Today is my last full day in Munich. I fly out tomorrow morning at 7:00 a.m.
I spent the day just walking around the city. I ended up on the waterfront in this beach area where locals were jogging, riding their bikes, and walking their dogs and/or kids. I walked in some neighborhoods before heading to the Old City to say until next time and pray for safe travels in the church I did the sacrament in.
It's been a good trip. But alas, it is time to come home.
I get home Thursday early afternoon and have then until Monday to get myself together before returning to work on Tuesday.
xoxo
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Regensburg
I headed to the train station this morning to go to Regensburg on a day tour.
On the way, I stopped by St. Michael's because that was the one place I had not yet gone to that was on my list.
I got to the meeting point and discovered the guide for the tour called in sick, and they were not able to find a new guide. So the rep gave me a map of Regensburg with some suggestions on what to do. I bought my train ticket and was off.
I'm glad I went. The Celts settled in the area around 500 B.C. and the Romans came in AD 179, so there is a lot of history there. Charlemagne arrived at the end of the 8th center and made it part of his domain. The town managed to survive both world wars.
The best part was St. Peter's Cathedral. It made going the 1.5 hour train ride more than worth it. It was magnificent! Construction began in the 13th century and dragged on for 600 years, finally finished by Ludwig I. The ceilings were high and the stain-glass windows were amazing in their detail.
I also went to the Stone Bridge which was completed in 1146! So many feet have trod there.
I walked around the Old City hitting up the the Old Town Hall, Emmeram Palace, Thur and Taxis Palace, St. Emmeram Church (which was very nice and worn), the Neupfarrplaz (which is the site of where the Jewish ghetto was, the Jews were evicted in 1519 due to superstition) and more.
Funny story, as I was looking at the palace, out walks a couple from my tour. They are from Calgary and are currently on a river cruise. It was so funny running into them. Then less than 30 minutes later I ran into Star and Ann from the tour. I had had dinner with them and their two friends during the tour. It was actually very good to see them. They were very kind to me. Ann, who is probably in her 60s or 70s, has never been married. So we were talked about marriage and God during our dinner together.
I meant to take an earlier train so it would still be light when I got back, but I missed it by ten minutes or so. So I had to catch the next train and they run every hour. So when I got back to Munich, it was dark. But I just walked by instinct and soon saw the dome to one of the churches and just headed that way.
Tomorrow is my last full day here! It's kind of bittersweet. I want to go home, but I also want to see more. This is the part where I think I should have come home Saturday and then had Sunday and Monday to recover, but I think coming home Thursday will be good. I need to reset and I want to clean out my closet.
On the way, I stopped by St. Michael's because that was the one place I had not yet gone to that was on my list.
I got to the meeting point and discovered the guide for the tour called in sick, and they were not able to find a new guide. So the rep gave me a map of Regensburg with some suggestions on what to do. I bought my train ticket and was off.
I'm glad I went. The Celts settled in the area around 500 B.C. and the Romans came in AD 179, so there is a lot of history there. Charlemagne arrived at the end of the 8th center and made it part of his domain. The town managed to survive both world wars.
The best part was St. Peter's Cathedral. It made going the 1.5 hour train ride more than worth it. It was magnificent! Construction began in the 13th century and dragged on for 600 years, finally finished by Ludwig I. The ceilings were high and the stain-glass windows were amazing in their detail.
I also went to the Stone Bridge which was completed in 1146! So many feet have trod there.
I walked around the Old City hitting up the the Old Town Hall, Emmeram Palace, Thur and Taxis Palace, St. Emmeram Church (which was very nice and worn), the Neupfarrplaz (which is the site of where the Jewish ghetto was, the Jews were evicted in 1519 due to superstition) and more.
Funny story, as I was looking at the palace, out walks a couple from my tour. They are from Calgary and are currently on a river cruise. It was so funny running into them. Then less than 30 minutes later I ran into Star and Ann from the tour. I had had dinner with them and their two friends during the tour. It was actually very good to see them. They were very kind to me. Ann, who is probably in her 60s or 70s, has never been married. So we were talked about marriage and God during our dinner together.
I meant to take an earlier train so it would still be light when I got back, but I missed it by ten minutes or so. So I had to catch the next train and they run every hour. So when I got back to Munich, it was dark. But I just walked by instinct and soon saw the dome to one of the churches and just headed that way.
Tomorrow is my last full day here! It's kind of bittersweet. I want to go home, but I also want to see more. This is the part where I think I should have come home Saturday and then had Sunday and Monday to recover, but I think coming home Thursday will be good. I need to reset and I want to clean out my closet.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Third Reich, English Gardens
Today began with a walking tour of the Third Reich Munich. I had the same guide as yesterday. The Nazi party began here so we were able to see some of the spots of where it all began. The thing is that Hitler was a passionate exhorter, and I know that people are swayed by emotion. When the economy fell, people were looking for a scapegoat, which became the communist and the Jews. And the Nazi party did a good job using propaganda to sway the people. It's like little by little, and it seems like at first they weren't completely open with their final plan of world domination.
Not sure if I have mentioned this or not, but Germany blames Austria for both world wars. I can get WWI. The world was already on edge and when the Austrian emperor's nephew was murdered by Serb nationalists, he reacted and Germany took their side. Then people began taking sides. When the Treaty of Versailles was complete, Germany had no say and they were pretty bitter that some of their land had been taken, and they had to give financial amends to the French. So some say that WWII was just a continuation of the first war. I think I mentioned last year that all these arbitrary borders were created. People who were together were separated and people who were enemies were put together.
Hitler's ideas was to retake all the German speaking countries (he actually wanted Eastern Europe). He annexed Austria. Was given then Czechoslovakia to appease him by some world leaders. It wasn't until he invaded Poland that the powers at be stood up.
But again that this idea that an Aryan race is superior and everyone else needed to be wiped out or enslaved. Really? Anyway, I could go on but I will save you the rant that I can feel coming.
One of my tour mates is actually a traveling nurse who has lived in Seattle for I think seven months. She is from Florida. I gave her my information, hopefully she contacts me. She said she had not met any friend in the area yet.
I ended up hanging with a couple I met at the tour, Samantha and Mark. We walked in the English Gardens for a while. It was nice having someone to talk to. So we also passed by the palace and through the royal gardens.
Tomorrow is Tuesday so I have two whole days so sight see. I am trying to determine if I should go to Regensburg tomorrow or just stay local. If I do, it would be an early start. We will see. I will play it by ear. Sleeping in sounds good too.
I need to find something to eat then I will spend the evening reading.
Not sure if I have mentioned this or not, but Germany blames Austria for both world wars. I can get WWI. The world was already on edge and when the Austrian emperor's nephew was murdered by Serb nationalists, he reacted and Germany took their side. Then people began taking sides. When the Treaty of Versailles was complete, Germany had no say and they were pretty bitter that some of their land had been taken, and they had to give financial amends to the French. So some say that WWII was just a continuation of the first war. I think I mentioned last year that all these arbitrary borders were created. People who were together were separated and people who were enemies were put together.
Hitler's ideas was to retake all the German speaking countries (he actually wanted Eastern Europe). He annexed Austria. Was given then Czechoslovakia to appease him by some world leaders. It wasn't until he invaded Poland that the powers at be stood up.
But again that this idea that an Aryan race is superior and everyone else needed to be wiped out or enslaved. Really? Anyway, I could go on but I will save you the rant that I can feel coming.
One of my tour mates is actually a traveling nurse who has lived in Seattle for I think seven months. She is from Florida. I gave her my information, hopefully she contacts me. She said she had not met any friend in the area yet.
I ended up hanging with a couple I met at the tour, Samantha and Mark. We walked in the English Gardens for a while. It was nice having someone to talk to. So we also passed by the palace and through the royal gardens.
Tomorrow is Tuesday so I have two whole days so sight see. I am trying to determine if I should go to Regensburg tomorrow or just stay local. If I do, it would be an early start. We will see. I will play it by ear. Sleeping in sounds good too.
I need to find something to eat then I will spend the evening reading.
Sunday, October 27, 2013
Dachau/Munich
I started the day by joining a tour going to Dachau. The guide is a PhD student and was very knowledgeable. I'm doing a walking tour tomorrow on the Third Reich, and he is leading that as well.
As you know, last year I went to Auschwitz. Still the same questions linger. Why? Who decides that someone is subhuman, and then who follows suit and treats fellow humans like they are less than an animal? How is this ever okay? I knew from last year that the camps in general were for Jews, POWs, dissidents, gypsies, and homosexuals. I did not know that they was also for Jehovah Witnesses because they would not bow down to Hitler as all powerful.
Dachau was the first concentration camp and was originally for dissidents who did not follow the party line. Toward the end of the war, people were brought in from other places. So Dachau was the first to be established and the last to be liberated. Dachau was also the footprint for the camps that followed.
