Johnny's Journeys : HONEYMOON IN EUROPE 1987

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JOHNNY’S JOURNEYS : HONEYMOON IN EUROPE 1987


JULY 11, 1987 (Saturday)

Y’all know how pretty the wedding was, so we’ll start with the afterwards…

Looked like about 10 people were going to join us in the LIMO. What a party that would have been. And I

think David W. left something very small, lacy, racy and red on the rear-view mirror.

Wow! I can’t believe we are finally married!! Sort of in a daze riding to the Riverview Hotel. Janet and

I shall stay on the top floor in the Honeymoon Suite. Sweet! A complementary bottle of champagne. A

gorgeous view of Mobile’s night-lights. A beautiful evening. And not once did I turn on the television

to watch a sports report.


JULY 12, 1987 (Sunday)

Got up and went to find us a newspaper; while waiting for our breakfast. Went to the first newspaper

box I could find. From our 18th floor room, Janet saw me and thought I was heading into the “Club

Royale”. (Not a place for me to visit, anytime)

Back inside the Riverview, I saw Jeff and Deanna White (from St. Mark U.M.C.). Went back to the

room and enjoyed the complementary Continental breakfast. Somewhat packed up and went downstairs

to wait for Mr. and Mrs. Walters. Reading the sports page about Bo Jackson, playing football in the off-

season. “Hello, son-in-law”. Yep, her parents were there.

Went on out to the Mobile airport. And my parents along with Bill and Melba Ward showed up. We

chatted for just a few minutes, then prepared to board our Delta plane.

Arrived in Atlanta, GA. Had a 90 minute lay-over. Called Randy Plant, who was my first pharmacy

preceptor from 1981. Left a message on his answering machine. Then called Mike Moore, one of my

Southwestern Co. book buddies. Left a message with the baby sitter.

Spent the next 8 and ½ hours on the plane. I was lucky enough to doze off 2 or 3 times and get some

much needed rest. Janet did not sleep a wink. All the excitement! A full moon followed us across the

Atlantic Ocean. And we saw a gorgeous fire-red sunrise on the eastern horizon.



JULY 13, 1987 (Monday)


Arrived in Munich, Germany around 8:00 a.m. And our luggage made it too. Oh, happy day!! Spent

10-DM for a 20 minute bus ride to the main train station (Hauptbahnhof). Our Hotel Europaischer Hof is

right across from the train station. Located in a restored 19th century building, there are 145 guestrooms.

We are a little too early to check in, so we walked around for awhile. Came back at 12 noon and moved

our stuff into the room. Took a nap for a couple of hours, trying to shake off some major jet-lag. Then after

a nice hot shower, we put on our walking shoes. That is the best way to see the sites: on foot. With our

city map to guide us, we saw bunches of old buildings, and statues, former places of residence, market-

places, etc.

Had supper at the old Hofbrauhaus. This restaurant / brewery was started by Wilhelm V of Bavaria

in 1589. It is one of the oldest brew houses still in existence. ( I had eaten here two years earlier on my

1985 solo trip to Europe. ) Enjoyed white sausage, kraut, mashed potatoes and a large tankard of beer

for 26-DM. Taking in all the atmosphere of Bavaria. Strolled back toward the room and bought two

ice cream cones.


JULY 14, 1987 (Tuesday)

Planned a very leisurely day. Had a big breakfast at the hotel . Pulled out the map of Munich and

started walking. Went through the Old Botanical Garden. Took in the sights; many old statues. Pictures

and murals painted on the sides of lots of buildings were typically Bavarian. Strolled through some parks,

right along side the avenues. Maximillian’s residence and Hof-garden. Arrived at the English Gardens:

people walking their dogs; kids playing soccer; folks swimming in the creeks; lots of bodies out sunning

and strolling around.

Later, we went to a bistro for lunch. Then over the bridge that crosses the Isar River. Sat on the park

benches awhile, looking out across the river. Did some window shopping. Walked through some antique

shops, looking at beer steins plus some mortar & pestles. Janet sneezed and sneezed, after all that antique

dust.

Wandered through an open-air market place. Then up to a very busy street corner. Sat on the sidewalk

for 30 minutes or so, where five streets converged. Thousands of people on bikes and in cars. Amazing

that no wrecks occurred. I like this sport of people watching.

