In our travels we've been to so many different places, it's hard to know where to begin. Perhaps the best way is to do it by country.
Ron Senior's job in Europe was on the staff of Headquarters, Europen Communications Area. Part of his job was to supervise the supply activities of communications/radar sites all over Europe. This entailed frequent temporary duty (TDY) trips to various countries in which the Air Force had sites. Although it took him away from home for weeks at a time, it enable him to see many places which tourists seldom see. The advantage for the family was that he could "scout out" vacation places ahead of time.
Germany was our home for nearly four years. We ended up living in three different locations, but always in the city of Wiesbaden. We lived on the economy for the first six months at #6 Kappellenstraße, a nice address close to the center of town. We then moved to the American housing area of Aukamm where we had a two bedroom apartment, then a three as our family grew. Wiesbaden is a nice town whose history goes back to Roman times. It was rather expensive however because it's a resort town with famous hot spring baths.
A town nearby in which we did a lot of shopping was Mainz. Perhaps the most famous thing about Mainz is its celebration of Fasching, which corresponds to Mardi Gras. Although observed all over Germany, the center of Fasching activities is in Mainz.
The closest large city was Franfurt Am Main. Perhaps the most noticable thing to Americans, is that some devastation from World War II was still visible. This was left on purpose as a graphic reminder of the carnage of war.
We were lucky enough to live very close to the beautiful Rhine River with all its legends and history. We visited many castles, and tasted many famous wines of the region.
The farthest afield we roamed in Germany was the state of Bavaria (Bayern). This is what most Americans think all of Germany is like. Men in Lederhosen, women in Dirndls, the Alps, Oktoberfest - are all part of this region, but no more represents all of Germany than does New York or San Francisco represent all of the United States.
The capital and largest city of Bavaria is Munich. (München).
We visited many small villages in Bavaria. One of the most interesting was the village of Oberammergau which is the scene of the world-famous Passion Play. It is also a major center of German handicrafts such as wood carving. We also visited Berchtesgaden, and Garmish-Partenchirchen.
Perhaps the most famous holiday celebrated in Germany and increasingly all over the world is Oktoberfest.
There's a sport which originated in Germany, soon spread all over Europe and, thanks to returning GI's, finally came to the United States. It's called Volksmarching. About halfway through our tour, Ron Senior and Ron Junior became enthusiastic participants. They each participated in nearly 100 events, and walked almost 1000 Km. each. Toward the end of our tour, Marc was old enough to participate in a few events.
How much do you know about politics in Germany? To find out more, click here.
We were close enough to the French border so that frequent shopping trips were possible. Since it was only about two hours by autobahn, Saturday shopping trips happened with regularity. Just across the border was the city of Metz. Another place which was within easy reach was the city of Dijon.
We visited quite a few places in France, although not nearly as many as we would have liked. Naturally, the highlight of our visits to France was two trips to Paris. How would one pick a favorite place in the "City of Light"? It's not easy; but perhaps it would be The Louvre Museum. I remember wandering through the galleries, reflecting on various art appreciation courses I'd taken when suddenly it hit me -- "Hey! This is the real thing!
One could hardly visit the area of Paris without paying a visit at the Palace at Versailles.
A kind of hobby of ours while in Europe was to visit old cathedrals. At the top of our list of places to visit would have to be the Cathedral at Reims.
For a site which will tell you all about politics in France, click here.
At the beginning of our tour, Ron had a two week TDY up and down the Italian "boot". We went back as a family toward the end of our tour. Although we didn't spend as much time in Italy as we wanted, we grew to love it very quickly.
We drove from Germany to Northern Italy, and arrived at our jumping off point, Aviano Air Base. Our first stop was Venice. Just for grins we decided to order a pizza in Venice just so we could say we'd eaten a real Italian pizza. It was absolutely terrible! It was swimming in olive oil. The kids had lots of fun with the pigeons in St. Mark's square.
The cultural captial if not the de facto capital of Italy is Florence. We spent several days there, but not nearly enough time to absorb all the art and architectural treasures. Florence has a fantastic flea market where we spent lots of time and money.
We only spent three days in what is called "The Eternal City", but enjoyed every minute of it. Rome is one of the most fantastic cities on earth. And for a history buff, it's incredible! Ron wanted to stay in an Italian penzione as he did on his first trip to Rome, but Judy insisted on the Holiday Inn. And yes, they're the same the world over! Here's a link to a site that contains an incredible amount of information about Ancient Rome.
Our travels in Italy engendered in Ron Senior two passions: fine coffee, and fine pipes, especially those made by Savinelli of Milano. Ron owns about a half dozen of their "Autograph" pipes as well as a dozen or so of their lesser grade (but still excellent) pipes.
What would a discussion of Italy be without at least a mention of that great staple of the American kitchen, Italian food. Here are some great recipes using easily obtained ingredients.
In the land which made Opera what it is, a national treasure is Luciano Pavarotti.
Politics in Italy can be very confusing, even to the Italians. To find out more, click here.
Small though it may be in geographical size, Vatican City assumes great importance because of the Catholic Church as well as the art treasures it contains.
Although we toured many cathedrals and churches throughout Europe, they are all eclipsed by the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica. The high point of a tour of the Basilica is without doubt the Sistine Chapel.
In addition to the ceiling of the Sistine, St. Peter's contains many other works of Michelangel Buronarroti.
Since the inception of Schloß Von Springer, we have received a number of awards; some for which we've applied, and some unsolicited. To go to a page which lists all of our awards, click on the bar below.