I remember a man high up in the Nazi party being found when he was old and sick but people wanted him to pay for his crimes. It's kind of a question of whether all the good you attempt to do is enough to wipe out the bad you did. According to the Christian model, none are above repentance, and I try to keep that in my mind. But it doesn't mean that there is no consequence or reaping our actions. And that is true for all of us.
The people of Dachau acted like they didn't really know what was happening, but how can you not smell bodies burning, see prisoners who look like death, and see people coming in but not going out and not know something?
Then how do people who survived recover from something so horrific? How do you all of a sudden find your humanity when it has been stripped from you.
All throughout the camp are memorials saying we will never forget, but has it not repeated itself and has not the world still remained silent?
There was a film that showed people who survived the camp. It also showed piles of bodies. It was so disturbing, yet people deny that it even happened.
On the tour with me was a woman from South Africa. We were talking about issues of race. People ask her where she is from? South Africa. Where are your parents from? South Africa. Where are your grandparents from? South Africa. Her family has been there for generations so how could anyone tell her to go home?
I also met a young guy from Miami. He's 24, quit his job, cashed in his 401K, and is traveling until the money runs out. I'm like, I wish. Maybe during my mind-life crisis :).
After the tour, I went to some nice churches. I went to St. Kajetan, which is awesome. It's the church the king built after his wife had a son. The ceilings and walls appear to be carved. I also went to St. Peter's, St. Ludwig's. I went into another church that was having mass so I stayed for the sacrament.
I have burned a many candles this trip and visited a many churches.
I have a desire from God. We will just have to see what the answer is.
xoxo
As you know, last year I went to Auschwitz. Still the same questions linger. Why? Who decides that someone is subhuman, and then who follows suit and treats fellow humans like they are less than an animal? How is this ever okay? I knew from last year that the camps in general were for Jews, POWs, dissidents, gypsies, and homosexuals. I did not know that they was also for Jehovah Witnesses because they would not bow down to Hitler as all powerful.
Dachau was the first concentration camp and was originally for dissidents who did not follow the party line. Toward the end of the war, people were brought in from other places. So Dachau was the first to be established and the last to be liberated. Dachau was also the footprint for the camps that followed.
I remember a man high up in the Nazi party being found when he was old and sick but people wanted him to pay for his crimes. It's kind of a question of whether all the good you attempt to do is enough to wipe out the bad you did. According to the Christian model, none are above repentance, and I try to keep that in my mind. But it doesn't mean that there is no consequence or reaping our actions. And that is true for all of us.
The people of Dachau acted like they didn't really know what was happening, but how can you not smell bodies burning, see prisoners who look like death, and see people coming in but not going out and not know something?
Then how do people who survived recover from something so horrific? How do you all of a sudden find your humanity when it has been stripped from you.
All throughout the camp are memorials saying we will never forget, but has it not repeated itself and has not the world still remained silent?
There was a film that showed people who survived the camp. It also showed piles of bodies. It was so disturbing, yet people deny that it even happened.
On the tour with me was a woman from South Africa. We were talking about issues of race. People ask her where she is from? South Africa. Where are your parents from? South Africa. Where are your grandparents from? South Africa. Her family has been there for generations so how could anyone tell her to go home?
I also met a young guy from Miami. He's 24, quit his job, cashed in his 401K, and is traveling until the money runs out. I'm like, I wish. Maybe during my mind-life crisis :).
After the tour, I went to some nice churches. I went to St. Kajetan, which is awesome. It's the church the king built after his wife had a son. The ceilings and walls appear to be carved. I also went to St. Peter's, St. Ludwig's. I went into another church that was having mass so I stayed for the sacrament.
I have burned a many candles this trip and visited a many churches.
I have a desire from God. We will just have to see what the answer is.
xoxo
Saturday, October 26, 2013
Some Munich, Linderhof and Oberammergou
Started the morning off at Nymphenburg. The palace was closed but the grounds were open. It was built for a king to thank his wife for having a son. The couple had been married for ten years or so and only had a girl, then they prayed and I think did a pilgrimage and a son was born. The original portion is smaller but then it was expanded over 200 years. The area around it is residential and where people live, but a more expensive area. Very nice. Love the architecture.
Did a drive by of the Olympic Park. There was a big flea market so it was cool. Also near the BMW plant.
Spent some time in the Old City, but I took it easy as I will have tons of time to explore over the next four days. Did hang out in Marienplatz and spent some time in the Church of our Lady. Caught a bit in the Victual's Market. Will do a repeat and expand what I saw.
Then to Linderhof, which was quite nice. The rooms were complete, and they were breathtaking. Ludwig II did spend a lot of money! He spent the last years of his life living there alone besides his servants. Depending on who you ask, he was mad. Sounds a bit eccentric, artistic maybe. Not equipped to rule, but he was born to the spot.
Also went to Oberammergou, which is where the Passion of the Christ is staged. Had time to do a quick scroll, get some ice-cream, and visit a wood carver's shop. Nice work.
Tonight was the farewell dinner for the tour. I'm tired or I'd write more.
Thank God we fall back tomorrow. I could use the extra sleep. The next four days are kind of unknown. I have some ideas, but I'll just roll with the punches.
xoxo
Did a drive by of the Olympic Park. There was a big flea market so it was cool. Also near the BMW plant.
Spent some time in the Old City, but I took it easy as I will have tons of time to explore over the next four days. Did hang out in Marienplatz and spent some time in the Church of our Lady. Caught a bit in the Victual's Market. Will do a repeat and expand what I saw.
Then to Linderhof, which was quite nice. The rooms were complete, and they were breathtaking. Ludwig II did spend a lot of money! He spent the last years of his life living there alone besides his servants. Depending on who you ask, he was mad. Sounds a bit eccentric, artistic maybe. Not equipped to rule, but he was born to the spot.
Also went to Oberammergou, which is where the Passion of the Christ is staged. Had time to do a quick scroll, get some ice-cream, and visit a wood carver's shop. Nice work.
Tonight was the farewell dinner for the tour. I'm tired or I'd write more.
Thank God we fall back tomorrow. I could use the extra sleep. The next four days are kind of unknown. I have some ideas, but I'll just roll with the punches.
xoxo
Friday, October 25, 2013
Salzburg/Eagles Nest
Forgive this entry. This keyboard is possessed and nothing is where it should be!
I forgot to mention crazy wind in Innsbruck. I think my guide called it the Fonn Winds. He said it comes from the Med and sometime West Africa bringing sand. Apparently when the winds come it is followed by rain or snow. And people start acting crazy. The suicide rate goes up. Accidents increase and people become more aggressive and the animals get restless. It doesn't impact everyone, but it sounds like it impacted his son when his son was young.
Started with a walk in the new and old town. The Sound of Music put Salzburg on the map. The Austrians did not like it when it came out (and was taken out of theaters after three days because the Hollywood portrayal of the true story was over the top), but then after people started visiting because of the movie, they embraced it and love the free marketing. Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart. Apparently Mozart hated the place and people. Mozart said the city lacked culture and had narrow minded people. He moved from there and died in Vienna where he is buried.
I don't think I have ever seen the Sound of Music, but we saw a lot of places that had scenes from the movie. We started in the Mirabell Gardens. A Catholic bishop had the palace built for his mistress and mother of his many children. It was built outside of the old city. Saw where Mozart was born and where he lived a lot of his life in Salzburg.
The first Starbucks opened about a month ago. The younger kids like it because it's hype but it kind of kills the culture of going to a cafe and lingering for hours.
Went to Mozartplatz to see the statue.
Went to St. Peter's Church. There is a restaurant that Charles the Great ate at from around 803. There is also a nice cemetery behind it. That church and the Salzburg Cathedral were both dark and damp.
Oh, and tomorrow is a national holiday in Austria so the military was out in Kapitelplatz so the chessboard was covered. They had a band and were giving tours and boat rides. A lot of families there. It was cool. Kind of like our Seafair but with tanks and stuff like that.
And oh my, has the weather been good. I have three layers but am ending up just in my tshirt. The weather has bee nicer than I could have imagined. I have had some rain, but it's really just been so nice. The sun has been hot.
I spent the afternoon at the Eagle's Nest which is a place the Nazi Party built for Hitler to celebrate his 50th birthday. He had a house lower in the hill but it was destroyed after the war. The Eagle's Nest was a spot where Hitler and the party would entertain foreign delegates. I've heard that the French ambassador termed the phrase as the Nazi's called it the Tea House, but I read that the Americans termed the phrase. In today's dollars it would have cost $120M Euros.
The drive up was amazing and the water was so clear. And the view from up there was amazing. Really amazing but it was weird riding in an elevator that Adolf Hitler had ridden in. It's like where does that much hate come from.