Went back to the Hofbrauhaus. I had waited two years to come back and have some Weiner schnitzel

for supper. Went upstairs where the alpen (alpine) band was playing. The lead singer yodeled a few songs.

Four boys and girls, dressed in lederhosen and native costumes, danced, played spoons and generally put

on a show for us tourists. Still some daylight at 9:30 p.m. when we got back to our hotel.


JULY 15, 1987 (Wednesday)

Another big hotel breakfast (Ca D’oro) then tried to check out. I thought we had pre-paid to the travel

agency. Obviously not. So, we paid our 296-DM for those two nights (about $170 US).

Scooted across the street to the train station. Boarded our train with 10 minutes to spare. The railroad

official validated our Eurailpass. We have unlimited railway transportation for 15 days. Took the 10:28 >

12:33 train from Munich to Passau. Made 4 or 5 brief, 2-minute stops, along the way. Passau is about 90

miles southeast of Munich. With a population of ~45,000. Situated near the Austrian border, it is at the

confluence of the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz Rivers.

We ate lunch at the train station café: Hungarian goulash. Checked into the hotel (85-DM). This small

hotel was undergoing renovation and located right across from the train station. Time for a little nap.

First place we visited was St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Beautiful Baroque style, incredible paintings on

the ceiling, and one of the world’s largest pipe organs. It was an unbelievably awesome sight.

Wandered through some very small cobblestone alleys. (Room for just one small car to go through).

Crossed the Danube River and hiked way up to the Veste Oberhaus, an old fortress overlooking the city.

It was built in 1219. What a gorgeous view of the old city! Spent a few hours just looking at this quaint

old town. How peaceful and sheltered from the outside world. This is what Old Germany is supposed

to look like!!

Had supper at a sidewalk café, on the Danube River. White sausage and spaghetti tonight. For

entertainment, it seems like these Germans just get out and walk in the evenings. It was a wonderful

and relaxing day.




JULY 16, 1987 (Thursday)

A big breakfast was included with our hotel fare. Walked about a mile to the Passau Glass Museum.

20, 000 pieces of hand blown glass, bottles, vases, pitchers, perfumeries, etc. Easily spent an hour in there.

Very nice! Houses one of the largest collections of Bohemian glass in Europe.

Checked out of the hotel. Had a micro-waved cheeseburger (ugh) at the train station. Boarded the 12:47

train to Linz, Austria. We walked through two very full; very crowded train cars. Janet was upset with no

compartment for us. The next train car, of course, I found an empty cabin. She has so little patience, at

times. Nearing Linz, it just did not look appealing. There was nothing to cause you to stay. So we didn’t.

Arrived at the Westbahnof in Vienna, Austria. An old, gray-haired lady saw all the luggage and my

book, “Europe On $25 A Day”. She came over to us and said “I’m in the book. I’m in the book. Page 363.”

Asked if we needed a room. Introduced herself and the recommendation was in my Frommer’s book,

“Europe on $25 a Day.” It says… “We suggest you include Frau Gally Hedwig, 25/10 Arnsteingasse

(phone [phone]). This lady met us at the station and is truly an Arthur Frommer Special, i.e., she fits

the description that so many of your readers give! She charged 275 schillings for two persons in a huge

room with two single beds, down quilts (wintertime), and a small room where we could cook, provided with

pots, plates and flatware. She also gave us a map, suggested places to see, and explained the trolley system

to us -- certainly a tourist agency in her own right. Only a 10-minute walk from the Westbahnhof.

(submitted by a couple from Louisville, KY). ……………She showed us to the $ exchange, guided us to

the window for the transportation tickets. For 92 schillings, about $7.50 USD for 3 days of unlimited

traveling on the bus, trolley, tram, subway, etc. What a bargain!

About a 12 minute walk back to her 2nd story apartment. Two huge rooms, 4 beds, lots of windows,

a little kitchenette with sink and bathroom. 400 schillings = about $33 USD per night. Just a delightful

place.

Went to a small café for goulash, beer, apple strudel and Black Forest cake. ($17 USD). Called Janet’s

mom from the post office. Took the trolley to the inner city. So many HUGE old buildings. Will go back

on Friday. After a few hours, caught a trolley. It dropped us off 2 blocks from our apartment. Got in

around 10:30 p.m. Addressed some postcards and caught up with my travel diary.


