There's No Place Like Home...Especially if it's one of these!

I thought I'd post a few pictures of the castles we visited while in Germany. It's amazing that they were built so long ago, without the use of construction equipment, and are still standing solidly today. In several of them family members (royals, of course) still reside occasionally. I kept imagining what it must have been like to be a family member of the King, a visitor to court or a mere peasant living in that time. Without a doubt I would have been royalty (just like now...in my own mind!). I especially loved a ball gown that was displayed in one of the castles - it was a beautiful blue silk and hand crocheted lace garment. We weren't allowed to photograph it because the light from the flash could cause additional fabric damage over time. Maybe next Halloween I'll have to gussie myself up in similar fashion! The preserved decorating from fabrics to dishes was really interesting to see and the arsenal of weapons to protect the throne were very intimidating as well. We are hoping to return in 2010 to visit the southern part of the country and add a side trip to Switzerland. Go with us!!!
This is the first castle we visited - Burg Hohenzollern. What a magnificent structure and awesome view...up on the hill so they could watch for the bad guys. It was in great condition and still occupied.


Pictured below is Schloss Lichenstein - look how it is built right on the cliff. Great protection for the family within. Again, family members still occupy the castle. It was in amazing condition and some of the items inside were pretty cool. There were ceramic fireplaces that were fabulous in many of the rooms. One picture on the wall had eyes that followed you whereever you moved - creepy. There was an unusual wine glass (because it was about 6 feet long) hanging in the King's study that was a special gift from his Queen. This was a room with a small balcony-like stage where the men would take turns entertaining their friends with hunting stories, etc. Well, they had to do something - there were no big screen TV football games!


In Heidelberg we toured this interesting castle. One part of it was in decent condition, but most of it was in ruins. I love the picture of just one wall standing on its own. There was a beautiful view of the village and the Rhine River from here. There is really no way to describe what it's like to stand in a place with such history. It would be fabulous to just step back into time for a minute...but only a minute...I'd miss my cell phone, computer and blow dryer!


Well, the bottom line...I should have been a Queen or at least a Princess. In reality I'd probably just have been an ordinary wench. No fair!