheim, the local press wrote: “So much noise around this howling Dervish”. A few days after Presley’s arrival, his father Vernon, his grandmother Minnie Mae and the two bodyguards followed. On the cover of “A Big Hunk o’ Love” Elvis poses in front of the Bad … Continue reading Elvis Presley’s Army Days in Bad Nauheim
There’s something deeply comforting about recipes that unfold slowly, over weeks and months, gathering flavor and memory as they go. Rumtopf is one of those treasures—a German and Austrian dessert that’s as much a ritual as it is a recipe. Traditionally enjoyed around Christmas, Rumtopf is made by layering seasonal fruits with sugar and soaking them in strong Rum. The result is a boozy, fragrant … Continue reading Rumtopf: Layering Seasonal Fruits in Rum
