Will the Real Frankenstein Please Stand Up?

Just as the creations of great literature has inspired me to wander about the globe in search of learning more about the people and places written about, the travels of numerous distinguished authors have influenced their writing.  Did a castle in Germany motivate Mary Shelley to construct the classic work of Frankenstein?

Tradition has it that while the young, scholarly, Mary Shelley and her beau Percy Bysshe Shelley were traveling through the Swiss Alps with poet Lord Byron and his doctor they became trapped in their quarters due to treacherous rainstorms. As a way to refute boredom the group read ghost stories. Poet Lord Byron urged the group to construct their own ghost stories. The young girl stole the prize for a story so eerie that it became a classic best seller and movie that remains alive today. In search for a link between the name Frankenstein and an actual location the assumption is that Mary and Percy may have traveled to one of two castles on their journey back to England.  The debate continues debate continues was Mary Shelley’s work inspired by Burg Frankenstein in Darmstadt, Germany or the Frankenstein Castle in the Village of Frankenstein.  Shelley’s novel makes little mention of a castle; however, Universal Studios version of Frankenstein does incorporate a castle as the setting for the film.

Burg Frankenstein is the more recognized of the two castles, and draws most of its visitors for the Halloween festivities because legend has it that the castle is haunted.   The castle is believed to be haunted because rumors have it that while the castle was functioning as a prison, a murderous physician tried to raise the dead by experimenting with human corpses to create potion of eternal life from human blood and body fluids. It was later forgotten and has been a ruin since. The ruin itself is relatively minute with a few walls, a dismantled tower and a small chapel.  It is also the home of a restaurant (open year round) picturesque view and outdoor seating. There are many options to include a visit to the castle with another short trip. For example, Frankfurt is a less than thirty minutes drive and the town of Darmstadt host many cultural activities and a charming shopping experience.

The castle overlooking Frankenstein Village rests high up on a hill while the rail in Kaiserslaughtern runs through the ruins creating a visual of the days gone by. Access to the ruins can be accomplished by a short hike up a steep hill, it is moderately strenuous.  I was feeling like Mary Shelly with my beau by my side and feeling satisfied we had set out on this adventure. The final reward was stopping for a drink at Landgasthof Schlossberg restaurant and hotel. It was the perfect end to a terrific day. They a petite bar creating a sweet coziness, which was well needed since I hadn’t seen my honey honey in several months (due to my deployment).

 

The mystery still remains and was never proven that Mary Shelley ever set foot on either castle.   You are the judge of that, but you can’t go wrong visiting either one that both make for a pleasant trip.

 

 

 







 





 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



A Glimpse of Trier

I see my path, but I don't know where it leads. Not knowing where I'm going is what inspires me to travel it”. There can be value in having no real plans because it lends itself to saying yes to things we may otherwise shut out. Having no real plans on Christmas Eve, lead to a last minute trip to Trier, which proved to be a wonderful gift.

Trier is about an hour’s drive from Sembach and situated amidst the Mosel River Valley in western Germany. It is the center of Germany’s wine country, notorious for its Riesling grapes, of course it didn't take me long to find the liquid delight sweet and smooth, just like honey.

 
Trier is Germany’s oldest city. Remnants of the past lure visitors. There are indicators throughout Trier linking the city to its Roman history. The enormous Porta, Nigar, or “Black Gate” protects the far end of town and is the most popular tourist attraction. It was named after its black appearance and is the only one of the four authentic Roman gates to the city remaining.  A magnificent and efficient way to peep into the city’s great past is to take a trolley tour of town square. The tour is seven euros and last thirty minutes.  It is a perfect way to get a glimpse of the city for history buffs and for those on a limited time schedule.

Trier has two main market squares. The pedestrian walk-ways promotes a spirit of lingering with cobble stoned paths and an abundance of boutiques, shops, bars, and cafes. The pastel colored store fronts were dazzling and added to the festive spirit of both the city and the holiday.  Unfortunately shopping was limited since shops closed early on Christmas Eve so the merchants could enjoy their family and friends, but the town was continued to be vivacious as many people were their just to eat, drink and be merry. A bubbly spirit filled the air inviting you to stay awhile.  A day filled with fun and cheer! A truly spectacular ending to a day with no plans at all.

 

 

 

Luxembourg American Cemetary and Memorial

As I exit the bus, I am immediately hit in the face by the coldness in the air. The coldness doesn’t only come from the bitter temperatures of old man winter, but I am also reminded of the human cost of over 5076 American Military who died mostly in the Battle of the Bulge, including one female Army Nurse and George S. Patton Commander of the third US army.

