Jan 1, 2022

Visit to Idstein in the Taunus

During this fairly quiet week between the Christmas holiday and the New Year, we decided to visit Idstein. This little town is known for its historical Altstadt lined with many beautiful half-timbered houses. Idstein is also part of the Deutsche Fachwerkstraße (German Half-timbered Houses Road), which connects selected towns with historic half-timbered houses and buildings.

We were quite impressed with what we found – such a jewel close to home. From friends I also heard it is famous for its many micro breweries. For us it was a half-day visit, and we managed one beer.

Idstein/Ts.
Idstein/Ts. an der Fachwerkstraße
Idstein Marktplatz
Idstein/Ts.

We had a very good lunch at the ‘Alte Feuerwache’ (Old Fire Hall).

Idstein ‘Alte Feuerwache’ Brauhaus
‘Deutsches Haus’ in Idstein

The hotel/restaurant Hoerhof (in German: Höerhof) courtyard looks very inviting. I would like to try their restaurant.

Hoerhof courtyard in Idstein

Hessen has many beautiful little towns worth visiting.

Dec 31, 2021

Happy New Year from Oberursel, Germany

As it is such a mild Silvester Day (New Year’s Eve), we might spend some of the evening on the balcony. Our daytime temperature was 14°C.

I took a stroll through the nearby forest earlier, and heard crane formations (or wild geese) heading for warmer climate. Usually, this only happens in October.

There won’t be much partying tonight as our daughter has to catch an early flight to Washington, D.C. tomorrow morning. Something good will come out of this – my family will be spared from watching me dance to Abba at 2:30am. 🙂

Oberursel forest 31 Dec 2021

Happy New Year to all my friends, contacts, and readers, out there!

Dec 11, 2021

Winter Lights in Bergen, Norway

My Germany-based cousin Wolfgang occasionally travels to his second residence in Norway, and he has just sent me this photo of lighted homes along the waterfront in Bergen.

Bergen, Norway

I’ve never been to Norway, and as my days of armchair-traveling become more and more attractive with each passing COVID year, I am content just looking at images.

And yes, I will have some Gløgg (or Glogg) with it.

Here is a recipe for Norwegian Gløgg, or just buy it online from Amazon

All photo credits go to Wolfgang Drescher, who gave me permission to post this one.

Nov 28, 2021

Schweinfurt Military Barracks During World War II

This postcard was sent by a Mr. Bichlmaier to a vicar in Schwäbisch Gmünd on 5 April 1942. This might be a view from the present day Franz-Schubert-Strasse onto the future Ledward Barracks.

Schweinfurt Kasernengebäude im Jahre 1942

If that’s the case, then the building on the left may be the one that was occupied by the medical facilities. The one opposite it, on the right side of the photo, housed admin and personnel services. 

Again, if memory serves correct, the buildings on the left past the medical services were occupied by the 1-10 Field Artillery and the re-designated 5-41 Field Artillery during my time there from 1987-1990. Alpha battery was closest to the medical services on the left, followed by Bravo, Charlie, Service, and Headquarters Batteries. 

The 4-4 Cavalry came after that, followed by the main building with the little tower in the photo. This housed various offices, among them Moral Support and headquarters elements of the 1-10 Field Artillery.

This image is part of my historical postcard collection.

Nov 13, 2021

Kitakyushu Bamboo Light Festival 2021

In the early 1990s, we spent three years teaching in Kitakyushu, which is on the island of Kyushu, the southernmost and third largest of the four main islands of Japan.

We made many friends during our time there, we enjoyed the rural life in Wakamatsu-ku, and our firstborn was born in Yahatahigashi-ku.

One of my friends, Kazumi Kawano, whom I met in Kitakyushu all these years ago, took these magnificent photos during the Kitakyushu Bamboo Light Festival.

The festival took place from 23 – 31 October.

The 30.000 bamboo lanterns on display were made by volunteers.

Kokura Castle 小倉城 竹あかり
Kitakyushu, Japan

Kazumi, thanks again for sharing your photos here with us. It is truly appreciated.

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