JULY 17, 1987 (Friday)

Breakfast today consisted of a semi-chocolate tart and a Viennese cold drink ( which is really room

temp.). We ate breakfast in the park next to the train station. Afterward, 17 postcards were mailed at the

post office adjacent to the train station.

Sight-seeing today lasted 140 hours!!! Taking the trolley to the “inner city”, we began at the Natural

History Museum. Open to the public in 1881, we enjoyed a fascinating three hours there. Viewed mammals,

birds, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, insects, invertebrates, plant fossils, animal fossils, archeological finds

and minerals. Included are several items from Captain James Cook’s explorations of the south Pacific

from the 1780’s.

Had an outside lunch again in a nearby park. It was adjacent to the National Art Museum, which we

visited for the next 2 & ½ hours. These two museums are architecturally identical on the outside and are

symmetrical to each other. Maria Theresa’s bronze statue is in the small garden / park between the two

buildings.

After leaving the Art Museum, we visited the Parliament building. It is a monstrous white building

with massive columns and a large water fountain in front. From there, we went to the New City Hall

which is also huge. It has several steeple-like towers. Across the street is the National Theater. It too is

huge and ornate. The architecture is fabulous on all of these buildings. This was Vienna at the height of

its empire. Not to be overshadowed by any of the other buildings, the Imperial Palace seems to take up

an entire city block. Has impressive ornate architecture. The Palace is in the process of being renovated.

The surrounding gardens are beautiful. It contains fountains, flowers, and statues.

By now it is getting late in the afternoon, but we still have quite a bit of sunlight. So, we got on the

subway and went to the Danube River. This “beach” has no sand. People lay out on either the grass or

sidewalk or even concrete steps. To cool off, the locals jump off the bridge into the icy water. It is very

strange that they like to swim in ice water, but drink everything at room temperature. Some young teenage

boys decided to excite the crowd. So they climbed up on the walkway adjacent to the subway (which goes

over the Danube instead of under it) and jumped into the water. The distance from the walkway to the water

seems to be 3 stories. Very dangerous. Before we left, we ate dinner in an Italian restaurant. Our waiter

served us normal water with TWO small cubes of ice in it. Absolute heaven!
Returning back to inner city brought a chance for more sight-seeing. The university, Sigmund Freud

Park, and St. Michael’s Church were all around the same block. So, we have some pictures of them. We

went to the Vienna Opera House and took a picture.

Our final destination was St. Stephen’s Church, which is the largest in Vienna. The architecture is

beautiful, but the church is almost all black on the outside. So it is not very pretty. Trying to find our way

back was a riot. For some reason, we had a very difficult time. It was dark, late, and we were extremely

tired. After 9 million steps, we made it home!


JULY 18, 1987 (Saturday)

Slept late this morning. Something we needed to do. With a few connectors, we took the U-4 (under-

ground) to Schloss Schonbrun. This palace was built between 1696 - 1712. This was the summer palace

of the Hapsburgs (Franz Joseph, Maria Theresa, Marie Antoinette, etc.) 1400 rooms in the palace. Our

tour included about 40. Saw many of the private bedrooms, the ornate gilded woodwork, beautiful tables,

statues, busts, chandeliers, portraits and paintings. Went into the room where Mozart gave his first public

presentation, at the age of six.

Later, we walked through the pretty gardens, passed the Neptune Fountain, then on up to the Glorietta .

What a gorgeous view of the palace plus the city of Vienna in the background. Did I mention it was a

very hot day?

Back to the inner city and we were very thirsty. Spent $ 7.00 for 2 cokes and 2 mineral waters. This

was at Karlsplatz. Toured the Vienna City Museum from 4:00 - 4:30. Lots of knights’ armor, swords,

shields, and flags that were about 500 years old.

Walked around to St. Stephen’s Church. Stepped inside for a few minutes. Then over a few blocks to

the room where Mozart had lived. Took a picture of the door. Next, the old City Hall.

Took another underground train (U-1) to the Danube River park. Had a good Italian meal with LOTS

of ice-water and iced tea!! Wonderful. Strolled the concrete “beaches” for awhile.