Sadness fills the air as I approach the gates to the Luxemburg American Cemetery. As I look out into the distance my heart remains heavy as I am confronted with snow capped headstones representing those who made the ultimate sacrifice and reminded of those families who suffered a tragic loss. Twenty-two pairs of brothers are buried here and I can only think about how heart-broken and suffering of their families.

Not far from the cemetery stands the stone white chapel, bordering the chapel are two massive monuments made of granite the pay tribute to the achievements of the American armed forces that traveled the area.  On the same monuments, the tablet of the missing are inscribed the names of the 371 missing in action.
 

I am humbled that I had the opportunity to honor fellow American Military Service Members.  Help their memory to live by paying a visit to one of our American Cemetery Memorials.

Cologne Germany

Cologne is an amazingly vivacious city that revives the soul.  Cologne is Germany’s fourth-largest city and a major cultural mecca, yet it hasn’t lost any of its old world charm.  Cologne lays claim to with over thirty museums and one hundred galleries; however, the city has over a 2000 year history as a very important Roman city. 

 My Petty Officer and I started with a walk across the railroad bridge and to our delight we were met with a picturesque view of the Rhine River and Cologne Cathedral. The city’s famous Cologne Cathedral is the most visited attraction in the entire country of Germany.  The essence of the cathedral is its gothic architecture and its massive size is highlighted with two soaring towers that dominate the skyline. The cathedral also houses the famous shrine of the Shrine of the Three Magi. It is inhibited with 11, 500 identically sized stained glass windows.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The blend of the old and new is evident in the numerous statues in the square depicting the history, yet the trendy shops project the relevance of a city that is alive and moving.  The boutiques, department stores and high end designers truly offered something for everyone. I managed to restrain myself because I didn’t want to torture my Petty Officer with endless hours of shopping when we only had half a day to explore.

Cologne is buzzing with all kinds of things to do and my biggest regret is that the chocolate museum was closed and I was making this gorgeous trip without my sweet Luke because Cologne is truly a city of love. On first glance of the massive Hohenzollerbrucke railway bridge, also known as the bridge of love locks one wouldn’t expect a city of romance, but the bridge is not just any bridge padlocks span the bridge with the names of their lovers placed on them before the key is thrown into the Rhine symbolizing undying love.

 Most museums are closed on Mondays in Germany. Cologne is a two hour tour from Sembach, well worth the time that I would do all over again, but I wouldn’t go on Monday in order to participate in all of the exciting attractions the city has to offer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eat, Pray, Sleep

Kloster Eberach, a former Cistercian monastery just set outside of Kiderich offers a complete experience for people of all appetites, well beyond being only a religious sanctuary. A visit to the monastery offers a complete experience and an invitation to peek the senses. Kloster Eberach is ideally situated on a serene and well manicured forest that offers the formality of old Italy. The visual beauty and  an picturesque scenery makes for a perfect spot for photographic aficionado to practice their hobby.

The monastery’s simplistic beauty of plain plaster walls and lack of embellishments, is not only visually appealing but tells the story of monks whose life was devoted to hard work and service to their Creator. A history buff will also enjoy glancing into the past as they explore the untarnished Romanesque and Gothic buildings from the 12th-14th century.

Life for the monks also included the development of the Wine Estate of the former Cistercian Abbey. This centuries-old tradition has led the Eberbach Monastery to become the largest German estate, a tradition carried on after the monastery‘s secularization in 1803.

The monastery's impressive collection of old winepresses bears witness to a viticultural tradition that spans nearly nine centuries. Wines can be sampled year round in the Vinothek or the restaurant on the grounds. Germany is well known for their production of Riesling, however, the Kloster Eberach also had selections of other varietals including blush and Pinot Noir. I found the Pinot Noir to be a positive experience for the palate with its savory and more complex flavors opposed to the more common fruity taste of Pinot Noir. The wine bears evidence of its forest environment with its mushroom, earth, and smoky flavors.

No day would be complete without finishing off the experienced the cuisine at the Kloster Eberach restaurant. The menu offers typical German Cuisine ranging from Schnitzel with Mushroom sauce to quiche. The quiche listed on the menu actually appeared to be more like the German Pizza, Flammkuchen. Regardless it was delicious. I am embarrassed to say I ate the whole thing, guess that’s why for the last week my main meals have been composed off mostly salad and veggies.

