Most Americans thinking of Germany envision lederhosen and beer gardens. Education – This is not Germany this is Bavaria, a state in the southwestern part of Germany. The dialect, the traditionalism, the Weißwürste (white sausage), and religion all very distinct to this region. Americans consider yourselves schooled, I certainly was.
Our entrance into Germany was a day trip journeying out of Lech, Austria to just minutes over the border Lindau on Lake Constance. The intention of this sojourn was to allow Ilaria to experience the area where a relative way back in 11th century of Rick’s family tree originated. That was until he “chose judiciously” to abscond to Italy after slicing the brother of the emperor’s face in a duel, thus bestowing upon him the nickname Spada in Faccia (Sword in Face). Weaponry is in Rick’s blood!
Our next two days were spent in Rothenburg, Germany a town in Bavaria. Many of the buildings within the walled city preserved their medieval history making it a link in the tourist trade as part of the Romantic Road. It was pristine and fairytale like thus making it mobbed by tourist. There was an American Ambassadors of Music festival in the town so there many have been more Americans there during that time then Germans or other nationalities but, either way, as a country we certainly talk the loudest! The buildings and the town were pristine – the true tourist stop on our travels.
Next stop – Bayreuth, Germany also in Bavaria. Bayreuth why pray tell would we chose that city? Once hometown of composer Richard Wagner and now a famous Opera House dedicated to his works or Hofgarten Eremitage (pictures to follow) a late-Baroque park once referred to as “one of the loveliest places in Germany”. No, an invitation. One of Rick’s past students from the 90’s Frank who had visited PAMA in 2012 and 2013 extended an invitation upon hearing about our plans to travel and invited us to come to his home and hometown. Our gracious hosts made this stop very memorable.
We entered into a splendid home cooked lunch by Birgit, Frank’s wife, with scrumptious homemade desserts and homemade whipped cream. Ilaria was thrill to be in the company of their children Leo, Henning and Charlotte. The three of them were very gracious in entertaining a very enthusiastic 3 year old even though they were quite a bit older. The girls were kindred spirits sharing in their love of ballet and dance. Our families spent the day visiting sites in Bayreuth and seeing Franks family business. The finale of the day was dinner at an authentic local bavarian restaurant. The food was fantastic and the company even better. All in all it was a day that we will all hold dear in our hearts.
We would like to congratulate the German soccer team and thank them from ruining our intentions of stopping in Berlin. They trumped us. Imagine that? Our intended arrival date was that of their return to Germany. Millions chose to flock to greet them so we diverted our trip not only to another local but also around the capital city so as not to get snared in the traffic. Onward and upward to the Eastern Block!
Living Wherever We Are 