Germany: Wiesbaden - Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth

After the longest drive (most kilometres per day) of our Europe vacation, we ended up, unannounced, on Erich's doorstep in Taunusstein. He decided to show us a bit of Wiesbaden, Hanne's birthplace. One sight, worthy of a visit, is the Neroberg. On another postcard I'll feature the very unique railroad that goes to the summit. This postcard will feature the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth in Wiesbaden. Found on the Neroberg, this church is the only Russian Orthodox church in Wiesbaden, Germany. Besides the there is also Russian cemetery, the largest in Europe outside Russia.

After getting off the train car, we strolled about a bit. Then Erich steered us down a path. Before too long we realised why; brilliant golden domes became visible through the trees!

Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth 
on the Neroberg in Wiesbaden (2012-04-27)

Denmark: Løgumkloster - Details of the Abbey Gate

In the morning we had gotten up in Husum, Germany. Now, in the early afternoon of this April day, we arrived at Løgumkloster in Denmark, after a very pleasant bit of sightseeing and lunch in Tønder. It was my ancestors that drew me to this place. Along one of the branches of my family tree were ancestors who had passed significant milestones in or about this abbey. Thus, I wanted to have a look.

Løgumkloster was once the site of the Cistercian Løgum Abbey, in the then Roman Catholic diocese of Ribe.

As an aside, this is a very pleasant part of Europe. As I read somewhere, the Danes really know how to do "cute". So true!

Løgumkloster, Denmark - Details of the Abbey Gate (2012-04-19)

Germany: Quedlinburg: A Boy and his Dog

There's plenty to grab the attention of the avid photographer visiting Quedlinburg. Primarily, of course, the hundreds of half-timbered houses. After what seemed like one Kodak moment after another, we turned a corner and came upon this statue of a boy (either a gardener's boy or a shepherd) and his dog (apparently the dog is the emblem of Quedlinburg) before the Blasii Church. Such a sight cannot be passed by.

CLICK! A postcard view!

A Boy and his Dog in Quedlinburg (2012-04-22)

Germany: Bremerhaven: The Ketch HF 244

So far our trip had taken us from Amsterdam to Bremen, via overnight stays in Leeuwarden and Ostfriesland. A few days stay in Bremen had us on the road again. Our short term destinations were Denmark and Schleswig Holstein. First stop: Bremerhaven.

After visiting the emigration museum in Bremerhaven (Deutsches Auswandererhaus) we strolled around the docks a bit. Almost immediately my camera was drawn to a fine collection of "antique" boats. One of many that caught my eye was the HF 244 (aka "Astarte").

The HF 244 is a ketch-rigged vessel built by the August Albers shipyard in Finkenwerder, Germany and is registered in Bremerhaven. The "Astarte", built of wood, has an overall length of 24 metres with a width of 6 metres and carries 234 m2 of sail.

HF 244 is a ketch-rigged vessel  (2012-04-18) 

Germany: Greetsiel: Wet Sidewalks

We started this day in Leeuwarden, the capital of Friesland, in the Netherlands. Clouds had accompanied us most of the way into Germany, but by the time we reached Ostfriesland we were bucketed down upon by torrential rains. Just as we were about to call off any sight-seeing the rains stopped and we parked in Greetsiel. I was looking forward to this visit as I'd heard that it was perfect for some photography. Greetsiel did not disappoint. In fact, the wet side walks lent a nice sheen to the landscape.

Wet Side Walks of Greetsiel (2012-04-12)

Bremen - die Bremer Stadtmusikanten

The day started rainy and miserable. And stayed that way. Until my mood turned miserable (possible because the ladies insisted on shopping and I wanted to sight see). Then the weather perked up. After Kaffee und Kuchen, we made our way to the famous statue of the Bremer Stadtmusikanten. This must surely be one of the most photographed places in Bremen (after the Roland, I reckon), but the statue is very difficult to capture without all kinds of extraneous things in the view. Ah well, this'll have to do.

Die Bremer Stadtmusikanten

Roman Ruins in Xanten

On the 30th day of our most excellent European vacation, we were in Kleinenbroich with Tante Christel. That's when Biffy suggested we take a trip to Xanten to see the old Roman ruins. What?! Roman ruins in Germany?! Yes, and in pretty darn good shape too.


They are a good reminder that it's not for naught the banks of the Rhine (south of here, anyway) are cluttered with vineyards. Thanks to the Romans, Germany has a wine culture along the Rhine.

Roman Ruins in Xanten