MJ Travel: Europe - Genealogy Journey - Part Three

Apple Strudel, Flower Gardens, Cider-making, Rhubarb Desserts, German Language, Christmas Traditions, Sauerkraut Recipes, St. Nick …

These and many more memories remind me of my German heritage.

We started our Germany adventure in Heidelberg. Our host recommended a German restaurant that was literally 10 steps from our apartment. And he mentioned it had a Biergarten!

Rhubarb Cake!

Bob remembered this hotel from his days traveling for work. His introduction to muesli was at the hotel restaurant. Still one of his favorite breakfast foods!

A vehicular ride to the highest point in Heidelberg. Castle ruins and incredible views.

As we know Bob likes to invite himself to join class photos! These students were from a European school in Belgium. Students from all over the world. Their teacher mentioned at least 5 languages.

The inventor of the Bunsen Burner.

Learn more; Robert Bunsen

Sembach, Germany

An ancestry stop for Bob. He has a bit of German heritage.

We learned from a very patient and helpful woman that after 30 years a cemetery plot is returned to a natural setting. Her example was a meadow. There was a lot of Google translation being used and lots of smiles and head nodding. So, we are not sure we have the facts straight but this is what we understood.

Learn more:

https://www.myheritage.com/wiki/Cemeteries_and_graves_in_Germany

Owisheim, Germany was my first ancestory stop. We enjoyed coffee and pastries before exploring the area. When we found a building that existed while my ancestors lived there I took time to roam the grounds. I felt so fortunate that I had this opportunity to walk the same area that my family once inhabited!

The complex below existed when my ancestors lived in the area.

Back on the road and we stopped for some beautiful views.

Zaisenhausen was a stop for Bob on our Genealogy adventure.

Vending machines with sausage, eggs, produce and more!

The photos below are from Baden-Baden. A very long day before arriving but we enjoyed our time in this “spa” town.

Is Charles Manson living in Germany?!?!

One of the nicest hotel breakfast we have experienced. Everything from fresh squeezed juices to smoked salmon!

A few photos from our drive through the Black Forest.

Black Forest Cake

From the Black Forest area we drove to Colmar, France.

We discovered tartes are a very traditional and popular snack. Most of the bars and cafes served them A very thin pizza-like snack with white sauce and various toppings. Great with a beer or wine!

We left Colmar on a guided half day tour of a few surrounding villages. Our guide was very knowledgeable and we learned a lot about the history of the area. He also taught us about the architecture.

Each village was surrounded by vineyards.

A memorial to American troops who gave their lives helping France.

Hill 351 also known as “Bloody Mountain” is home to the memorial.

Learn more about this battle to liberate Alsace. Memorial Hill

Our tour guide showed us so much in just a few hours. We also had the opportunity to sit and discuss world issues over coffee.

This musician was playing and singing. Everyone enjoyed her performance.

We were greeted in Rothenburg by a gracious family who offered an Airbnb accommodation in the lower level of their home. The owner’s eye for design and attention to detail made this a memorable stay.

On our last evening we bought ice cream for their three boys. It looks like they enjoyed the treat!

The mother and sons made Elderflower Syrup to mix in our water. Very tasty!

Their home was built with many eco-friendly standards.

We were the first guests from Arizona and proudly pinned Prescott!

The St. James Camino de Santiago trail goes through Rothenburg.

Learn more; Camino de Santiago

We had a great dinner at the “Go to Hell” restaurant. The oldest building in town. It had a lot of character!

This cathedral claims there is a drop of Christ’s blood within a crystal in this alter. The wood carvings surrounding it were truly amazing.

I had to try the German potato salad. Definitely not like mom’s German potato salad!

Children and adults were practicing for a big celebration in three weeks. Everyone was having fun especially the kids!

Leaving Rothenburg we headed to Scmatzhausen. This beautiful agricultural area is about an hour north of Munich. My mother’s maiden name was Schmatz and I have ancestors from this general area. As we arrived I spotted hop fields-kind of appropriate with our love of beer!

Bob found t-shirts we could order and our Frankfurt hotel accepted delivery and held them for over a month.

From Schmatzhausen we drove to Munich. Well, because Munich is always a good idea! After a couple days we flew to London for a short stay and our flight to Phoenix.

We used the Rick Steves walking tours of Rothenburg and Munich. These audio tours are free to download and are very informative. Sadly in Rothenburg Bob’s Rick Steves Germany book was lost. We hope someone is putting it to good use!

Learn more; Rick Steves Walking Tours

Bod has a dislike of asparagus and it was asparagus season! Germans love asparagus and wanted to share it with us.

While in London we saw Hamilton! Before the show we had a drink at a local pub. This kind, young woman invited us to share her table. She was also going to see Hamilton. As we got to know Clare she asked what brought us on this month long holiday. We explained it was a Genealogy Journey. She told us she was very interested in researching her ancestry. What a chance encounter for our last evening on our Genealogy Journey!

Meeting people is certainly a highlight for us as we travel the world. It really helps ground us in the culture and we learn so much from these brief encounters.

We also learn from researching places that are mentioned.

Thank you to our friend, Pat who follows our journeys and searches for information we may need along the way!