Headed back to the West Bahnhof for postcards and a picture album. Called home and talked to my dad

for a few minutes ($2.50) Back to the room early; about 8:30. I wrote postcards and Janet wrote yesterday’s

entry into the diary.

JULY 19, 1987 (Sunday)


We planned on leaving this morning at 9:00 or 10:00. I planned on 9 and Janet planned on 10. We left

at 10 a.m. Got a no-smoking cabin from Vienna to Salzburg. Shared it with 4 oriental girls, whom talked

non-stop. Very pretty scenery along the way. Rows of corn, wheat, green grass, arranged in well manicured

plots. Gentle rolling hillsides. Small creeks. Very picturesque.

Our first stop at the Salzburg train station was the self-service restaurant. Seemed like everyone was

smoking in there. Sort of an “el-cheapo” , but the food was good. We had potato dumplings ($ 11).

The first hotel we called was full. But he gave us a phone # to call. They had a room, but I could NOT

understand the address she gave. A woman walked by and asked if we needed a place to stay (Déjà vu).

She worked for just such a place: a guesthaus. She called and had someone pick us up ( in a green Mercedes

Benz ). And then take us to the guest-house. We are about three miles from the city in a little village called

Kasern. The guesthouse is adjacent to a large barn. Yes, that would be cows, pigs, ducks and a black cat.

It is on a hill, overlooking the city of Salzburg. What a magnificent view!

Rested from our long train ride. Then we went down to supper about 7:30. Seems like 20 English

speaking people are there. Had a terrific supper: fried ham, potatoes and kraut, hot tea, tap water and

two types of cake.

We left as they started to play the movie, “The Sound of Music”. Just wanted to go walking through

the countryside. So very peaceful! Walked through a field of edelweiss. This little road took us into the

village of Hallwang. Visited the church grounds and a small cemetery. I held Janet’s hand and said a little

prayer of blessing. Walked past some more edelweiss on the way back to our room. Looking forward to

tomorrows activities.


JULY 20, 1987 (Monday)

Had an early breakfast at the Pension house. Plenty of bread, jam, country-fresh butter and hot tea. Yum!

Took the 4 minute train ride from Maria Plain (Kasern) into Salzburg. Boarded a bus which took us to the

lift. Then an elevator ride, and a nice leisurely walk up the mountain to the Fortress Hohensalzburg. It was

built on the mountain-top from 1077 - 1681. Took the guided tour : torture chamber, spiral staircases, 3rd

floor out-houses, and a beautiful view of all of Salzburg. Finished our 3-hour tour by examining the
museums knights’ armor and horses’ armor, cross bows, spears, etc. Also viewed the uniforms, guns,

pistols, and military medals from World War I soldiers. Truly a medieval fortress!

Had a sit-down lunch of bratwurst (spicy sausage) with kraut and potatoes. Pretty good. Then took

a bus three miles out of town.

Toured the Hellbrun Palace and Water Gardens. This was built between 1612 - 1619 by the Arch-

bishop Marcus Sitticus. Many of the paintings had unusual looking animals; maybe since it was used

as a hunting lodge as well as summer residence for the Salzburg archbishops. There were many trick water

fountains and water sprays; water driven toys; grottoes and statues. Finished with a tour of the gardens

(with unicorn statues).

Back to the guesthouse for a wonderful supper: salad, potatoes, a knockwurst sausage that tasted

like ham and some cake for desert.


JULY 21, 1987 (Tuesday)

Big breakfast, again.

The bus picked us up at the guesthouse at 9:00. Away we went on the famous Sound of Music Tour.

(220 sch. = $ 17.50 USD each). This tour would last for 3 & ½ hours. It took us by lots of scenes from

the movie: meadows, lakes, mountains, their house (palace of Leopold), gazebo, marriage-church in the

small town of Mondsee; pointed out the convent. Also, on our way out of town, the guide showed us a

few important sights of the city. Saw Mozart’s birthplace, the U.S. and U.S.S.R. consulate buildings are

next to each other, the location where public hangings and executions took place ( now marked with three

crosses) and part of a stone wall from the old city.

Had pastries for lunch in Mondsee: cheese danish, a type of fruit pie and cake. We were enjoying a

45 minute break from our Sound of Music tour. Also went to the church where the movie marriage

occurred. Rolled into the town along a tree-lined lane. It has grown up in 23 years.