Currently in Munich. Tomorrow is the last day of the tour and I will be hanging out here from Sunday to Wednesday, returning Thursday. What will I do? Nothing.
Tired of running around. I will plan each day as I go. Maybe I will do a day trip or two. I know that I will sleep in on Sunday. Oh, and they fall back Sunday so I will get two fall backs again.
I forgot to mention crazy wind in Innsbruck. I think my guide called it the Fonn Winds. He said it comes from the Med and sometime West Africa bringing sand. Apparently when the winds come it is followed by rain or snow. And people start acting crazy. The suicide rate goes up. Accidents increase and people become more aggressive and the animals get restless. It doesn't impact everyone, but it sounds like it impacted his son when his son was young.
Started with a walk in the new and old town. The Sound of Music put Salzburg on the map. The Austrians did not like it when it came out (and was taken out of theaters after three days because the Hollywood portrayal of the true story was over the top), but then after people started visiting because of the movie, they embraced it and love the free marketing. Salzburg is also the birthplace of Mozart. Apparently Mozart hated the place and people. Mozart said the city lacked culture and had narrow minded people. He moved from there and died in Vienna where he is buried.
I don't think I have ever seen the Sound of Music, but we saw a lot of places that had scenes from the movie. We started in the Mirabell Gardens. A Catholic bishop had the palace built for his mistress and mother of his many children. It was built outside of the old city. Saw where Mozart was born and where he lived a lot of his life in Salzburg.
The first Starbucks opened about a month ago. The younger kids like it because it's hype but it kind of kills the culture of going to a cafe and lingering for hours.
Went to Mozartplatz to see the statue.
Went to St. Peter's Church. There is a restaurant that Charles the Great ate at from around 803. There is also a nice cemetery behind it. That church and the Salzburg Cathedral were both dark and damp.
Oh, and tomorrow is a national holiday in Austria so the military was out in Kapitelplatz so the chessboard was covered. They had a band and were giving tours and boat rides. A lot of families there. It was cool. Kind of like our Seafair but with tanks and stuff like that.
And oh my, has the weather been good. I have three layers but am ending up just in my tshirt. The weather has bee nicer than I could have imagined. I have had some rain, but it's really just been so nice. The sun has been hot.
I spent the afternoon at the Eagle's Nest which is a place the Nazi Party built for Hitler to celebrate his 50th birthday. He had a house lower in the hill but it was destroyed after the war. The Eagle's Nest was a spot where Hitler and the party would entertain foreign delegates. I've heard that the French ambassador termed the phrase as the Nazi's called it the Tea House, but I read that the Americans termed the phrase. In today's dollars it would have cost $120M Euros.
The drive up was amazing and the water was so clear. And the view from up there was amazing. Really amazing but it was weird riding in an elevator that Adolf Hitler had ridden in. It's like where does that much hate come from.
Currently in Munich. Tomorrow is the last day of the tour and I will be hanging out here from Sunday to Wednesday, returning Thursday. What will I do? Nothing.
Tired of running around. I will plan each day as I go. Maybe I will do a day trip or two. I know that I will sleep in on Sunday. Oh, and they fall back Sunday so I will get two fall backs again.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Fairy Tales and Mad Kings
Same thing as previous entry, I need to edit and run spell check.
I spent most of today at Neuschwanstein Castle, which is one of the castles built by Ludwig II. Poor guy. It doesn´t sound like he was prepared to rule by his parents. We learned of his schedule, which included 30 minutes each day with his mom. Then his dad died and he was made king. He spent the money it had taken centuries to amass in 22 years. His death is mysterious, either murder, suicide\murder, suicide, or accident.
His castle was awesome. Apparently it inspired Walt Disney.
I have been promised a castle and prince (and happily ever after) and am still waiting for both!
Arrived in Salzburg in the evening and took a walk along the waterfront with some tour mates and had dinner. It´s nice from what I can see.
I spent most of today at Neuschwanstein Castle, which is one of the castles built by Ludwig II. Poor guy. It doesn´t sound like he was prepared to rule by his parents. We learned of his schedule, which included 30 minutes each day with his mom. Then his dad died and he was made king. He spent the money it had taken centuries to amass in 22 years. His death is mysterious, either murder, suicide\murder, suicide, or accident.
His castle was awesome. Apparently it inspired Walt Disney.
I have been promised a castle and prince (and happily ever after) and am still waiting for both!
Arrived in Salzburg in the evening and took a walk along the waterfront with some tour mates and had dinner. It´s nice from what I can see.
Innsbruck
Okay need to edit and run spell check on this. It won´t save without me publishing this draft. It´s like every word is red!
Yesterday, we did a quick stop by Liechtenstein. It was okay. I did go to a church, which was nice.
Then to Innsbruck. We stopped by a church as we entered the city, I think it was called Basilica Maria. It had a really good view of the ski jump. We heard some funny and sad stories about people sneaking onto the jump and going down. Some ended with death, others a sprained thumb or broken collar. Alcohol and youth seems to be a common factors.
Innsbruck was made the regional capital by Maximilian I. He married Mary of Burgundy and if my memory is serving me correctly, they are the parents of Philip the Handsome who married Juana the Mad who is the sister of Katherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII and both are daughters of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic kings.
I did a walk of the Old City. I started with the Triumphal Arch, which the Empress Maria Theresa (mother of Marie Antoinette) built to celebrate the marriage of her son, unfortunately, her husband died the same day so it also commemorates that.
Then to the St. Anne´s Column. Saw the Golden Roof, St. James Cathedral, Hofburg, City Tower, Hotel Weisses Kreuz, which was built on Roman foundations and has been hosting guests for 500 years. Its guest have included Mozart and Maximilian and a mix of other people like that.
My hotel had a really great location. I went out, turned right, and Hofburg was two minutes away as was the entrance to the Old City.
Like Vienna, the city itself is a work of art with fantastic buildings. I didn´t bother going to Hopsburg because I have been to the palaces in Vienna. The hotel I stayed at used to be the stables for the palaces. Thankfully no trace of its past use.
I was going back and forth on whether to walk up the City Tower, but then it ended up closing on me. I just felt too lazy to do it.
I went to a church called Church of the Former City something dedicated to the Holy Spirit, which was finished in 1705. There is a cross there from 1500. It was quieter than St. James Cathedral. St. James did have an awesome crypt at the bottom and was pretty.
I walked along the river bank and through the royal park. While walking, another church caught my eye so I cut over. It was St. Nicholas. It was open but you were only allowed in the front section. It was dark and smelled of incense and an organ was playing - I assume a recording. I was the only one there so it was nice and peaceful. They had a nice cemetery in the back. Most were maintained by family members.
I saw a Jesuit church was across from my hotel, but I figured I had done enough churches for the day.
Had dinner with the group. It ended up being fun as a few members sang for us. One sung a few songs from the Sound of Music. Another sang an Italian song and "I Did It My Way," and another sang "I Could have Danced All Night." Good voices. And more songs to remind me of vacation.
And finally, in the words of Andrejs, "If it is worse, make it better."
Yesterday, we did a quick stop by Liechtenstein. It was okay. I did go to a church, which was nice.
Then to Innsbruck. We stopped by a church as we entered the city, I think it was called Basilica Maria. It had a really good view of the ski jump. We heard some funny and sad stories about people sneaking onto the jump and going down. Some ended with death, others a sprained thumb or broken collar. Alcohol and youth seems to be a common factors.
Innsbruck was made the regional capital by Maximilian I. He married Mary of Burgundy and if my memory is serving me correctly, they are the parents of Philip the Handsome who married Juana the Mad who is the sister of Katherine of Aragon, first wife of Henry VIII and both are daughters of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic kings.
I did a walk of the Old City. I started with the Triumphal Arch, which the Empress Maria Theresa (mother of Marie Antoinette) built to celebrate the marriage of her son, unfortunately, her husband died the same day so it also commemorates that.
Then to the St. Anne´s Column. Saw the Golden Roof, St. James Cathedral, Hofburg, City Tower, Hotel Weisses Kreuz, which was built on Roman foundations and has been hosting guests for 500 years. Its guest have included Mozart and Maximilian and a mix of other people like that.
My hotel had a really great location. I went out, turned right, and Hofburg was two minutes away as was the entrance to the Old City.
Like Vienna, the city itself is a work of art with fantastic buildings. I didn´t bother going to Hopsburg because I have been to the palaces in Vienna. The hotel I stayed at used to be the stables for the palaces. Thankfully no trace of its past use.
I was going back and forth on whether to walk up the City Tower, but then it ended up closing on me. I just felt too lazy to do it.
I went to a church called Church of the Former City something dedicated to the Holy Spirit, which was finished in 1705. There is a cross there from 1500. It was quieter than St. James Cathedral. St. James did have an awesome crypt at the bottom and was pretty.
