Germany: Lindau and Neuschwanstein castle Germany: Lindau and Neuschwanstein castle August 6, 2009 There is something different with our Summer holiday this year. Normally, either we escaped from Europe to more warmer country (in our case is Indonesia) or, since we have been living in Thailand for the last couple years, we got some visits from family in each Summer. But this time we fly ‘back’ to Germany. Reason, searching for house and school. Yup, sad but true, we’re going back to Germany soon and leave the paradise country Thailand :(. I must say, the ‘holiday’ plan was bit messy, but we were gland it turned to really nice one. We spent the three weeks with family and visiting friends, whom we didn’t see for three years. Despite the busy program, we managed to make a short trip to the South, to Lake Bodensee or Lake Constance. I had always wanted to go there since the first time we lived in Germany eight years ago, but never materialized until this year. We stayed in a small hotel in Lindau Island.

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE (SWAN CASTLE) But before we reached Lake Bodensee or lake Constance, we visited Neuschweinstein Castle first. The Neuschwanstein Castle is one of the most visited castles in Germany and one of the most popular tourist destination in Europe. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1869. King Ludwig is famous as a ‘Fairytale’ King’, and many also him ‘Mad King’ (though the accuracy of that label has been disputed). Ludwig is best known as an eccentric whose legacy is intertwined with the history of art and architecture. He commissioned the construction of two extravagant palaces and a castle, the most famous one is Neuschwanstein Castle. Ludwig was also a great admirer of Richard Wagner, the world – renowned composer. Many rooms in the castle’s interior were inspired by Wagner’s characters. (Arrived in Fussen, a small town where the castle lies). The Neuschwanstein Castle really looks like a fairytale castle. While the castle’s look is that of a medieval castle, it was equiped inside with state of the art technology at that time.

For example on every floor of the castle there were toilets with automatic flushing system, as well as an air heating system for the whole castle. Water was supplied by a nearby spring situated at only 200 meters above the castle. Neuschwanstein’s positioning is also a fairytale one. It is located in the Alps in Bavaria, Germany, in a magnificent landscape, on the top of a hill. Neuschwanstein overlooks the Hohenschwangau valley. If you come to visit this castle, you will be amazed by the extremely beautiful landscape that surrounds it. This fairytale look of the Neuschwanstein Castle inspired Walt Disney to create the Magic Kingdom. LAKE CONSTANCE OR BODENSEE Lake Constance or in German is called Bodensee, is located in in Germany, Switzerland and Austria near the Alps. The lake consists of three bodies of water: the Obersee (“upper lake”), the Untersee (“lower lake”), and a connecting stretch of the Rhine, called the Seerhein.

After the Council of Constance, the Catholic world gave the lake its current name, after the city Constantia (Konstanz), that, in turn, was named after a Roman emperor (either Constantius Chlorus or his grandson Constantius II). The German name, Bodensee, derives on the other hand from the place name Bodman (today’s Bodman-Ludwigshafen) just north of Konstanz. Lindau is a Bavarian town and an island on the eastern side of Lake Constance. The Island is beautiful and the people were friendly. We were lucky, on the first day of our stay, there was a summer festival. Every year, by end of school year, the children will dress up with their traditional costumes and gather with other children for a parade. Each child has flower garland on his head and a bouquet. During the parade, they would share the flowers with people at the street. The parade ended in a green field at the lake where tent of foods and beverages were already set up. Not far from the wooden table and banks were lots of children activities including any kind of amusement. The place was just 500 meters from our hotel!

So, the whole day we just played, ate and played again. We also managed to hire a paddle boat to enjoy the warm weather and the blue water. (Downtown Lindau) Bodensee Restaurant Home Bodensee Restaurant Home Fine German Dining in the center of beautiful Helen, Georgia. This beautiful alpine city in the North Georgia mountains transports you to the German Alps. Relax with us for a quick delicious lunch or enjoy a fine evening of dining with the family. Located in the center of Helen, we offer a wide variety of German foods for any taste. Open for lunch and dinner featuring Chef Aurel Prodan's culinary specialties. Our staff is here to serve you and your family! Bodensee Restaurant 64 Munich Strasse, Helen Georgia 30545 Phone: 706-878-1026 and 706-969-8129 Open for Lunch and Dinner Every day 11 am until...

