Freudenberg and Wertheim, Germany
Freudenberg is a small German town on the Main River with an old castle high above the city that lies in partial ruins. To get to the castle you must climb a stairway of over 300 steps leading up the hill.
From the staircase you get nice views of the community, residing on both sides of the river.
Had we arrived a week or so earlier, the hillsides would probably been ablaze with fall colors, but we still got a taste of the natural beauty.
Wertheim is home to the "famous" Leaning Tower of Wertheim. The city is subject to periodic flooding which, over time, has softened the soil under the tower causing the lean. Our guide, a local from Wertheim, said that the residents just live with the floods. They get enough warning to move their possessions out of harms way and then deal with the cleanup and get on with life. 
Even though we are overfed on the ship, we are constantly sampling the local goodies. Try as we might, I'm afraid we'll be bringing some of these calories back home with us in the form of a rounder self.
Castles seem to be everywhere. After a while their abundance numbs your sense of awe. This is the Upper Castle built by the Prince of Wertheim in the 12th century.
A medieval custom (so we are told) was to decorate your home with gargoyles or caricatures. The resident of this home obviously did not like his neighbor as this carving is sticking out his tongue to the resident living across the alleyway.
Prior to WWII approximately 80 Jews lived in Wertheim. All were removed to concentration camps during the war and many were victims of the holocaust. Within the last week, the city placed bronze placques in front of the homes where the Jewish residents once lived. Each is inscribed with the name, date and information relating to when and where each family member was taken.
From the staircase you get nice views of the community, residing on both sides of the river.
Had we arrived a week or so earlier, the hillsides would probably been ablaze with fall colors, but we still got a taste of the natural beauty.
Wertheim is home to the "famous" Leaning Tower of Wertheim. The city is subject to periodic flooding which, over time, has softened the soil under the tower causing the lean. Our guide, a local from Wertheim, said that the residents just live with the floods. They get enough warning to move their possessions out of harms way and then deal with the cleanup and get on with life. 
Even though we are overfed on the ship, we are constantly sampling the local goodies. Try as we might, I'm afraid we'll be bringing some of these calories back home with us in the form of a rounder self.
Castles seem to be everywhere. After a while their abundance numbs your sense of awe. This is the Upper Castle built by the Prince of Wertheim in the 12th century.
A medieval custom (so we are told) was to decorate your home with gargoyles or caricatures. The resident of this home obviously did not like his neighbor as this carving is sticking out his tongue to the resident living across the alleyway.
Prior to WWII approximately 80 Jews lived in Wertheim. All were removed to concentration camps during the war and many were victims of the holocaust. Within the last week, the city placed bronze placques in front of the homes where the Jewish residents once lived. Each is inscribed with the name, date and information relating to when and where each family member was taken.
We're thoroughly enjoying your blog entries. What great sights you've seen!
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