I walked along the river bank and through the royal park. While walking, another church caught my eye so I cut over. It was St. Nicholas. It was open but you were only allowed in the front section. It was dark and smelled of incense and an organ was playing - I assume a recording. I was the only one there so it was nice and peaceful. They had a nice cemetery in the back. Most were maintained by family members.
I saw a Jesuit church was across from my hotel, but I figured I had done enough churches for the day.
Had dinner with the group. It ended up being fun as a few members sang for us. One sung a few songs from the Sound of Music. Another sang an Italian song and "I Did It My Way," and another sang "I Could have Danced All Night." Good voices. And more songs to remind me of vacation.
And finally, in the words of Andrejs, "If it is worse, make it better."
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Mount Pilatus-Lucerne 2
The day started with a trip to Mount Pilatus, which is about 7000 feet. According to one legend, it's named for Pontius Pilate. According to legend his body is in one of the lakes. Every Good Friday, he would arise to wash his hands. Locals were not allowed up there because if disturbed he would create a fuss. Then some priest went up there to end his reign of terror and were arrested. Finally the locals did something that rid the lake of his spirit. There's also supposed to be dragons up there. The dragon legend, the tunnels, and the clouds reminded me of the Hobbit and the Misty Mountain song. Tissues please. There were hikers who hiked up. I met one woman briefly who said she hiked it at a fast pace, and it took her 2.5 hours. She said it would normally take four.
We of course took a train up, which took about 30 minutes. OMG. The views were so amazing. I walked up this path and was so out of breath. Out of shape and high altitude did not do me good. Anyway, I just stood in awe. This place is something else with the water and mountains. And in the background a guy was playing Amazing Grace on an alpine horn. It was kind of a a Wedding Singer moment because the song would end, he would pause, and then play it again. So it was worth getting up at 8 to get to. Plus when we were leaving the sun was coming out, it was getting windy, and every other tour group in the city was descending. The rail that took us up is 125 years old. Amazing. Glad it's there cause I would have missed what has to be in my top ten places of amazement. Oh. When I die, I want to be cremated, and my ashes released from the top of there towards the Alps (this is of course 50 years from now).
Went back to the hotel, and then I headed out. I began by doing the walk in the Rick Steve's guide book. Started at the rail station to see the arch that was the entrance to the old train station. Did the Chapel Bridge. There was also a market at both entrances, mainly flowers and fruits and vegetables. The Water Tower there was built in 1300. The bridge was built in 14th century, with paintings added in 17th. In 1993 a leisure boat moored under the bridge caught fire and some of it was destroyed but rebuilt. Many of the paintings were ruined.
Then went to the Jesuit Church, which reminds me, I always want to put my feet up on the kneelers but I stop myself. There is an episode of Seinfeld where Jerry goes to a priest to rat out Tim Watley for telling Catholic jokes. When the priest comes into the confession box, Seinfeld is sitting on the kneeler, and the priest was like you know that's a kneeler don't you. Comedy. Anyway, I digress. The color scheme is so amazing in the church. The church was finished in 1677. The pope wanted a strong presence in Switzerland during the time of reformation.
Walked along and saw the river system. Then to the mill bridge, which is original and no smoking anywhere near it. I was walking across it and there was a painter doing some touch up work to one of the paintings, which by the way are not pleasant. They depict Judgement Day with some going to heaven and some going to hell. So the painter sneezed, and I said bless you. He said thank you, and I asked if he was touching up the paint. He said he was controlling it, which I found a strange word but hey Lost in Translation. On a side note, he was cute. It would have been a perfect story. Grandma tell us again how you met granddad. Well, I was on vacation in Lucerne, and was passing this bridge and granddad sneezed, and I told him bless you. I have a lot of great meet queue stories (a term I learned from the movie The Holiday). Like the bike rider who dropped his key, and I picked them up as he was returning to get them. Like the guy in Safeway I asked to get me from the shelf. These are all great how did you meet stories.
Then off to a couple of squares: Weinmarkt (old marketplace for wine, Hirschenplatz, Sternenplatz). One of the squares has a mural with a depiction of the Wedding Feast at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. There is also a facade from what was once a pharmacy that says, "Amor medicabilis nvllis herbis," which roughly means "No medicine can cure a broken heart."
Then to St. Peter's Church, which was very simple.
I also walked up (and was out of breath) and along the Old Walls and went to a St. Leodegar im Hof Church, which was quite nice. It had nice grounds with tombs.
Then just kind of walked randomly around towards whatever caught my eye. What I realized in Brugge is that I have no desire to see the new parts of cities even though it's where the people live now. I like being in the old part where the history lives. Bought dinner from the store which is basically meat, cheese, and bread and ate it along the water.
I walked slowly back to the hotel. This place is just so amazing to me. I feel a kindred spirit here.
We of course took a train up, which took about 30 minutes. OMG. The views were so amazing. I walked up this path and was so out of breath. Out of shape and high altitude did not do me good. Anyway, I just stood in awe. This place is something else with the water and mountains. And in the background a guy was playing Amazing Grace on an alpine horn. It was kind of a a Wedding Singer moment because the song would end, he would pause, and then play it again. So it was worth getting up at 8 to get to. Plus when we were leaving the sun was coming out, it was getting windy, and every other tour group in the city was descending. The rail that took us up is 125 years old. Amazing. Glad it's there cause I would have missed what has to be in my top ten places of amazement. Oh. When I die, I want to be cremated, and my ashes released from the top of there towards the Alps (this is of course 50 years from now).
Went back to the hotel, and then I headed out. I began by doing the walk in the Rick Steve's guide book. Started at the rail station to see the arch that was the entrance to the old train station. Did the Chapel Bridge. There was also a market at both entrances, mainly flowers and fruits and vegetables. The Water Tower there was built in 1300. The bridge was built in 14th century, with paintings added in 17th. In 1993 a leisure boat moored under the bridge caught fire and some of it was destroyed but rebuilt. Many of the paintings were ruined.
Then went to the Jesuit Church, which reminds me, I always want to put my feet up on the kneelers but I stop myself. There is an episode of Seinfeld where Jerry goes to a priest to rat out Tim Watley for telling Catholic jokes. When the priest comes into the confession box, Seinfeld is sitting on the kneeler, and the priest was like you know that's a kneeler don't you. Comedy. Anyway, I digress. The color scheme is so amazing in the church. The church was finished in 1677. The pope wanted a strong presence in Switzerland during the time of reformation.
Walked along and saw the river system. Then to the mill bridge, which is original and no smoking anywhere near it. I was walking across it and there was a painter doing some touch up work to one of the paintings, which by the way are not pleasant. They depict Judgement Day with some going to heaven and some going to hell. So the painter sneezed, and I said bless you. He said thank you, and I asked if he was touching up the paint. He said he was controlling it, which I found a strange word but hey Lost in Translation. On a side note, he was cute. It would have been a perfect story. Grandma tell us again how you met granddad. Well, I was on vacation in Lucerne, and was passing this bridge and granddad sneezed, and I told him bless you. I have a lot of great meet queue stories (a term I learned from the movie The Holiday). Like the bike rider who dropped his key, and I picked them up as he was returning to get them. Like the guy in Safeway I asked to get me from the shelf. These are all great how did you meet stories.
Then off to a couple of squares: Weinmarkt (old marketplace for wine, Hirschenplatz, Sternenplatz). One of the squares has a mural with a depiction of the Wedding Feast at Cana, where Jesus turned water into wine. There is also a facade from what was once a pharmacy that says, "Amor medicabilis nvllis herbis," which roughly means "No medicine can cure a broken heart."
Then to St. Peter's Church, which was very simple.
I also walked up (and was out of breath) and along the Old Walls and went to a St. Leodegar im Hof Church, which was quite nice. It had nice grounds with tombs.
Then just kind of walked randomly around towards whatever caught my eye. What I realized in Brugge is that I have no desire to see the new parts of cities even though it's where the people live now. I like being in the old part where the history lives. Bought dinner from the store which is basically meat, cheese, and bread and ate it along the water.
I walked slowly back to the hotel. This place is just so amazing to me. I feel a kindred spirit here.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Black Forest-Rhine Falls-Lucerne 1
Today, we drove through the Black Forest. It was so amazing. 40% of Germany is covered in forests. Our guide said that pre-iron curtain, pollution from East Germany, Czech, etc. was killing the trees. After the fall of the Soviet Union, western powers helped the east clean it up so the trees are thriving again.