ABOUT OUR NAME: Lake Constance (German: Bodensee) is a lake on the Rhine at the northern foot of the Alps, and consists of three bodies of water: the Obersee ("upper lake"), the Untersee ("lower lake"), and a connecting stretch of the Rhine, called the Seerhein. Lake Constance was first mentioned by the Roman geographer Pomponius Mela about 43AD. He noted that the Rhine flows through two lakes, and gave them the Latin names Lacus Venetus and Lacus Acronius. Pliny the Elder used the name Lacus Brigantinus, after the Roman city of Brigantium. The lake is also colloquially known as the Swabian Sea.

1000+ images about Der Bodensee on Pinterest | Lakes, Bavaria germany and Bavaria Hafen Lindau, Bodensee, Bayern, Deutschland, Europa - Port Lindau, Lake Constance, Bavaria, Germany, Europe Bilder vom Bodensee als Poster, Kunstdruck mit Rahmen, Leinwand oder Grußkarte kaufen: See More Lindau am Bodensee Lindau am Bodensee Home Page > Travelogues > Germany > Bayern > Lindau am Bodensee Lindau -- Wonderful Island Town in the Bodensee The city of Lindau am Bodensee was one of the most beautiful sights in Bavaria. Sitting on the Bodensee (also known as Lake Constance) that straddled the German-Swiss border in the southwest corner of Bavaria, Lindau was an island port haven loaded with marinas, hotels, restaurants, and beautiful structures. With the massive Austrian Alps majestically looming to the southeast, Lindau was a photo-a-minute type of place. During the 2006 update to this website, we decided to expand the Lindau page to a full photo gallery, encompassing three different trips to this wonderful island.

Even this small sampling of photos here does not do the city justice. It has to be seen and visited to be believed. Hopefully, those who do visit it would have a sunny day, under which Lindau would glisten with color. Unquestionably, Lindau's most striking landmark was the marina entrance -- buttressed by a beautiful white lighthouse on the south and a lion statue on the north. The marina was immediately to the right as one exited the train station. Both were accessible by visitors, and for a small fee one can climb to the top of the lighthouse. The view was excellent. The same sight at nighttime was absolutely wonderful. I took this shot during a brief layover on a train ride to Austria. Also fabulous was when the ferries, lit up for the night rides across Lake Constance, entered or exited the marina. This shows the view of the marina from the base of the lighthouse. A tour boat was just entering the marina and the crowds were gathering in the portside restaurants and cafes. This picture was shot in the morning. By 1PM, the cafes were utterly mobbed with people. I tried a couple restaurants and the food was excellent.

Most of them serve 'standard fare', only a couple specialized in Bavarian dishes. The third and final picture in this gallery is the Market Square, where on Saturday mornings one could buy fresh produce, cheeses, meats, etc. The building in the background looks quite elaborately sculpted -- but no, the wall was flat and the decor was painted on. This was a common sight in Bavaria. Between the marina and the market square was the main commercial district, scenes of which are shown in these next two photographs. This shows the front of the Lindau town hall, one of the most distinctive in Bavaria for its shape and decor. The rear was equally as impressive. This shows one of the original-style structures elsewhere on the street. It was called the Brodlaube. The decor suggested that it once served as a bakery, but in modern times it had become a cafe. Not all of the Lindau island was built up. This shot shows part of a large park near the one driving and walking bridge to the mainland. The park was full of flowers and several fountains. The walking bridge to the mainland was colorful with lots of flags. Of course, we could not show pictures of the island without also showing some of the water.

This was taken on the mainland side, showing the one stretch of Lindau island that was residential. We circled around the east side of the island to the marinas. This shot shows a yachting school held on the island. As you can see, the complex was very large. There was also a small swimming hole nearby. There was a very beautiful residential district that surrounded the market square. It was very colorful and had restaurants, cafes, and shops that were less expensive than the marina, just without the outdoor atmosphere. This was also where one would find ethnic food if one didn't want Bavarian fare. This was one of several manor-style houses scattered around. This one served as a gallery or museum. There were also several small churches that each appeared like this one -- partially restored with a new tower, suggesting past damage. As said at the top, even these twelve pictures don't fully justify the beauty of the island. We didn't show the lake side of the island, either, leaving that for the Wasserburg chapter (coming soon).

