traveltales: KELHEIM, GERMANY

Sunday, January 19, 2014

KELHEIM, GERMANY

Kelheim Surprises

On our way into Kelheim, Germany we stopped at Liberation Hall, nicknamed the drum, built to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Nations’ War by Ludwig I. The Nations’ War was when 18 nations came together to defeat Napoleon. The domed building stands isolated atop a hill. We climbed 85 steps to reach the entrance where we had a spectacular panoramic view of the city and Danube River below.

Inside is a huge rotunda where, surrounding the base, stand larger than life marble angels, each in different dress and hair adornments. A spiral staircase with an additional 255 steps led to a viewing area at the top of this huge circular monument. I climbed the stairs and walked the whole 360 degrees around the top. Occasionally I stepped on a spongy board, which was a bit disconcerting, as I didn’t know if there was a sub-floor or if it was just a good drop down to the base.

It is a lovely huge monument, but it seems to be plunked down in the middle of nowhere. Maybe it means more to Europeans than it did to me. Still it was an interesting little detour.

Kelheim is located at the confluence of the Altmuhl and Danube Rivers. It is a small fairy tale town that we entered through the old south gate. The 400 year–old city hall was located on the one main street, and right next door sits the new city hall. Pastel painted homes lined the cobblestone street.

There is a plague statue and a glimmering golden Marie Ascension statue half way up the main cobblestone street. At the end of the street is a statue of Ludwig I. We poked our head in the 14^th century Maria Ascension Church to view the gothic and stained glass windows.

At the end of the street just beyond the Ludwig statue we entered the 1607 Brewery. It was my friend’s birthday so she enjoyed a celebratory beer. This was during Europe’s unseasonably hot summer but the temperature in the outdoor biergarten was comfortable. For the non beer drinkers there was the inevitable ice cream!

The shopping opportunities for those so inclined were limited, but this lovely, picturesque, quiet, little town was certainly worth the visit to remind us what our busy lives used to be like.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.