Germany
Germany is celebrated for many things. From fairy tales and fast cars to castles and classical music, you’re spoiled for choice on where to begin your German adventure and what to include. So spoiled, in fact, that designing an itinerary that covers everything you want to see, taste and experience can be a serious dilemma.
The solution? A kick-ass road trip!
Late summer and early fall are my favorite times of the year to visit Europe. The crowds are leaving, the temperatures are cooler and, historically, the rates are a bit more favorable. Unsurprisingly, I want to cram as much as humanly possible into the two months I’ve allotted for my latest German adventure, chronicling my antics all along the
…A few minutes’ walk from the Cologne Cathedral stands the House of 4711. Home to the original 4711 Eau de Cologne, this beautiful perfume boutique is located on the corner of Glockengasse, directly opposite the Opera House. The building itself is striking. Granted, it took me more than a few minutes to find it (what, with the Black Forest Cake and Cathedral stops!), but it was well worth the effort to discover the history behind the storied cologne.
Pulling back the large glass and gold doors, I was struck by the sheer number of bottles on display. Products for sale also include soaps, scented candles and even teeshirts and gift wrapping service is offered for purchases.
Friendly, helpful and eager …
As I rounded the corner to visit Scotland’s Brodie Castle, the last person I expected to meet was Struwwelpeter. Yet mixed among the fine art, antique furniture and centuries of history in this magnificent turreted castle, there he was. Staring at me from, appropriately enough, the shelf in the former nursery!
Truth is, until that very moment, I’d never even heard of Struwwelpeter. But, with a cover illustration equal parts bewitching and bewildering, I was desperate to learn more and made a mental note of the book’s title as interior photography was not allowed. Immediately upon my return to Edinburgh later that week, I scoured every secondhand bookstore in town until I finally unearthed this beautiful 1940 hardback edition.…