Trip taken 23 June 2001 -- Page Last Updated 01 September 2006 -- (C) 2001,6 Tom Galvin On the Bodensee On the Bodensee They left Munich driving west headed for Landsberg and then Memmingen about 60 miles away, at which point they would turn southwest for the final 35 miles of the trip to Lindau on the Bodensee.ï¿½ In the Daimler touring car were Wolf and Liesl, the roof down and the breeze blowing against their faces and through their hair.ï¿½ It was mid-July, 1919, and in exhilaration they were leaving for a summer getaway.ï¿½ At least for those who were not unwelcome refugees or crippled veterans or starving ordinary folk or others still ravaged by disease, that was the feeling of many in Europe.ï¿½ It was the first peaceful summer since the ï¿½gloriousï¿½ summer of 1914, when all the great civilizations of the continent flexed their muscles like strutting peacocks as they girded for war.ï¿½ Wolf and Liesl were looking forward to seeing

 Einstein, Haber, and Count Rantzau.ï¿½ The morning passed quickly in the pleasant sunshine.ï¿½ They crossed the Romantic Road at Landsberg early in the day, and well before noon the touring car was cruising down the final stretch to the tiny island of Lindau just off the northeast shore of the Bodensee on the German-Swiss border.ï¿½ Lindau was a narrow island running alongside the mainland, connected at one end by a narrow bridge for cars and foot traffic, and at the other by a long causeway for trains.ï¿½ It was already a top European tourist destination by 1900, but peaked during the interwar years.ï¿½ Founded as an imperial city of the Holy Roman Empire, it had many ancient buildings, including a magnificent Thieves Tower with a steeply pointed spire crowned on top with even sharper turrets.ï¿½ It was now the municipal museum.ï¿½ The town also boasted open-air cafï¿½s and terraces, and during tourist season orchestras played classical melodies outside on the promenade.

By the time Wolf and Liesl arrived at the Hotel Bad Schachen, Einstein, Haber and Rantzau were already there.ï¿½ Einsteinï¿½s new bride, his cousin Elsa, was there too, as well as Haberï¿½s young wife, Charlotta. ï¿½We were in Zurich for the last couple of weeks,ï¿½ Charlotta explained to Liesl as they settled her bags into the room.ï¿½ ï¿½Albert and Elsa were there for the past month.ï¿½ But just between you and me,ï¿½ she whispered, ï¿½I donï¿½t know how she puts up with it.ï¿½ Albert has to be there to lecture each summer.ï¿½ But his ex, Mileva, and their children are there too.ï¿½ And Albert is distracted and annoyed by that whole situation.ï¿½ Heï¿½s been so much better since we arrived here a couple of days ago.ï¿½ The Bodensee was about forty miles north of Zurich.

ï¿½How long do you plan to stay?ï¿½ ï¿½For a couple of weeks, then Fritz and I will return to Berlin.ï¿½ Albert has to go back to Zurich for more lectures.ï¿½ They wonï¿½t be back in Berlin until September.ï¿½ ï¿½Wolf, old chap, how are you," asked Count Rantzau, clapping Wolf on the back. ï¿½My dear Count.ï¿½ Youï¿½re looking well.ï¿½ï¿½ Considering Versailles. ï¿½Wolf.ï¿½ How are you?ï¿½ï¿½ This time it was Albert Einstein.ï¿½ His hair was a shade lighter than Wolf remembered it. ï¿½Youï¿½re looking quite tanned,ï¿½ Wolf replied. ï¿½Vacation on the water.ï¿½ Does wonders for anyone.ï¿½ï¿½ At forty years old lines were beginning to etch his face. "And have you forgiven Haber yet," Wolf asked with a grin.