Kloster Eberach is a place you one will want to make a habit of going again and again. It is host to many celebrations including the Easter Market and biannual wine auctions.

 

The Whistle Blows for Wissembourg

It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.”
― Ernest Hemingway

The joy of traveling is in the journey and getting there is half the fun. If heavy traffic and finding a parking spot trouble you why not ride the train? Train travel also creates a relaxed atmosphere that is conductive to unwinding and socializing. Sharing the travel experience makes it more fun and meaningful while it also provides opportunity to walk around and break up the monotony of a long trip. I met three others who work at the military hospital that I wouldn’t have otherwise had the pleasure to meet.   The train is also conducive to multitasking and provided more space per passenger than a plane.

Train travel in Europe is much more common place than in the states. There are few places in Germany that can’t be reached by train. If one is going to stay in Europe for any length of time it is wise to learn the ins and outs of travel. What better way to become skilled at train travel than to embark on a Learn to Ride the Train Trip, sponsored by the USO (United Service Member Organization).  The USO offers numerous opportunities for military service members and their families to understand how to navigate the train system to varying locations monthly. The trip is accompanied by a USO escort who is familiar with the initial challenges of learning to make connections purchase tickets at the best fare.  Being with a knowledgeable guide for my first trip was a confidence booster because she provided an opportunity for me to utilize the machine to purchase my ticket without the risk of ending up in Kalamazoo.  One of the German rail (DB) special fares, I was able to glean from the USO guide was that a with the purchase of a  Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Neckar (VRN) day ticket up to four other people can travel at fifty percent off  the normal ticket price. Weekend and family tickets are also another source of savings. For example, children under fourteen may ride with another adult free.   I also discovered that train travel in Europe isn’t locked into just one basic type of train. There are a variety of trains with varying speeds, price and accommodations depending on your need. For example the Intercity Express (ICE) traveling at speeds up to 200 miles an hour is ideal for reaching Paris from Kaiserslautern in 2 hours and 28 minutes.

 Traveling through Europe by train is one of the best ways to soak up eye-popping scenery and old world charm without the responsibility of operating a vehicle. A train ride between Kaiserslautern and Wissembourg would be hard to resist. The train traveled through the rural Alsace with snow peak hilltops, vineyards, and forests, highlighted with between quaint villages.  I can only image the ambiance in the spring with trees and flowers in full bloom.

 

 

Kuwait City

 Kuwait is my new home for the next two and half months, while doing my Navy deployment at Camp Airifjan.  Today is my first opportunity to explore the sights and sounds of Kuwait beyond the base. I am revved. I will feel like an adventure is lost if I don’t get the opportunity to explore the city.  Getting off of the base is no easy task and shouldn’t be taken for granted. It is quite the privledge.

Our destination is the Grand Mosque and Avenues mall, of course I am on the lookout for anything else that might be of interest.  Kuwait has established itself as one of the richest countries of the world, so it was no surprise that downtown is home of the Kuwait Stock Exchange. Kuwait Stock Exchange is among the first and largest exchanges in the Persian Gulf. 

I took pleasure in capturing the the billboards because they symboize more than tourism, they represent culture.

 

The Grand Mosque was certainly worth rising early for. We were immedialty greeted by our host who ushered the woman into the dressing room to to change into our  burqas. The Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Kuwait, comprising 45,000 meters. Each room is elegantly decorated.  The main prayer room is decorated in blue and brown, symbolizing the desert by the sea.  Guides were pleasant and  encouraged picture taking. There is ony  one rule regaring pictures. It is not appropriate for friends of the opposite sex to have their picture taken together. I was unaware of this, which caused a cultural blunder, but the guide was kind and din’t call attention to my faux pas.  After an indepth tour guests are invited to partake of  tea and biscuits. Visiting the Grand Mosque was truly an opportunity to not only visit the a monumental piece of Kuwait history, but to take part in a meaningful cultural experience.  Appointements are necessary to tour the interior of the mosque. 

 After a fun and l enriching experience, we headed to the Avenues Mall. The first thing on most everyones mind is where are we going to eat? The mall is  largest mall in Kuwiat. There isn’t a shortage on food and fine shopping.  Some of the best designer fashions can be found at the Avenues, but they hold a signicant price tag .The KD (Kuwiat Dinar) is the currency of Kuwait  

I am looking forward to sharing in other MWR trips while in Kuwait. A few other places I hope to be able to explore are Kuwait Towers and a souk.