On the ride over one of my tour mates was saying how Obama should have just caved and delayed the roll out of the health care act. I was like why. After a circular conversion, I am reminded that talking politics, religion, and race is just a conversion that neither side yields. Yet no matter what the topic is people find a way to bring one if not all of the three into it. I will still sometimes read the comment sections on articles, and I am puzzled by this. Even in a topic where it has nothing to do with the subject at hand. Case in point, about a month back there was an article about how someone in Portland had put hundred dollar bills in random places in stores. The comments were all good until this commenter said he or she bet "The Blacks" would tear stores up looking for free money. Huh? But I digress.
I recently read an article about the most annoying things people do. One of them was like forget name dropping, country dropping is more annoying. It made me laugh because I may do this sometime. Person A. I saw Wicked in Seattle. Person B. I a saw Wicked in New York. Me. I saw Wicked in London. It seems like most of the people on the tour have and do travel a lot and there is a lot of country dropping. LOL!
I digress again. We made a stop in the Black Forest. It was this complex. As it turns out, Marie Antoinette had made a stop at this site on her way from Austria to Paris to marry Louis XVI. I thought that was cool. And I went on a hike through the Black Forest. About 30 or so minutes. It was so quiet and peaceful. I may need to start hiking more. The shoes I got before I left are good for hiking. It's very zen.
So yesterday was nice, then it rained, and then it got nice again. Today was nice in the morning. Then it rained on part of our drive but was nice this evening.
My guide shared a story about his friend who is also a guide. After the war, the border between East and West Berlin was fluid. Then one day out of nowhere, the Russians basically shut it down. So people were stuck on the wrong side. Fast forward years and his friend was in this restaurant and sees a guy who looks familiar. So he approaches the guy saying don't I know you? The man was like no. So the friend goes back to his seat. And realizes who it is. Goes back and hugs the man and says father! They have an emotional reunion and the father must leave because he really isn't suppose to be there. So the guide goes back and tells his family he saw his father and they don't believe him until he shows the suitcase his dad left with him full of things like deodorant, jeans, etc. A few days later the secret police show and and ask him who the spy was he was talking too. He was questioned for two days and then put on a watch list. The cafe they were in was full of informants. Imagine a time when you would rat out your brother or friend for better housing or more food. I have put Berlin high on my list.
We also went to the Rhine River Falls which was pretty.
Then on to Lucerne. OMG! I LOVE this place. I have a list of places I could live (Dublin, Amsterdam, London, and Hong Kong). I also have a place where I would like to bring a significant other. It was just Venice and Santorini, now add Lucerne. I feel like I am walking on a movie set because this place does not look real. It's just so amazing. The water. The mountains. And my room has a view of it all. I could just sit there all day and admire it.
We went to the Lion Monument. It is actually pretty powerful. Louis XVI had around 600 armed guards from Switzerland. When the revolution started and the people stormed the palace, he ordered his guards to not raise their swords. The guards obeyed and were killed. So this monument honors them. The Lion, looks so sad. His paw is on his shield and he's crying and he has a spear in his side. I didn't expect to be so moved by it.
We actually did walk that was similar to the Rick Steve's walk I am planning to do tomorrow, which includes the train station, Jesuit Church, and Chapel Bridge, but I will do it all tomorrow.
I took an evening stroll down the water to the main tourist area, and sighed with pleasure. Just absolutely beautiful!
I asked Andrejs about his life in Latvia. He said he likes the U.S. much better. After the fall, people from the communist party were elevated and were able to claim things that didn't belong to them. The only thing he doesn't like so to speak is health care. He said he thinks Obama is trying to do the right thing.
Tomorrow I am going up to Mount Pilatus with the group in the morning then spending the rest of the day walking to the places I want to visit.
I'm trying to not go too crazy on pictures this year. I've had a thousand plus these last two trips. And the pictures from last year have yet to be developed. It's just so pretty here!
On the ride over one of my tour mates was saying how Obama should have just caved and delayed the roll out of the health care act. I was like why. After a circular conversion, I am reminded that talking politics, religion, and race is just a conversion that neither side yields. Yet no matter what the topic is people find a way to bring one if not all of the three into it. I will still sometimes read the comment sections on articles, and I am puzzled by this. Even in a topic where it has nothing to do with the subject at hand. Case in point, about a month back there was an article about how someone in Portland had put hundred dollar bills in random places in stores. The comments were all good until this commenter said he or she bet "The Blacks" would tear stores up looking for free money. Huh? But I digress.
I recently read an article about the most annoying things people do. One of them was like forget name dropping, country dropping is more annoying. It made me laugh because I may do this sometime. Person A. I saw Wicked in Seattle. Person B. I a saw Wicked in New York. Me. I saw Wicked in London. It seems like most of the people on the tour have and do travel a lot and there is a lot of country dropping. LOL!
I digress again. We made a stop in the Black Forest. It was this complex. As it turns out, Marie Antoinette had made a stop at this site on her way from Austria to Paris to marry Louis XVI. I thought that was cool. And I went on a hike through the Black Forest. About 30 or so minutes. It was so quiet and peaceful. I may need to start hiking more. The shoes I got before I left are good for hiking. It's very zen.
So yesterday was nice, then it rained, and then it got nice again. Today was nice in the morning. Then it rained on part of our drive but was nice this evening.
My guide shared a story about his friend who is also a guide. After the war, the border between East and West Berlin was fluid. Then one day out of nowhere, the Russians basically shut it down. So people were stuck on the wrong side. Fast forward years and his friend was in this restaurant and sees a guy who looks familiar. So he approaches the guy saying don't I know you? The man was like no. So the friend goes back to his seat. And realizes who it is. Goes back and hugs the man and says father! They have an emotional reunion and the father must leave because he really isn't suppose to be there. So the guide goes back and tells his family he saw his father and they don't believe him until he shows the suitcase his dad left with him full of things like deodorant, jeans, etc. A few days later the secret police show and and ask him who the spy was he was talking too. He was questioned for two days and then put on a watch list. The cafe they were in was full of informants. Imagine a time when you would rat out your brother or friend for better housing or more food. I have put Berlin high on my list.
We also went to the Rhine River Falls which was pretty.
Then on to Lucerne. OMG! I LOVE this place. I have a list of places I could live (Dublin, Amsterdam, London, and Hong Kong). I also have a place where I would like to bring a significant other. It was just Venice and Santorini, now add Lucerne. I feel like I am walking on a movie set because this place does not look real. It's just so amazing. The water. The mountains. And my room has a view of it all. I could just sit there all day and admire it.
We went to the Lion Monument. It is actually pretty powerful. Louis XVI had around 600 armed guards from Switzerland. When the revolution started and the people stormed the palace, he ordered his guards to not raise their swords. The guards obeyed and were killed. So this monument honors them. The Lion, looks so sad. His paw is on his shield and he's crying and he has a spear in his side. I didn't expect to be so moved by it.
We actually did walk that was similar to the Rick Steve's walk I am planning to do tomorrow, which includes the train station, Jesuit Church, and Chapel Bridge, but I will do it all tomorrow.
I took an evening stroll down the water to the main tourist area, and sighed with pleasure. Just absolutely beautiful!
I asked Andrejs about his life in Latvia. He said he likes the U.S. much better. After the fall, people from the communist party were elevated and were able to claim things that didn't belong to them. The only thing he doesn't like so to speak is health care. He said he thinks Obama is trying to do the right thing.
Tomorrow I am going up to Mount Pilatus with the group in the morning then spending the rest of the day walking to the places I want to visit.
I'm trying to not go too crazy on pictures this year. I've had a thousand plus these last two trips. And the pictures from last year have yet to be developed. It's just so pretty here!
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Heidelberg
Last night after I blogged, I returned to my room, and I read. It was daring as I kept having to shake myself awake. Then, met my group for dinner. It´s a large group with 39 people. Last year my group was only 14.
One of the guys is from the Seattle area. He lives in Spanaway, and his name is Andrejs (pronounced Andreas). He is traveling alone. I saw him, and I made some assumptions about him. He is elderly, and since he was alone, I wrote a story for him, which brings me to this observation. We judge people based on our perceptions and lenses and these perceptions and lenses just point right back to us. It turns out, he is from Latvia. I asked him how long he had lived in the U.S. and he said 17 years, 10 months, and 17 days. He said he is counting the days. He said he was so glad to be in America. Then I learned that he had a wife at home, but she doesn´t like to travel far on airplanes so he goes on vacations without her. He is enjoying his retirement. Sweet person, he is just shy and can appear gruff at first. But once he starts talking, he starts talking. I assumed he was unmarried, maybe childless, and alone...oh wait, that´s me. *_*. Lawd Today!
Anyway, I digress. I went back upstairs and organized (may need to insert again) and then to bed around nine. Of course, I woke up at 1:30. Sigh. Part of the game. Then my mind took off and would not settle down. My thoughts were heading in some weird directions, so I needed to calm my mind down. If I dare be critical of someone, it comes back to me. It always does. Like that. So I´ve been critical of people who seem to have a negative outlook on life, but I found myself on that track. And for what? I have nothing to complain about or be negative about.