He was referring to Einstein's wedding.ï¿½ Haber was supposed to hand him the ring, but he was called away at the last minute on some business with Max Planck.ï¿½ Einstein paused a moment before replying.

ï¿½Well, I could have waited.ï¿½ But Elsa ï¿½ she threatened that she wouldnï¿½t come to Zurich with me this summer unless we were married first.ï¿½ Ah, marriage.ï¿½ Hard on the career, you know.ï¿½ *ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ *ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ * ï¿½ï¿½I donï¿½t recall him,ï¿½ said General Ludendorff over his drink.ï¿½ ï¿½But I donï¿½t know who this Charlie Chaplin is, either.ï¿½ So I wouldnï¿½t recognize somebody with a weirdly clipped mustache.ï¿½ Iï¿½ll take your word for it, Captain.ï¿½ ï¿½It canï¿½t do any harm, Rï¿½hm,ï¿½ said Hermann Ehrhardt.ï¿½ ï¿½Weï¿

½ll find out soon enough if heï¿½s got what it takes.ï¿½ We can always reassign him if it doesnï¿½t work out.ï¿½ ï¿½What was your impression, Captain,ï¿½ Ludendorff asked, looking at Ehrhardt this time.

The latter stroked his glass and looked up.ï¿½ ï¿½I like him.ï¿½ Heï¿½s a real fanatic from what I can tell.ï¿½ And he hates the Jews with a passion!ï¿½ That was enough for Ludendorff.ï¿½ ï¿½You must assign him, then.ï¿½ Send him out among the troops and see what kind of a preacher he makes for us.ï¿½ Ludendorff wasnï¿½t in the army anymore.ï¿½ Many soldiers obeyed him nonetheless, hoping that he would lead a right wing coup to take the government back, bury the Weimar Republic and restore the Reich.

Hitler opened the envelope containing his orders.ï¿½ It was a new assignment.ï¿½ ï¿½An instruction officer, Captain?ï¿½ Iï¿½m to be sent out as an instruction officer?ï¿½ But what am I to do exactly?ï¿½ He wanted action, fighting.ï¿½ But that would have meant a Free Corps brigade in Poland somewhere, since it was the only German unit actively engaged at the time.ï¿½ ï¿½Youï¿½re to do exactly what it says.ï¿½ Itï¿½s your job to educate our brethren in the ranks about the Red-Jew danger.ï¿½ Now whatï¿½s the matter with that?ï¿½ Hitlerï¿½s head tilted back slightly and his eyes roamed the ceiling.ï¿½ What was the matter with it?ï¿½ Not much actually, now that he pondered it.ï¿½ In fact, he was already beginning to see possibilitiesï¿½ His head swung abruptly forward, so that he faced Rï¿½hm square on; his feet came together, heels clicking; and his arm shot up to salute sharply.

ï¿½I am an obedient servant of the Fatherland!ï¿½ I go where I may best serve the Reich.ï¿½ ï¿½That a boy, corporal,ï¿½ Rï¿½hm smiled and clapped him on the shoulder.ï¿½ ï¿½Now be off with you.ï¿½ Youï¿½re due at Lechfeld.ï¿½ Hitler turned to march sharply from the room. ï¿½Oh, Adolf,ï¿½ Rï¿½hm called as he was almost out the door, ï¿½you know, we hold high hopes for you.ï¿½ And thatï¿½s not just me.ï¿½ General Ludendorff is pulling for you as well.ï¿½ Hitler turned away quickly so that the captain did not see the tears in his eyes.

*ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ *ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ * ï¿½ ï¿½Itï¿½s twenty-five miles or so, by water,ï¿½ said Albert Einstein the next morning, across breakfast coffee.ï¿½ ï¿½We should be there in four hours or so, have a leisurely lunch and stroll on Mainau, and then sail back here.ï¿½ Itï¿½s a gorgeous, little island, with good restaurants andï¿½ magnificent gardens all around.ï¿½ Weï¿½ll be back by 8 or 9 tonight.ï¿½ ï¿½And itï¿½ll still be light on the water then,ï¿½ added Wolf.

