Europe Twenty Years Ago

As for the risky part. . . here's another great photo I had to think twice about before posting! When we finished our time in Lithuania, we flew to Germany to spend some time touring  a bit of Western Europe. After feeling immersed in the Eastern European way of life it was a culture shock to see the difference in these two worlds at that particular time, especially when going to a grocery store.

We rented a car and drove, using a fold out map, with destinations in mind, 

but no reservations made anywhere. 

In Germany we visited Rothenburgh ob der Tauber,  a well preserved Medieval walled city. I loved the buildings and just everything about it, from the violin playing in the courtyard to the Town Hall Tower with a beautiful view of the city and surrounding area.

All the while my eyes went to the flowered window boxes on buildings.
This one obviously caught my eye, inscribed with a German prayer, asking for the Lord's blessing.

Of course this is where people take the cruises on the Rhine River, which would be fabulous. We kept our eyes on it at different lookouts. We also did the hike to view the Lorelei, which brought back memories of the poem/song we learned in German School.

We toured some castles, the most amazing being the Neuschwanstein Castle.

 In Germany we also visited Hitler's retreat called the Eagle's Nest, perched high on a mountain peak with a 360 degree view of the surrounding Alps.

Like I said, the view was incredible from up there

In Salzburg, Austria, we stayed at the Schorn Hotel which is about 800 years old. The history all over Europe is something one just can't get over when we live in a country that is only 150 years old.

We visited Mozart's House, being the girls were into studying music and theory at the time.

The highlight of our stay in Austria was the Sound of music tour 

which we did on Julene's 16th birthday . . and we sang the song . . . yes we did. 

The tour ended with a dinner theater and Schnitzel and noodles.

I believe we did a lot of video on that day as I could not find photos.

When day was done, we'd look for a Bed and Breakfast to stay at.

Not sure any more where this one was. . .  but quite typical with the feather blankets.

We enjoyed the views as we drove ...

and here we are in Switzerland, where we visited the family that we met in Lithuania.

The Bed and Breakfast we stayed at had cows right outside the window. 

Every place was such a different experience.

In Zurich we spent a day on, what I remember as, a very touristy shopping street. The flowers were beautiful, the vendors busy. We did come away with some little Swiss Army knives, but all in all, shopping was not much a part of this trip. It was about seeing places we may never see again. At least not as a family.

On our return to Germany, before flying home, we had the privilege to see my grandfather with his first wife. Having been separated during the war, she was believed to be deceased.  Fifty-three years later now, they met in Germany and we were able to see them and hear their unique story before they both passed away. From beginning to end it was a summer we all hold dear in our hearts, even so many years later now.