I must focus, seek, look for, and respond to the pure and good in life. Life is too short and getting shorter all the time (as a saying, not to be negative lol). Bottom line, as we encounter people, we don´t know what they are dealing with so why not just give them some slack.
So anyway, I digress again (welcome to my world and brain).
The first thing we did was go on a Rhine River cruise, which was actually cool. Lovely countryside aglow with fall colors. Tons of vineyards. On a side note, I don´t think Germany when I think wine. But according to our guide, Charles the Great saw the hillsides in what is now Germany and said they would be good to grow grapes for wine, and he was right. Saw the Lorelei Rock, which is apparently the deepest part of the Rhine. There were also tons of castles, a few of which have been converted to hotels.
Oh. Learned that the Allies made 30 air raids on Mainz and 80% of the city was destroyed in the war.
Spent most of the day in Heidelberg. Love it. It´s a college town so a lot of the population is students from around the world. The university here is the oldest in Germany.
Mark Twain actually wrote most of Huckleberry Finn on the banks of Neckar River. Victor Hugo was also a student. A lot of artists and writers are drawn here.
There is a castle looking over the city, which was built over 400 years with the oldest part dating back to the 15th century. It´s a mixture of different styles. I decided to walk up there because I was told it was a gradual zigzag. That was a lie. Family, Friends, Coworkers, Saints: your sister, family, friend, coworker, sister in the gospel, is out of shape. I had to stop several times, and I don´t think my heart rate has been that elevated in a long time! It was a mess. I was breathing all hard! It did make me wonder how I would rate the castles and palaces I have seen. Hard to judge.
I walked across the Old Bridge, which was cool. It´s actually been replaced several times because of ice causing it to collapse or floods (they were wood). The current bridge was finished in 1788. There is a statue of a monkey holding a mirror, which legend has it was a reminder to city dwellers and those on the outside that neither group was more elite than the other. I took a picture for a member of a Korean tour group (he asked me where I was from and then told me he was from Koea). I think I accidentally walked into a lot of pictures from that group.
I saw the Old University, which was finished in 1735.
I went to the Church of the Holy Ghost (foundation stone laid in 1398 not finished until 1544), just because of the name. The first time I went, it was closed for service. Duh. It´s Sunday. Then I went back. There´s a lot of constructions so it wasn´t peaceful but nice ceilings.
Walked around the market square, which is where the church is. Also found St. Peter´s Church, which was closed, but there were some old tombstones on the outer walls. I do like tombstones because you can try to imagine the person´s life and then wonder about their descendants.
I loved the old town. There is a pedestrian zone that blends old and new.
Oh, I was thinking today as I found St. Peter´s Church how my feet just take me places. I had no idea of where I was going I just knew a general direction but my feet just sort of went there. I also have a habit of ending up on quiet side streets and riverbanks.
Oh and this hotel has a sauna. The kicker is you can´t wear clothes in there, you can wear a towel. Oh and it´s for both sexes. Guess where I am going? Yeah that´s right to bed.
One of the guys is from the Seattle area. He lives in Spanaway, and his name is Andrejs (pronounced Andreas). He is traveling alone. I saw him, and I made some assumptions about him. He is elderly, and since he was alone, I wrote a story for him, which brings me to this observation. We judge people based on our perceptions and lenses and these perceptions and lenses just point right back to us. It turns out, he is from Latvia. I asked him how long he had lived in the U.S. and he said 17 years, 10 months, and 17 days. He said he is counting the days. He said he was so glad to be in America. Then I learned that he had a wife at home, but she doesn´t like to travel far on airplanes so he goes on vacations without her. He is enjoying his retirement. Sweet person, he is just shy and can appear gruff at first. But once he starts talking, he starts talking. I assumed he was unmarried, maybe childless, and alone...oh wait, that´s me. *_*. Lawd Today!
Anyway, I digress. I went back upstairs and organized (may need to insert again) and then to bed around nine. Of course, I woke up at 1:30. Sigh. Part of the game. Then my mind took off and would not settle down. My thoughts were heading in some weird directions, so I needed to calm my mind down. If I dare be critical of someone, it comes back to me. It always does. Like that. So I´ve been critical of people who seem to have a negative outlook on life, but I found myself on that track. And for what? I have nothing to complain about or be negative about.
I must focus, seek, look for, and respond to the pure and good in life. Life is too short and getting shorter all the time (as a saying, not to be negative lol). Bottom line, as we encounter people, we don´t know what they are dealing with so why not just give them some slack.
So anyway, I digress again (welcome to my world and brain).
The first thing we did was go on a Rhine River cruise, which was actually cool. Lovely countryside aglow with fall colors. Tons of vineyards. On a side note, I don´t think Germany when I think wine. But according to our guide, Charles the Great saw the hillsides in what is now Germany and said they would be good to grow grapes for wine, and he was right. Saw the Lorelei Rock, which is apparently the deepest part of the Rhine. There were also tons of castles, a few of which have been converted to hotels.
Oh. Learned that the Allies made 30 air raids on Mainz and 80% of the city was destroyed in the war.
Spent most of the day in Heidelberg. Love it. It´s a college town so a lot of the population is students from around the world. The university here is the oldest in Germany.
Mark Twain actually wrote most of Huckleberry Finn on the banks of Neckar River. Victor Hugo was also a student. A lot of artists and writers are drawn here.
There is a castle looking over the city, which was built over 400 years with the oldest part dating back to the 15th century. It´s a mixture of different styles. I decided to walk up there because I was told it was a gradual zigzag. That was a lie. Family, Friends, Coworkers, Saints: your sister, family, friend, coworker, sister in the gospel, is out of shape. I had to stop several times, and I don´t think my heart rate has been that elevated in a long time! It was a mess. I was breathing all hard! It did make me wonder how I would rate the castles and palaces I have seen. Hard to judge.
I walked across the Old Bridge, which was cool. It´s actually been replaced several times because of ice causing it to collapse or floods (they were wood). The current bridge was finished in 1788. There is a statue of a monkey holding a mirror, which legend has it was a reminder to city dwellers and those on the outside that neither group was more elite than the other. I took a picture for a member of a Korean tour group (he asked me where I was from and then told me he was from Koea). I think I accidentally walked into a lot of pictures from that group.
I saw the Old University, which was finished in 1735.
I went to the Church of the Holy Ghost (foundation stone laid in 1398 not finished until 1544), just because of the name. The first time I went, it was closed for service. Duh. It´s Sunday. Then I went back. There´s a lot of constructions so it wasn´t peaceful but nice ceilings.
Walked around the market square, which is where the church is. Also found St. Peter´s Church, which was closed, but there were some old tombstones on the outer walls. I do like tombstones because you can try to imagine the person´s life and then wonder about their descendants.
I loved the old town. There is a pedestrian zone that blends old and new.
Oh, I was thinking today as I found St. Peter´s Church how my feet just take me places. I had no idea of where I was going I just knew a general direction but my feet just sort of went there. I also have a habit of ending up on quiet side streets and riverbanks.
Oh and this hotel has a sauna. The kicker is you can´t wear clothes in there, you can wear a towel. Oh and it´s for both sexes. Guess where I am going? Yeah that´s right to bed.
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Mainz
I have arrived, and I am relearning the European keyboard. Took me a while to find the @ sign and the z an y are in the wrong places.
The flight over was okay. There are parts I don´t remember so I assume I was asleep. I watched Hangover III and the Interns. The Interns was actually funny in parts. Sometimes the Hangover humor isn´t funny to me. I´m more like asking why than laughing.
Right now its almost four, and I am struggling to stay awake. My body thinks it´s 8 in the morning, and I haven't had any sleep.
A few observations from today:
People are rarely indifferent at airports. They are either really happy to see each other, or they are really sad to be parting. I saw two people reunited, and they were so happy. It´s like their happiness and love was visible.
The other thing is that I sometimes long for that person I am waiting for (whoever he is). This is true when I travel, when I want a traveling partner. But the truth is that I often hear couples constantly picking at each other over stupid things, which adds stress to the trip. Why do they do that? Makes me glad to be "alone!"
Anyway, my plane landed around 8:30. Was able to check in so took a minute to get organized and then hit the streets.
My hotel is along the River Rhine so the first thing I did was walk along the riverbank. Oh, and the weather is SO nice! It was showing low 60s for this area when, I left and it´s not disappointing. There are a bunch of sculptures throughout. And it´s Saturday so folks are out and about. There is a park area and the leaves are very pretty!
Which brings me to my next stop, Marktplatz, which is a big open market in a courtyard surrounding the Dom (Cathedral of St. Martin). It´s so crowded with people drinking wine, eating cheese, buying fruits and vegetables and flowers and fresh eggs. It´s so teeming with life, and people are there with their friends having a good time!