Back into the city, we checked the train station schedule for the departure times to Hallein. This is a

suburb of Salzburg, where tourists can visit the Salt Mines. Went walking into the city to pass the time.

Bought a few souvenirs. Went to the apartment where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart lived. What a large

crowd of folks! Going through a plaza, we saw 5 young ladies dressed in native costumes (dirndls) pre-

paring to dance. Then onto St. Peter’s church and cemetery. Many grave-sites were built into stone

alcoves, and had pictures of the deceased hanging over them. Almost waited 40 minutes for a trip

through the catacombs, but did not. Wanted to get back for a trip to the Salt Mine. Alas, we had missed

the last train. It started raining on us. Waited inside the nice train station restaurant and sipped hot

chocolate. Took the 4:50 commuter train to the Maria Plain stop. Had called ahead of time for someone

from the guesthouse to meet us there. After waiting almost 20 minutes, (our driver was a no-show)

we walked uphill, in the rain, for about 15 minutes. This was not the high-point of our journey.

Freshened up a bit and had a wonderful supper awaiting us. They served meatloaf, green beans and

potatoes with hot tea and bread.

Took another leisurely stroll down the country road. Thoroughly enjoyed admiring meadows of

edelweiss and wild daisies.


JULY 22, 1987 (Wednesday)

Got up rather early. But took our sweet time going to breakfast. Had a nice chat with a Michigan

family at our breakfast table. By the time we got back to our room and packed up, time was running

short. Called the main house and had someone pick us up and take us to the train station. Followed

some slow trucks and busses down into town and time was running out. Our 10:19 train left at exactly

10:19 a.m. As we ran up the stairs, we watched “our train” pull out of the station. Two (2) minutes

earlier and we would have made it. Oh well, we took the 11:11 train. So, instead of arriving at 12:21,

we made it to Innsbruck at 2:52. ……2 lousy minutes…

Our first phone call from the Innsbruck train station was to Frau Schwartz. She runs a 6-room ‘private

zimmer’. Her husband picked us up at the train station, 15 minutes later. The house is at the bottom of a

mountain; but we’re still overlooking the city. Another gorgeous view of city and mountains (Alps).

Janet and I shared chocolate candy and cokes for our 4:00 lunch. Then took a bus back to the hapt-

bahnhof and bought a city map. We walked to the old section of town. Most buildings were from the

1400’s and 1500’s. Took a few pictures. Then walked back to the Adambrau Restaurant. Had a super

supper: the Tyrolean Farmer’s Meal. We enjoyed smoked ham, frankfurters, roast beef, potatoes, kraut,

tomatoes, dumplings, bread, colas and water. Scrumptious! Then we headed upstairs for a 2-hour Tyroler

Heimatabend. This is a folkloric floor show that features: singing, yodeling, cowbell ringing, a singing

saw, wood chopping, a Maypole dance, and other neat stuff. Men and boys were wearing their lederhosen

while the ladies wore dirndls. It ended after about two hours with the displaying of national flags and

singing local songs.

Walked a few blocks to the bus station. Missed the 11 p.m. and last bus by about 5 - 10 minutes. A

lady and her daughter stopped their car and asked for directions and a recommendation for a place to

stay for the evening. We told them of our place (Frau Schwartz) and they were very nice and drove us

here. Unfortunately for them, there were no rooms available. It was 11:30 and time for some sleep.


JULY 23, 1987 (Thursday)

Wanted to stay in town and see the city today. Took the bus down and across the river to the hapt-

bahnhof. Then walked 4 - 5 blocks to the “old city” section. Most of the buildings were in the 300 - 400

year old variety. Took a few pictures of the Goldenes Dachl. It was built in 1500 and has 2657 gold-plated

tiles. This famous balcony was constructed out of gold to honour the marriage of Maximilian I and his

second wife. Next door was the Olympic Museum. There 3 or 4 videos and films to watch. Displays of

ski clothes, medals, medallions, patches, a bob-sled, posters and other neat memorabilia. Innsbruck hosted

the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics.