Elsa and Charlotta stayed in Lindau to stroll the area and neighbouring Wasserburg.ï¿½ So it was just Liesl and the four men who sailed out the harbour entrance, guarded as it was by a stone statue of the Bavarian Lion on one side, and a 19th century lighthouse on the other.ï¿½ The boat was a luxurious 38 footer with a cabin.ï¿½ Einstein was the only true sailor of the bunch.ï¿½ Wolf and Haber were passable since Albert had given them lessons on the Grunewald outside Berlin.

ï¿½Youï¿½re sure that we can do it in one day, professor,ï¿½ asked Liesl as they headed into open water.ï¿½ ï¿½We wonï¿½t be too tired later to sail back?ï¿½ Albert laughed.ï¿½ ï¿½Oh, no, my dear.ï¿½ Once the sails are set, anyone can steer the boat on the open water, and thereï¿½s little else to do but relax.ï¿½ He was used to a smaller boat, like his own back on the Grunewald.ï¿½ But heï¿½d sailed this size before.ï¿½ The Rhine flows south from its source high in the Swiss Alps to enter the Bodensee near the southeastern end.ï¿½ The lake itself, in essence a great widening of the river, runs west-northwest forming the border between Germany and Switzerland.ï¿½ The northern shore is German; the southern Swiss; and the extreme eastern tip borders Austria.ï¿½ The main body of the lake is about thirty miles long by ten miles wide.ï¿½ At Konstanz, situated at the western end, the lake forks into

 two narrow fingers.ï¿½ The southern fork eventually narrows to form the Rhine River again, which flows west out of the lake.

ï¿½It appears that Lindau, where we came from, is on the north shore of the main lake, near the east end; and the isle of Mainau, just off Konstanz, is at the west end, about twenty-five miles away, where the lake forks in two," observed Liesl, looking up from a map spread out before her. ï¿½Thatï¿½s right,ï¿½ Einstein replied.ï¿½ ï¿½I plan to sail directly from here to Mainau.ï¿½ ï¿½How big is the Bodensee, Albert,ï¿½ Rantzau inquired. ï¿½Itï¿½s the third biggest lake in Europe, which of course isnï¿½t saying much compared to some in other parts of the world.ï¿½ But it is very deep.

ï¿½Over eight hundred feet in some spots.ï¿½ï¿½ Einstein paused for a moment, looking out at the scenery to the south, first the surrounding foothills, and then the Alps rising in the distance.ï¿½ ï¿½I love it here,ï¿½ he reflected.ï¿½ ï¿½I was born in Swabia, just to the north, and spent my childhood in Bavaria, not so far away.ï¿½ But then as a teenager I crossed the Alps into northern Italy.ï¿½ The most cultured people in the world.ï¿½ And Lake Como, on the other side of those mountains, is heavenly.ï¿½ï¿½ He pointed south.ï¿½ ï¿½And then thereï¿½s Zurich,ï¿½ in the same direction, but just scant miles away.ï¿½ ï¿½That countryside ï¿½ it was my inspiration!ï¿½ ï¿½For what,ï¿½ asked Wolf.

ï¿½Why, for Relativity, of course.ï¿½ï¿½ ï¿½Ah, it is all such wasted effort,ï¿½ moaned Fritz Haber.ï¿½ ï¿½You ponder these theoretical propositions that have no use here on earth.ï¿½ Wouldnï¿½t it be more useful,ï¿½ he said with a mischievous wink at Liesl, ï¿½to ponder the mysteries of beautiful women than the movement of the stars?ï¿½ The western shore was drawing ever closer as the boat made its way slowly down and across the lake. ï¿½Thereï¿½s Konstanz ahead of us,ï¿½ Liesl pointed out in the distance.

