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Wednesday, September 28, 2005

Burg Falkenstein

May 26, 2005--Burg Falkenstein is our closest castle, and our favorite place to bring visitors. So when my long-time friend Kathe came to visit with her two sons Tim and Ben, we took them to Burg Falkenstein.

The perfect relaxing evening after a journey is to have dinner at Falkensteinerhof, a restaurant just past the castle with a fabulous view of the valley. After supper, we wander around the castle. Burg Falkenstein is just an old ruin. You won't find it in guidebooks. But it's more than 850 years old, and it gives visitors the flavor of medieval times. It's mind-boggling to think of people living here long ago.

Of course, Falkenstein also has a magnificent view. (It had better, with the 25% grade on the road that leads up to it!) And it has rocks for kids to climb around on, passages to explore, and a bridge to cross. It doesn't take long to roam around the entire structure, but it definitely makes guests realize that they aren't in America any more!

Exploring the castle wall. Posted by Picasa

Timothy hamming it up at Falkenstein Castle. Posted by Picasa

Three explored the dark passage. Posted by Picasa

Ben likes to climb. Posted by Picasa

The two Tims explore the castle. Posted by Picasa

The wonderful view from Burg Falkenstein Posted by Picasa

Ben's dog enjoyed the view, too! Posted by Picasa

Friday, September 23, 2005

London!

On April 23 to 25, I joined Steve on his trip to England. He had Sunday the 24th off, so we stopped by Ely, and then took a train into London. On Monday morning, we visited Cambridge before Steve took me to the airport.

In London, we visited the British Library, where I saw original manuscripts of Charlotte Bronte (Jane Eyre) and Jane Austen (Persuasion)! We also visited the British Museum and 221B Baker Street and walked around the city.

In Cambridge, we bought books, of course! Also some wonderful flavored teas from a soft-spoken man in the Cambridge Market--Steve had brought me some on an earlier trip, and this time we stocked up.

I only took a few pictures, but they'll give you a little taste of London.

The entrance to the British Library Posted by Picasa

Inside the British Museum Posted by Picasa

A beautiful old church in London. Posted by Picasa

The home of Sherlock Holmes. At least if he weren't fictional. Posted by Picasa

Simply looking at buildings in London is a treat. Posted by Picasa

The next morning, in Cambridge Posted by Picasa

A close-up of the spires of Cambridge Posted by Picasa