Our next activity in the old city, we walked up a winding and at times, spiral, staircase inside the

Stadtturm (City Tower). Completed in 1450, it offers a fantastic view of the Nordkette mountain range

and the “old town”. Plus, we could see the ski jump, which was used in the 1964 and 1976 Winter

Olympics. Next stop was the Volksmuseum. This displayed Tyrolean farmhouse furniture, tools, wood

carved items, and costumes. Like our early American pioneers.

Lunchtime and we ate a few pastries at a sidewalk café. Enjoyed watching the people walk past. Janet

and I then walked across the Inn River as we looked for a little grocery store. Kept walking and kept look-

ing. Eventually walked uphill about 8 - 9 blocks. Went to the Alpenzoo. This is Europe’s highest zoo,

at 727 meters above sea level. Over 2000 animals on display and all are native to the alpine region.

We got to see up close: birds, fish, wild animals, vultures and ‘stinky’ bears. And what a magnificent

view of the city below! Had a big supper at Weinerwald, then a 10 minute bus ride back to our room.

JULY 24, 1987 (Friday)

Had planned on participating in the “Innsbruck Club” mountain hiking tour. Experienced hikers

would pick us up and we would be out for 4 - 6 hours. Well, it was raining when we got up. Very

frustrating. After a while, went down for breakfast. Frau Schwarz suggested a mountain trail we could

hike on our own. Took a city bus to the small town of Igls, about 10 miles away. Then took a cable-car

ride (U.S.-$8 apiece) to the top of Partscherkofel Mountain. The ride took us right over the site of the

Olympic bobsled track. Then into a cloudy mist. Finally broke out of the cloud cover and there we were,

on the top, 6500 feet up. Was it pretty? You bet! What a panoramic view: miles and miles of gently

rolling hills and stark mountain ruggedness. Then there were the towns below. Awesome!!!

Had a very leisurely hike. Stopped often; sometimes to rest and sometimes just to take in the beauty

of it all. Passed about 10 - 15 areas where there had been some avalanches (from small rocks to giant

boulders). Many wild flowers, some similar to our azaleas, lots of daisies, scrub pine trees, alpine

greenery, etc.

Crossed over a few ice-cold mountain streams. Absolutely had to take off the shoes and walk bare-

footed in the icy water. Two or three times. So cold, it felt like the tingling sensation of burning feet.

For lunch, we enjoyed ice cold mountain stream water with our dinner of chocolate and butter

cookies. It was so nice to be hiking in the Alps. Spent about 5 glorious hours up there. Then it was time

to take the ski-lift ride down to the foot of another mountain at Tulfes. Caught a bus taking the scenic

country route, back to Innsbruck. Another supper at Weinerwald, then a bus ride back to our room.


JULY 25, 1987 (Saturday)

Got up early for breakfast; rolls, hot chocolate, butter, jam, soft-boiled egg. Thought we could get

a car ride from Mr. Schwarz down to the train station. But it was too early for him to take us. Walked

uphill with lots of luggage. That was tough. Boarded a bus down through the city and to the train

station. Had trouble finding the correct gate #. Threw our stuff on the train and rolled away less than 5

minutes later. That was a close one.

Now we’re on our way to Sargans, Switzerland. Met some friendly Americans along the way (New

Orleans, Indiana & California). Made the connection for a trip to Zurich, the economic capital of

Switzerland. The last 20 miles, we passed by Lake Zurich.

At the train station, the very first hotel I called, accepted us. Bought a city map at the tourist

office. Walked 2 blocks to the river. Crossed the Limmat River bridge. And there we were at the

Limmathof Hotel. The room was $56 USD for the one night.

We decided to take a 2-hour city bus tour, starting at 4 p.m. It showed us the major old buildings

in the old city area; the main shopping district; the stock market; financial district; then on to Lake

Zurich. Lots of sailboats out on the water today.

We rode around the University of Zurich (enrollment of 25,000). There was a huge tile mosaic of

its most famous students: Gallileo Gallilei, Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton, and a few others. For

someone with three blisters on her toes and who couldn’t walk much, it was a nice little trip.

As we were walking towards our supper destination, we passed another famous spot. The street

was marked where Winston Churchill had delivered a speech, at the end of World War II in 1945.

We took Mr. Frommer’s suggestion for dinner tonight: The Blockhaus. Rosti (roasted potatoes) and

fondue (cheese and bread). Washed it down with white wine and lots of good tap water. A very good

and filling supper for $ 24-USD.


