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Summer Chasers

~ Sharing the Thrill of Travel

Summer Chasers

Tag Archives: Wishlist

European Wishlist: Germany

21 Wednesday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Travel

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Tags

Bavaria, Beer stein, Berlin, Berlin Wall, Brandenburg Gate, Cologne, Eastern Bloc, European Tour, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle, Wishlist

I seem to have a fondness for anything German, especially the language. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Deutsch has a certain appeal to me that I cannot quite explain. While I can’t quite recall any memories from my childhood that might have contributed to this unusual preference, I do remember however, that while my father was alive, he spoke very highly of German automotive engineering. Not that it would be anything related. Years later, here I am, about to visit Germany.

Anyways, we tackled the United Kingdom, France and Italy. It’s time for Deutschland! Here are my choice picks for sights and sounds to see in this amazing country:

 
 
 
 
The Gothic Cologne cathedral in Cologne, Germa...

The Gothic Cologne cathedral in Cologne, Germany.

What: 
 
Cologne Cathedral 
 
Where:
 
Cologne, Germany
 

Why:

One of the most visited attractions in Germany, this beautiful Gothic Cathedral boasts incredibly unique architecture and houses the Shrine of the Three Kings, one of the largest reliquaries believed to be the traditional resting place of the Three Wise Men whose clothes and bones are within. Taking a cue from peasants and knights during the Medieval Ages, a pilgrimage to this holy place beckons.
 
 
 
 
 
The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany Deutsc...

The Brandenburg Gate. Enter Berlin here.

What:
 
The Brandenburg Gate
 
Where:
 
Berlin, Germany
 
Why:
 
It is the only remaining city gate, one of eighteen such constructed, that used to be the entrance to Berlin. Just to the north of the gate is the Reichstag Building, where the German Parliament meet.
 
 
 
 
 
Remains of the Berlin Wall (Potsdamer Platz)

Remains of the Berlin Wall.

What:
 
The Berlin Wall
 
Where:
 
Right in the middle of the city…
 
Why:
 
Just imagine that someone erected a wall effectively cutting off half of the city you live in. Anyone attempting to cross from the East to the West would be shot on sight. That is just a tiny glimpse of the horrors the citizens had to face during the Cold War. Though very little remains of the wall, it is a place that has profoundly contributed to modern history. It’s amusing to remember the world maps in my old elementary classroom back in the 80’s when the wall divided these into two vastly polar countries. Having been erected by the Eastern Bloc, President Reagan later challenged General Secretary Gorbachev to tear down the wall, leading to the reunification of Eastern and Western Germany. 
 
 
 
 
 
Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany.

What:
 
Schloss Neuschwanstein
 
Where:
 
Near Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany
 
Why:
 
Neuschwanstein Castle looks sort of familiar doesn’t it? It should be. It was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. This castle is the global symbol of the era of Romanticism, and as such, it’d be a perfect choice for tourist couples! While you are here, be sure to get on the Romantic Road, where you will find the best scenic route in Germany with historic castles, towers, towns, some preserved in their full Medieval majesty.
 
 
 
 
Hofbräuhaus

Hofbräuhaus, where you dare not touch someone else's beer stein.

What:
 
Hofbräuhaus
 
Where:
 
Munich
 
Why:
 
Seriously? No trip to Germany would be complete without beer! And since I won’t get to visit during Oktoberfest, it would be sacrilege not to drop by the world’s most famous beer hall. They serve the beer only in one-liter glasses!
 
 
 
 
 
German Souvenirs of Choice
 

Beer Stein owned by Friedrich Kellner to comme...

Für ihn:
 
 
For guys, I would recommend a beer stein. A well crafted piece of art such as this would be well suited to embrace that smooth brew, keeping it cold enough until you pour it down your belly. Nothing else shows how serious you are about your beer than this.
 
 
 

Dirndl with cording and green apron Deutsch: D...

