There is a feeling of hope in the room. Fear also. What is going to happen next? On a rainy Friday morning it seems like there are a couple of hundred people waiting in the corridors of the Landratsamt (that’s District Office in English), waiting for their number to appear on the screen, waiting to […]
I didn’t even look at the prices – I am sure they are outrageous. But the sign outside the butcher shop in Freiburg definitely caught my attention. As a carnivore I appreciate variety from time to time. Especially since I am living in Germany where the go-to meat is pork; not very tasty pork […]
I meant to share this picture on July 4, American independence day, but I forgot. Now seems as good a time as any. For those who agree with the sentiment, I understand your frustration. Certainly a lot of political problems faced by Americans could be solved if they were once again part of the United […]
After a couple of visits to this abandoned 13th century castle, I am left with a lot of questions. And that is without getting into the unsolved mass murder of the last people to live here in 1540. I wonder why someone decided to build on this hill as opposed to any of the others […]
It is a couple kilometres hike to the top, depending on your starting point. The view from the ruined castle is worth it though. You get a great view of the valley below. From the remaining ramparts of Burgruine Neuenfels you can see the neighboring towns. Badenwieler and Britzingen are closest, but over there is […]
You would think an unsolved multiple homicide would be the subject of considerable police attention, but that’s not the case here. This one is for the historians. Eight people murdered in their home, and never a hint of who did the deed. No wonder no-one has lived here since 1540 – people probably thought it […]
Who knew this day would come? It certainly wasn’t something I planned for. On Sunday July 8, 1979, my only thought for the future was next week. Forty years later I look back and realize that my life and that of many others changed that day. Which is a good reason to celebrate. Feel […]
Stein Am Rhein, Switzerland, is a tourist mecca – primarily I think because of its architecture. This house in particular caught my eye. Haus Vetter (Cousin’s House) dates back to 1473, though I suspect there may have been an upgrade or two since then. Canadian houses aren’t expected to last that long. I’m wondering why […]
Allow me to vent for a minute. I was just in the kitchen, and killed at least a dozen flies. There were more when I finished than when I started. It is 31 degrees Celsius, so closing the windows isn’t really an option. I want to cook some food, but not myself. In Canada this […]
When I am taking group pictures I usually ask people to say “Kase,” which is German for “cheese.” I know it doesn’t produce the desired effect, except it does. My understanding has always been that saying “cheese” moves your facial muscles into a smile – that’s why we say it when we are having our […]
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