JULY 26, 1987 (Sunday)

Took an early train back to Sargans. Arrived there from Zurich in about 1 hour. Walked right next

door to the bus station and bought two tickets to Vaduz ($3 apiece). In 30 minutes, we arrived in the

capital city of Liechtenstein. (My 12th different foreign country!) Did quite a bit of window shopping,

since most of the stores were closed on Sunday. Bought a few souvenirs and postage stamps, too.

Wandered about for a few hours. Bought a unique hotdog and hamburger while awaiting the return bus.

The vendor cut the end of a roll of bread, jammed it down over a sharp-edged column, squirted in some

mustard, placed the weenie in it, the pushed the weenie all the way down to the bottom of the roll. Very

interesting to watch.

Back in Zurich, we walked down to the marina area. Then proceeded to enjoy a one hour boat ride

on Lake Zurich. The water was such a pretty blue-green color. Passed sailboats, wind-surfers and

other ships. Showed them our Eurailpass, and the ride was free. Sure enjoyed it.

Found a place for supper, by ourselves, on a back alley. Cordon-bleu pork with pomme frittes

(french fries) and also chicken breast with spinach noodles. Pretty good. Back to the room a little

earlier tonight.


JULY 27, 1987 (Monday)

Up at 6:45. Got packed, then down to breakfast. Had about 15 minutes to spare. Boarded the

9:13 train for Stuttgart, Germany. Got out and stretched our legs, took a picture of the city, bought

a few postcards. Then it was time for a small lunch (weenie and hamburger meat with a roll). Our

next train rolled out about 1:30. We traveled through Heidelburg, where I had vacationed two years

earlier. Our next stop was Mainz. Five minutes later, we were on another train to Bingen. After a one

hour layover, we took *another* train to to small town of Oberwesel. This trip lasted about 15 minutes

and we were on the banks of the Rhine River. Just a few minutes before we arrived, the sun finally

broke through the clouds. What a beautiful sight!

When we called our castle-hotel (Auf Schonburg) found out that its restaurant was closed, and for

us to have our meal in town. Found a pleasant little place to eat. Couldn’t really understand our waitress

OR what we had ordered. Received a slice of bread with 3 large slices of cheese, 2 tomato wedges and

2 pickles.

Took a taxi ride way up the hill to our CASTLE-HOTEL!!! We were as excited as two little children.

Up one flight of steps and through a large room which was tastefully decorated with armor, swords,

paintings, etc. Up three more steps and we’re here at room #2. The bedroom had white walls and brown

boards in the ceiling. The bedposts went up to an inclined ceiling. Looking out the window, we have a

view of the ivy-covered crumbling wall and two cylindrical towers, which are about 4 stories tall. Could

hardly wait to go out exploring.

Oberwesel was a Celtic town in 400 B.C., then a Roman military station. In 1166, Frederich Barbarossa

purchased the town of Oberwesel. He was then able to extract tolls from all boat traffic on the Rhine River.

Schonburg Castle was first mentioned in history books in the year 911. The castle was burned down in

1689 by French soldiers during the Palatinate heritage war. Schonburg castle remained destroyed and in

ruins for two centuries. An American of German ancestry, a Mr. Rhinelander from New York city, bought

the Schonburg ruins in 1885 and restored it. In 1950 the town of Oberwesel acquired the castle. Since 1957

the Huttl family has lived at the castle and established a hotel and restaurant in it.

Walked around the outside of the castle and found a footpath leading down to the city. It was narrow,

rocky and pretty steep in places, but we finally made it down into Oberwesel. Walked some more, looking

at churches, towers, old buildings and walls. Went down to the waters edge at the Rhine River. Visited a

small playground. At 9:15, we passed a family restaurant and decided we were hungry again. Janet had

saurkraut and two large wieners. I enjoyed weiner-schnitzel, smothered in mushrooms & gravy and a

large plate of potato salad. Both of us drank hot tea and tap water. ($11 USD for both)

Heading back up the steep hill to our room, we walked the winding narrow road this time. Sort of

dark now; we arrived about 10:30 p.m.