I spent time in the Dom. When I was there, I was trying to figure out what the top churches I´ve seen are. I guess it depends on what I am focusing on. I love the Church of our Lady in Brugge because I felt so connected to it. I love St. Colman´s in Cobn because it´s so peaceful. The Dom is nice, not in the top, but nice. I did like the ceilings.
Then I went into in search of Schillerplatz, which was so unremarkable that I glossed over it after I saw signs leading up to St. Stephen´s. This church is popular because it has some blue stained-glass windows that were designed by an artist who was born in Russia. Something cool happened when I was there. All of these churches have really cool organs and when I was at St. Stephen´s someone was playing it. It sounded so amazing. This church also had cool ceilings, which is pretty much like all of them but leads to great acoustics.
On the way back I went to Schillerplatz, which I basically could have missed but the weather had people out. Then I just started randomly walking where my feet led me.
I also went to the Gutenberg Museum. It was cool. I wanted to see the three bibles that were printed around 1455. They were pretty cool. It was cool seeing the old printing presses. We have come along way! Imagine books written by hand. And then these old printing presses. Now we have copy machines that anyone can operate it. Back then it was a skill and an art. Besides seeing the bibles, our book that was recently published inspired me to go see the history of the press.
So I may need to go for another walk. I´m fine when I walking, but once I sit, I feel woozy.
If I go back out, I may try to find another museum, which I think is down the street. Just not sure how far. Otherwise, I was able to see all I wanted to see in Mainz. My goal was to hit at least one museum.
Editing and spellcheck when I return!
The flight over was okay. There are parts I don´t remember so I assume I was asleep. I watched Hangover III and the Interns. The Interns was actually funny in parts. Sometimes the Hangover humor isn´t funny to me. I´m more like asking why than laughing.
Right now its almost four, and I am struggling to stay awake. My body thinks it´s 8 in the morning, and I haven't had any sleep.
A few observations from today:
People are rarely indifferent at airports. They are either really happy to see each other, or they are really sad to be parting. I saw two people reunited, and they were so happy. It´s like their happiness and love was visible.
The other thing is that I sometimes long for that person I am waiting for (whoever he is). This is true when I travel, when I want a traveling partner. But the truth is that I often hear couples constantly picking at each other over stupid things, which adds stress to the trip. Why do they do that? Makes me glad to be "alone!"
Anyway, my plane landed around 8:30. Was able to check in so took a minute to get organized and then hit the streets.
My hotel is along the River Rhine so the first thing I did was walk along the riverbank. Oh, and the weather is SO nice! It was showing low 60s for this area when, I left and it´s not disappointing. There are a bunch of sculptures throughout. And it´s Saturday so folks are out and about. There is a park area and the leaves are very pretty!
Which brings me to my next stop, Marktplatz, which is a big open market in a courtyard surrounding the Dom (Cathedral of St. Martin). It´s so crowded with people drinking wine, eating cheese, buying fruits and vegetables and flowers and fresh eggs. It´s so teeming with life, and people are there with their friends having a good time!
I spent time in the Dom. When I was there, I was trying to figure out what the top churches I´ve seen are. I guess it depends on what I am focusing on. I love the Church of our Lady in Brugge because I felt so connected to it. I love St. Colman´s in Cobn because it´s so peaceful. The Dom is nice, not in the top, but nice. I did like the ceilings.
Then I went into in search of Schillerplatz, which was so unremarkable that I glossed over it after I saw signs leading up to St. Stephen´s. This church is popular because it has some blue stained-glass windows that were designed by an artist who was born in Russia. Something cool happened when I was there. All of these churches have really cool organs and when I was at St. Stephen´s someone was playing it. It sounded so amazing. This church also had cool ceilings, which is pretty much like all of them but leads to great acoustics.
On the way back I went to Schillerplatz, which I basically could have missed but the weather had people out. Then I just started randomly walking where my feet led me.
I also went to the Gutenberg Museum. It was cool. I wanted to see the three bibles that were printed around 1455. They were pretty cool. It was cool seeing the old printing presses. We have come along way! Imagine books written by hand. And then these old printing presses. Now we have copy machines that anyone can operate it. Back then it was a skill and an art. Besides seeing the bibles, our book that was recently published inspired me to go see the history of the press.
So I may need to go for another walk. I´m fine when I walking, but once I sit, I feel woozy.
If I go back out, I may try to find another museum, which I think is down the street. Just not sure how far. Otherwise, I was able to see all I wanted to see in Mainz. My goal was to hit at least one museum.
Editing and spellcheck when I return!
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Illuminations
Great news! The anthology for my church is now complete! I received the proofs Tuesday, and it is still so surreal to hold the books in my hand! You can purchase your copy at Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/Illuminations-Magnifying-Light-Christ-Through/dp/1491705876/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1380676871&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=LaTonja+Brown
http://www.amazon.com/Illuminations-Magnifying-Light-Christ-Through/dp/1491705876/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1380676871&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=LaTonja+Brown
PCC Scroll
We just finished up the last issue for year 12 of the PCC Scroll! April 2014 will equal 50 issues! Crazy.
Since I added Ruth to the blog this time, I went back to the files I had on record and added the times I've been called to write the Women and/or Men of the Bible sections.
I was surprised how many I did.
I have my section and then I write the Word of the Quarter in one voice. I've also been doing the Financial Section and Health Sections until we get more writers. I won't add all of those, but wanted to add the Men/Women of the Bible sections because I love doing the research for them and finding an application for us to today.
Hope you enjoy!
Since I added Ruth to the blog this time, I went back to the files I had on record and added the times I've been called to write the Women and/or Men of the Bible sections.
I was surprised how many I did.
I have my section and then I write the Word of the Quarter in one voice. I've also been doing the Financial Section and Health Sections until we get more writers. I won't add all of those, but wanted to add the Men/Women of the Bible sections because I love doing the research for them and finding an application for us to today.
Hope you enjoy!
PCC Scroll: Men of the Bible - Gideon
Name: Gideon
Meaning: Destroyer or Mighty Warrior
His Character: Gideon was a simple and meek man who rose to meet the assignment given by God.
His Sorrow: Gideon was frightened and intimated by the people, which caused him to doubt God.
His Joy: God overlooked his disbelief, and God gave him victory despite the odds.
Key Scriptures: Judges 6-8
Gideon was a farmer and from the tribe of Manasseh. He was eventually a judge of Israel who ruled for 40 years. His rule was different than the other 11 judges who ruled Israel. His story can be found in Judges, and he is also listed in Hebrews as an example of faith.
Israel had a pattern of turning away from God. During his time, Gideon was assigned the mission of bringing the people back to God and away from idol worship. He was tasked with revealing to Israel that their plight was a result of their lack of obedience to God. He was instructed to destroy temples built for Baal. Because he was frightened of the reaction from his countrymen, he secretly destroyed the temples at night. However, he was found out and threatened with death, but his father was able to intervene.
Gideon led a military campaign against the Midianites, who raided and plundered the land of Canaan at will. Because he lacked confidence, he requested for a sign of victory from God. This behavior is very honest, and there are times when we all look for a sign from above. God, knowing what His child needed, gave him the sign he required. Gideon still lacked belief and requested another sign. God, in His mercy, granted him the second sign.
God decided to test Gideon’s faith by ordering him to reduce his army. He went from thousands of men to 300 men. Gideon would face a force of thousands, but all would know that the victory came from God, not from armies. Gideon’s army surrounded the Midianites and confused their enemy by breaking jars and blaring trumpets. The chaos misled the Midianites into believing they were facing a large army. The Midianites fled, and the victory belonged to Israel. After the victory, the people, who wanted a king, offered the kingship to Gideon. He refused.
Gideon is among those celebrated in the Faith Hall of Fame in Hebrews. Even when we doubt, God is still able to use us to do His will. His story reminds us to focus on the power of God despite our circumstances. Even when the odds are against us, if God is for us, nothing can stand in our way.
PCC Scroll: Women of the Bible - Rahab
Name: Rahab
Meaning: Broad
Her Character: Rahab was a woman of great faith and courage.
Her Sorrow: Rahab was a prostitute.
Her Joy: Rahab was able to save her family by helping Israeli spies, and she accepted their God as her own.
Key Scriptures: Joshua 2; Joshua 6:17-25; Hebrews 11:31; James 2:25; Matthew 1:5
Rahab is an excellent example that our beginning is not our end. When we meet Rahab, she is a prostitute. What we subsequently learn about her from her actions and words leaves us without a doubt that she was a woman blessed by God. If you are looking for an example of stepping out on faith, look no further. Even as a cracked vessel, she displayed faith and confidence in God.