Für sie

For the ladies, how about trying on a dirndl? This traditional garb worn by der frauen are not just a common sight worn during Oktoberfest, they are traditionally worn in formal occasions and other such events. Perhaps I am just biased… but it *does* look good on the ladies. 🙂 
 
 

European Tour Wishlist: United Kingdom

02 Friday Mar 2012

Posted by Summer Chaser in Travel

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Buckingham Palace, England, London, Natural History Museum, Palace of Westminster, South Kensington, Souvenir, United Kingdom, Wiltshire, Wishlist

Since I’m traveling with a group of friends, and since our trip is quite flexible, we’ve decided to put together a wishlist of things we personally want to see in every country. We’ll get to compare our lists and if two or more people share something on that list, it takes priority. This way, we get to maximize the efficiency of the trip and not waste too much time. The plan is to start off in England and spend a day, perhaps two, in the surrounding areas.

 
English: The Clock Tower of the Palace of West...

 
What:
 
Big Ben
 
Where:
 
The Palace of Westminster, London
 
Why:
 
It’s one of the most iconic buildings in England and perhaps the world! It’s also something that pretty much screams “Look at me, I’m in London!”
 
 

 
 
English: Stonehenge, Wiltshire county, England...

What:
 
Stonehenge
 
Where:
 
Wiltshire, England
 
Why:
 
Ancient calendar system or alien landing pad?
 
 

 
 
What:
Troops of the Grenadier Guards on guard at Buc...
 
 
Changing of the Queen’s Guard
 
Where:
 
Buckingham Palace
 
Why:
 
To harass the guards while they stand at attention, why else? Oh come on! It’s in all the movies… You know you’ve always wanted to do it too…
 
 

 
 
What:
English: Front view of the Natural History Mus...
 
 
Natural History Museum
 
Where:
 
Exhibition Row, South Kensington, London
 
Why:
 
London is among the most historical cities in the world (Rome, Paris, Barcelona, etc.) Their exhibits ought to be amazing! 
 
 

 
 
What:
The remains of a fort on Hadrian's Wall near H...
 
 
Hadrian’s Wall
 
Where:
 
Northern England
 
Why:
 
If we still have the time, I’d love to see “the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.” Think Great Wall of China, but a bit smaller and older. Not much of it remains these days, however the remnants are still evident. It used to mark the northernmost territory of the Roman Empire when Octavian declared Pax Romana. Later, Emperor Hadrian ordered this wall built to protect against the wild north.
 
 

 
 
What:
English: Chateau de Vincennes keep, Paris संस्...
 
 
Stay in a castle, any castle!
 
Where:
 
Anywhere!
 
Why:
 
Seriously… who asks the question “So, why do you want to stay in a castle?”
 
 

 
 
What:
English: Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh North wal...

 
 
Scottish National War Memorial
 
Where:
 
Edinburgh, Scotland
 
Why:
 
If there’s still time, I’d love to see it. I have heard amazing accounts of this place. It is an amazing War Museum, housing the names of Scots who have fought and died in World War I and World War II as well as conflicts that followed. It is a constant reminder of the tragic costs of war as well as the reasons we fight these battles.
 
 
 
 
 
English Souvenirs of Choice
 
 
For the Ladies:
An early Victorian tea set on display in the B...

 
 
Tea set. Why not get one from a land famous for its tea time? A genuinely British tea set would be an excellent conversational piece as well as a classy way to advertise your travels in the isles, not to mention it simply goes hand in hand with that Earl Grey you have brewing. Don’t forget a squeeze of lemon!
 
 
 
For the Gents:

Jóannes Eidesgaard smoking on his pipe.

 
A Smoking Pipe, think Sherlock Holmes… I believe this would make a quintessentially English trinket or keepsake. Small enough to travel with and totally awesome when we get to sit in a cigar bar and smoke while reading the London Times and having a Johnny Walker Blue, neat, of course. Cheerio!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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