Germany
Castles, Wine, A cruise on the Rhein, and... more castles!
01
BACHARACH
On to Germany today, specifically the Rhein river valley. Medieval walls, gates and castles at every turn all nestled beneath vineyards that produce the area's famous Rieslings. Our local guide Thomas, a Bacharach native, gave us an informative and very personal tour - an experience we'll never forget. We also toured Castle Rheinfels where another local guide serenaded us at the end with a song he wrote about the area - what a memory! All that and a lovely cruise up the Rhein which is dotted along its banks with castles of all sorts.
Bratwurst with curry ketchup, spaetzle, and the local Rieslings
Dishes we enjoyed in Bacharach
Movies and Books that take place in Germany
The Book Thief: both the book and movie follow a young girl living with her foster parents in Nazi Germany
The Boys in the Boat: Both a book and movie that tell the story of the University of Washington rowing team that compete for the gold at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin
A picturesque village, Wandering a medieval wall, and following the footsteps of the Night watchman
02
ROTHENBURG ob der TAUBER
From the Rhein river valley to Bavaria today. With its beautiful half timbered buildings and meandering streets Rothenberg is as charming as it is welcoming. We had so much fun wandering the surrounding medieval wall, sampling German goodies, shopping, visiting the Crime and Punishment museum and following the Night Watchman on his nightly tour.
Dishes we enjoyed in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
Pork Schnitzel, Red Cabbage, Roasted Pork Schank and German beer
More Movies and Books that take place in Germany
The Monuments Men by Robert M. Edsel - the story of the allied forces hunt for art treasures that were stolen by the Nazis during the war
All Quiet on the Western Front: both the book and movie tell the story of a German soldier during WWI
Walt Disney's Pinocchio: while not a German tale, Disney's artwork is strongly inspired by his trip to Rothenburg
Learning From History
03
DACHAU
The visit to Dachau, the first of the many concentration camps built by Nazi Germany, is an incredibly important stop led by an interpretive guide. It's a personal and deeply moving experience that helps us understand the atrocities and lasting ramifications of this time in history and educates us so that, as the memorial states, this happens "Never Again".
