Schloss Lichtenstein

Schloss Lichtenstein

Schloss Lichtenstein (Castle Lichtenstein) was a formiddable 19th century fortress and is located in the Schwäbische Alb. The castle is perched atop a craggy peak high above the surrounding villages.

The interior of the castle is not on the grand scale of the Bavarian castle Neuschwanstein, but I rather enjoyed touring this castle more, simply because the rooms were cozy and reflected a “lived in” atmosphere. I could easily visualize Duke Wilhelm of Urach and his family members living in such simple grandeur.

There was a room which served as the gathering place for the Duke's hunting party(s) to gather and tell tales of the hunt. The interior of this room was lined with drinking glasses, steins, and even an "original bier keg"! It was easy to see and "feel" the comfort of this room for such gatherings! The grounds as well, also reflected simplicity and it was easy to imagine the family and/or visitors admiring the flora and fauna. Also located on the premises are two separate structures which serves as apartments for the descendants and are utilized for family gatherings even to this day.

While this is a beautiful site, it should not go unmentioned that there is an "armory" room complete with the weaponry, armor, shields, etc., all indicative of the times and the simple fact that this was also a "fortress". The castle was laid siege to on two separate occasions with evidence of one of the attacks reflected in a mirror located in one of the rooms. The mirror has a "hole" with fragmented "spider-like" veins extending out from the point of impact. It is said that the actual shot entered through one of the castle windows, hit the ceramic heater, and ricocheted to hit the mirror located on the opposite wall. The remaining portion of the mirror and frame are intact.

This is a beautiful castle and historical site and should not be missed should you be fortunate to travel to this area of Baden-Wurtenberg, Germany.

Fino "The Great Bambino"!!!

Numbah One Grandson

I would like to introduce you to “grandson number one”. His name is Rufino, or as we all call him Fino (pronounced “Fee-noh”). Fino is the grandson who gave me my nickname that to this day all of my grandsons, my children, my grandsons’ friends, and my son and daughter’s friends call me ... “JAMA”! You see, when Fino was learning to talk, he could not pronounce “Grandma”. Grandma always came out as “Jama”! Pretty soon, my son and daughter and all of their acquaintances started calling me “Jama” and since then...”JAMA” it is!

Fino is fourteen years old and will begin his first year of high school this fall. We are very proud of Fino because he received a “tuition scholarship” to attend Christian Brothers High School. Besides the scholarship he also received a $100 savings bond! Both the scholarship and the savings bond(s) are for the duration of his four high school years...that is provided he keeps his grades up. We had no idea that he was to receive this honor, so you can see why we are so proud of him!

Fino loves to play basketball and has played for St Philomene’s School since the fourth grade! During this summer he played basketball for a city league team. Recently the summer season ended and the team Fino played for won the Championship. His favorite subject in school is mathematics and science.

We are hoping that Fino will be able to visit us next year here in Stuttgart. We will show him all of the sights and historical places that we have enjoyed thus far here in Germany and the surrounding countries.

As you can see from Fino’s pictures, he was an adorable baby, a “healthy” little boy, and now...a handsome young man!

Munich - Third Reich Tour

I have finally decided to post a little (very little) on our trip to Munich or as the Germans refer to it here in Deutschland, "München". (It is ironic that I should happen to update today as it is "VE" day (Victory in Europe day...60 year anniversary).

As my husband and I have an interest in military history, we decided to take the "Third Reich Tour" of Munich (which also included a tour of Dachau Concentration Camp).

This tour took us past buildings where the Hitler and the Nazi party held their meetings and parades. (I will not go into the history itself as you should all be aware of what occurred. If you are not acquainted with this history, then I suggest you do some research, talk to the "old timers", etcetera...this is meant for the "younger" readers who may have a "general" knowledge of the era.) As you will see, from one of the pictures from Dachau Concentration Camp, "...Never again..." will ring true for you if you know of this history.

Being this was the "Third Reich Tour", there is much that I could write on regarding what occurred, the political aspects, etc., but I choose not to do this. Instead, we will visit München once again and tour the "typical" tourist sites. And perhaps I will write then (on a lighter note and with a less heavy heart).

Munich