JULY 28, 1987 (Tuesday)

We awoke in a CASTLE this morning!!! Got dressed and walked down the foot-path again. Went to the

Koln-Dusseldorfer dock. Showed the folks our Eurailpass, and walked right onboard. Yes indeed, we took

a cruise on the Rhine River. Bought an English-translation color picture guide. It gave brief descriptions of

all the castles on the Rhine, from Mainz to Koblenz. Had a nice sit-down dinner on the ship. Spent about

2 & ½ hours aboard our cruise ship. Passed by sleepy little towns and terraced vineyards. Gorgeous scenery.

Admired so many castles and castle ruins. Another hi-light of our honeymoon trip.

Docked at Koblenz. Checked the city map and train schedule. Thought about catching a train to Koln

(Cologne) or even Luxemborg, but couldn’t really find the train station in time. Shopped for a little while in

a new mall. Ambled about until we found the station, then headed south to Bingerbruck. Waited 75 minutes

for the next train to Oberwesel. Walked a few blocks to the post office and a pastry shoppe. Arrived back in

Oberwesel at 5:17. Walked a couple of blocks to the small restaurant we had been at the night before. This

time we both ordered zigunerschnitzel, covered by sautéed vegetables and chunks of fried potatoes. Took a

taxi up the mountain (7-DM) to our hotel/castle. Unloaded the camera and bags in our room. Then went to

exploring trails around the Schonburg castle. Sat on a bench, watching the water activity on the Rhine.

Went to bed early, about 10 p.m.



JULY 29, 1987 (Wednesday)

Our last full day in Europe. Up at 6 a.m. Showered then packed up everything. Downstairs to breakfast

at 7:30. Had a soft-boiled egg, cereal, cheese,bologna, rolls, orange juice and hot tea. But, what atmosphere.

Sure hated to leave Schonburg Castle. Even discussed returning for our 25th wedding anniversary.

Taxi picked us up at 8:15. Jumped on the 8:42 southbound. Were at Bingerbruck within 20 minutes. Had

ample time, 8 - 10 minutes, and boarded the 9:11 train. Travelled through many places: Mainz, Heidelburg,

Stuttgart, Ulm and finally Munich at 2:36. That’s 5 & ½ hours on todays journey.

At the train station, trying to use the phone, a young woman came and asked if we needed a room. How

many times did this happen to us??? She showed us her writeup in the Frommer’s book. Her husband

picked us up and drove to their apartment. I NEVER want to drive in Munich. With 1.2 million people in

the city; cars, busses, bikes, pedestrians and tourists; it’s a jungle out there.

It was a nice small room she gave us (100-DM). Just two blocks from the Isar River. Took the U-bahn

(subway) and went to the main market-place. Checked on Villeroy and Boch china patterns, but found no

Heinrich Chambord. Found us some nice lead crystal instead.

Relying on instincts, we were able to find the little antique shop we wanted to. Found some WWI and

3rd Reich (Nazi) memorabilia. Took this back to the room and dropped it off.

Walked for just a few blocks and found a traditional carnival going on at the church-grounds. Bought

a couple of hotdogs, just as they were closing at 8 p.m. Took a stroll by a creek. Stepped into a small

pastry shoppe. Walked back towards our apartment; then sat on a park bench, overlooking the Isar River.

Very peaceful and lots of reminiscing. Lights out at 10:30.


JULY 30, 1987 (Thursday)

Woke up early at 4:30 a.m. and couldn’t get back to sleep. Just lots of excitement, I guess. Got up at

6 a.m. Took a cold shower. (Could not find the switch for the water heater). Fortunately, Janet found it in

time for her shower.

Walked upstairs for an American breakfast: bacon and scrambled eggs. Mr. Bauchinger drove us to the

airport. Seemed like we got the runaround with customs and our tax-refund on the lead crystal.

Up in the air and a short time later we landed in Frankfort. Didn’t realize we would be stopping there.

(1 hour and 15 minutes). Picked up dozens more passengers. After final seating arrangements were made,

then Janet and I got to sit together. Left at 12 noon - which is 6 a.m. Eastern time. Arrived in Atlanta at

3:15. Breezed through customs. Our flight left Atlanta at 4:55 Eastern time and we touched down in Mobile

at 4:55 Central time.

HOME SWEET HOME !!!!!

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