Rahab’s story is familiar, and it’s found in Joshua. She lived in Jericho, and she aided the spies Joshua sent into the city to survey their opponent. She helped the spies by hiding them when soldiers came looking for them. She told the soldiers the spies left at nightfall. She had heard of the victories Israel had won with the help of their God. She had also heard of the miracles performed along the way, and she believed. She proclaimed that the God of Israel was God. In return for her help, she requested that she and her family be spared when the Israelites came to take Jericho. The spies agreed to help her and instructed her to tie a red cord to her window. She was also instructed to have her relatives in her house at the time of the attack. Because her home was along the city walls, the spies were able get down with a rope through her window when it was clear. Rahab’s faith and actions saved her and her entire family. After Israel conquered Jericho, her family was saved before the city was set on fire.
Through Rahab’s example, we learn an important lesson in judgment. How many of us would have shunned this woman because of her place in society? We cannot doubt that her peers did. Rahab was a woman who was rejected by society because of her occupation. Rahab took a huge leap of faith when she helped the spies. She reached for God, and He did not reject or abandon her. Regardless of what her past was before turning to God, she is considered among the righteous. We have a clear example that where we are now is not where we will finish. Who knows what potential lies within each of us?
Rahab went from being a prostitute to a woman who is one of four women mentioned in the genealogy of Christ in Matthew. She is mentioned in Hebrews 11:31 for her faith, and she is mentioned in James 2:25 for her good works. Her end was much better than her beginning.
PCC Scroll: Women of the Bible - Rebekah
Name: Rebekah
Meaning: Loops of a rope
Scripture Reference: Genesis 22:20-23; 24 through 27; 49:31; Romans 9:10
Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel, who was Abraham’s nephew. She was Isaac’s wife and mother of Jacob and Esau.
We first meet Rebekah at a well. She was described as very fair to look at. Rebekah appeared at the well after Abraham’s servant prayed to God to help him find Isaac a wife. He asked her for a drink of water for himself, and she gave him a drink of water. After she gave him a drink, she offered to give his camels a drink as well (which was the sign he had asked for). Then she took him to meet her family, and her brother offered the servant shelter. She agreed to leave her family and go with the servant to meet and marry Isaac.
Rebekah remained childless for many years. As Isaac’s wife, she played a role in fulfilling God’s promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. Finally, she conceived. During her pregnancy, Rebekah went to enquire of the Lord. From the Lord, she learned that she had two nations in her belly. She gave birth to twin sons, Jacob and Esau.
Rebekah played a key role in Jacob, the younger twin brother, receiving the blessing that should have gone to Esau. The Blessing meant the handing over of legal power to a successor. The person with the blessing would govern the tribe. Perhaps we can infer that Rebekah believed that the quiet, intelligent Jacob, whom she favored, would do a better job ruling the nation. The blessing was more valuable than any amount of property. Property was divided in equal shares between sons (daughters received theirs in the form of their dowry), but the eldest son got a double portion of his father’s blessing or inheritance. This was called the ‘birthright’ of the eldest and this blessing was more valuable than any amount of property. In the story of the pottage, Esau sold his right to the double portion and transferred this right to Jacob.
She had to send Jacob away because he deceived his father and took Esau’s birthright. Rebekah was left with Esau, the son she helped deceive, and daughter-in-laws that grieved her.
Is the story of Rebekah a story of a wife deceiving her dying husband, or is it a story of human nature in its good and bad? Rebekah’s story is one of a woman who was a leader that cared about the future. In her story, we see ambition, love, deception, and self-sacrifice.
Data Source: Women of the Bible
PCC Scroll: Women of the Bible - Hannah
Name: Hannah
Meaning: Favor, Grace
Key Scriptures: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-10, 1 Samuel 2:19, 1 Samuel 25:12
Her Sorrow: She was barren
Her Joy: God honored her vow and blessed her with a son
Hannah was the wife of a Levite named Elkanah. She was the mother of the prophet Samuel. Samuel would be the one who anoints David. At the beginning of the story, Hannah is barren and childless. Because of this, she was ridiculed by her husband’s other wife, Peninnah.
Hannah’s story is very similar to that of Sarah and Rachel, two other prominent women in the Bible.
It is clear that Elkanah cared deeply for Hannah as he gave her a bigger portion of his offering.
During a yearly trip to Shiloh, Hannah went forth alone and prayed before God in the sanctuary. She poured out her heart and sorrow to God. She vowed to give a child conceived back to God for all his days, which was not a light vow to make.
She was originally rebuffed by the high priest, Eli, because he thought she was drunk. When Eli learned of her ordeal, he retracted his charge against her. He told to her, “Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him.”
Before the year passed, Hannah gave birth to a son. She called him Samuel, which means “heard of God.” After the child was weaned, she brought him to Shiloh and presented him to Eli. She gave Samuel to God, and she offered a prayer unto God, which is found in 1 Samuel 2:1-10.
Samuel was left in Shiloh to minister before God. Each year, when she returned to Shiloh, Hannah brought Samuel a coat, which was a robe worn by high priests. Hannah went on to have three sons and two daughters. (Please note, some suggest Samuel is included in the three sons.)
Hannah’s story is remarkable. Imagine praying so hard to God for a desire of your heart and vowing to return that desire to Him.
Several times early in the story, scripture states, “the Lord had shut up her (Hannah) womb.” Oftentimes, it feels like God has shut doors for us that we desire to be opened. Hannah’s life is a reminder that dire situations bow themselves to God’s will and all things truly work for our good.
PCC Scroll: Women of the Bible - Woman with the Issue of Blood
Name: Woman with an issue of blood
Scripture: Matthew 9:20-22; Mark 5:25-34; Luke 8:43-48
Her Sorrow: She suffered from a medical condition for twelve years.
Her Joy: Through her faith in Jesus, she was healed.
In this issue, we are highlighting a woman whose name is not given. Many of us commonly refer to her as the woman with an issue of blood. We find her story in the synoptic gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
In a way, in the complete story, Jesus brings two women back from death. Jesus was on His way to the home of Jairus, whose 12-year-old daughter was dead, when the woman with an issue of blood was healed. Although the woman with an issue of blood was not technically dead, her existence was one of seclusion and pain.
We know that she suffered for twelve years. During those twelve years, her life was anything but normal. Ritually, she was unclean, and she spent her time and resources seeking a cure for her illness. The Bible says her problems did not grow better; they grew worse. She followed Jesus through the crowd. She touched His hem. She was made whole.
By law, this woman should not have been among people. Under the laws of ritual purity, she should have been at home. However, her situation was desperate. Technically, anything she touched would have been made unclean and would have needed to go through a cleansing ritual. Yet, she dared to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment.
Jesus called her daughter, and He told her that her faith had made her whole. Jesus honored her faith, and He will honor yours. This woman, this outcast, desperately sought out Jesus, and she was rewarded for her faith.
Her story reminds us of several things. No matter what the report says, Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. When we are truly suffering and desperate, customs, traditions, and protocols will be thrown out the window.
When no one sees or understands you, know that Jesus sees you, and He has compassion towards you. No matter what the circumstance, Jesus is still approachable. You are His daughter, and He wants you to be healed in all areas of your life. By His Stripes, you are healed.
PCC Scroll: Women of the Bible - Esther
The name Esther means star. Esther’s Jewish name was Hadassah. The name comes from the word myrtle, which is a type of tree. The leaves on this tree release a fragrance after they are crushed, which is suitable. Esther released a fragrance after she was pressed. Despite being an orphan in a foreign land, she was able to live successfully in her new culture.
In the book of Esther, King Ahasuerus put aside his queen, Vashti because she did not obey him. He then sought another wife. Esther was among the virgins that were presented to him. He was enchanted with her. He did not know that she was a Jew. It is believed he picked Esther for a show piece. Unknown to him, she was the only woman presented who worshipped the true God. This orphan woman became queen of the Persian Empire. The Bible says that Esther obtained the favor of all that looked on her. In time, she won the confidence and love of the king.
Mordecai, her cousin, acted as her advisor. He learned of a plot to kill the king, and he informed Esther. She was then able to warn the king. The king, however, neglected to reward Mordecai. This oversight was redeemed later. On another occasion, Esther was warned that the Jews were in danger of being systematically murdered. She was able to intercede for them. She risked her life by going before the king without being summoned. Because God’s Will was at work, she survived, and she was able to prevent the total annihilation of her people.
She was a woman of great faith and courage. The scripture makes reference to her fast life. Because of these qualities, she was able to thwart the plans of those who wished genocide on the Jewish people. She was strong and determined and an example of success despite adversity.
Throughout the situation, Esther exhibited wisdom and patience. She was within God’s Will for her life because of her obedience. She was in her appointed position at the right season during the right time.
Truly we are all here for such a time as this.
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