The city lay at the western end of the main lake where it forked and the Rhine flowed out.ï¿½ Bordering Konstanz was the town of Kreuzlingen, where Maxï¿½s older brother, Aby Warburg, had resided in a sanatorium for the last few months, a result of a nervous breakdown suffered upon realizing that the war was lost.ï¿½ Konstanz itself now appeared directly in front of them as they cruised close to the main wharf just south of the entrance to the Rhine.ï¿½ Like so many places on the Bodensee, Konstanz seemed dominated by the medieval architecture so well preserved throughout the area.ï¿½ What struck Liesl were the tall, narrow, sharp towers and spires on so many of the churches, cathedrals and castles.ï¿½ Einstein steered the boat north and then west about five miles up the northern fork before encountering a tiny island connected to shore by a bridge.ï¿½ They docked at Mainau, the flower isle.ï¿½ After lunch, they intended to take a stroll through the luxurious gardens.ï¿½ When the meal was over, though, Liesl and Wolf instead decided

 to take a walk in the hills above the lake.

They crossed over the pedestrian bridge to the mainland and started up the wooded hill.ï¿½ The trail had been travelled for the better part of two millennia, and was wide enough to afford a view of the lake unfolding below.ï¿½ He was thinking how lovely she looked. The sun was shining, and they were up high enough so that they could clearly see the island now, separated from the mainland by a long, narrow bridge. In a glade off the main path, secluded among the trees, they made love, with the sun shining overhead.ï¿½ It seemed for a little while that the war was a false nightmare from the past, and that heaven had truly descended upon Europe.ï¿½ They lay together, naked in each otherï¿½s arms, enjoying the colours and fragrance of the flora in the glade, and their own reborn intimacy.ï¿½ Finally, though, Liesl broke the mood, as Wolf sensed her brooding. ï¿½No matter how dangerous Russia is right now, I have to go there to find my brother," Liesl said as she sat up.

ï¿½Dunkenï¿½s been gone for the better part of a year, and we havenï¿½t heard a thing from him for almost six months.ï¿½ The last time from Kiev.ï¿½ The last of our troops there were getting ready to return home, and Dunken was going to come with them." ï¿½He had been liquidating his family's remaining business investments there.ï¿½ "His last message to us was that the main body of the army had pulled out, and Reds and Ukrainian partisans were already fighting for the city.ï¿½ We havenï¿½t heard from him since.ï¿½ ï¿½But the Whites still havenï¿½t retaken the city, and itï¿½s been over six months now since the German pullout.ï¿½ Can Dunken have hidden from the Reds this long?ï¿½ Liesl didnï¿½t answer at first.ï¿½ She pulled her swimsuit on again.

ï¿½Like I said, we havenï¿½t heard from him since the beginning of the year.ï¿½ My parents are very scared.ï¿½ I just want him back as soon as possible." ï¿½Rantzau wants to go to Russia.ï¿½ He said so at lunch.ï¿½ Maybe heï¿½ll take a trip to Kiev and let you know whatï¿½s up there.ï¿½ But Wolf wasnï¿½t sure that even Rantzau really wanted to go into Russia during the height of the civil war, no matter how much he desired to speak with the leadership. "It's my brother.ï¿½ I can't leave it up to the Count.ï¿½ I must go.ï¿½ "If anyone goes to Russia to find him, it will be me," Wolf replied.

ï¿½Who said anything about you?ï¿½ Then she thought for a moment.ï¿½ ï¿½But now that youï¿½ve mentioned it, if Count Rantzau was willing to go to Kiev ï¿½ at my familyï¿½s expense, of course ï¿½ I could go with him.ï¿½ ï¿½ï¿½It doesnï¿½t really matter.ï¿½ The more I think about it, thereï¿½s about as much chance of Rantzau going to Kiev now, in the middle of a vicious war, as there is of a man setting foot on the moon.ï¿½ They retraced their steps down the hill, over the bridge and onto the island.ï¿½ The rest of the party had already gathered at the dock.ï¿½ Einstein was anxious to be off, as the afternoon was getting late.ï¿½ It was nearing 4 oï¿½clock.

ï¿½Where have you two been,ï¿½ Haber grilled them upon their arrival.ï¿½ Then he smiled and winked.ï¿½ ï¿½Some naughtiness, I trust?ï¿½ï¿½ Liesl blushed, confirming Haberï¿½s suspicions.

ï¿½Well, fair enough,ï¿½ he chuckled.ï¿½ ï¿½But we want to get back to Lindau before the sun sets.ï¿½ I donï¿½t like the thought of being out on the water after dark.ï¿½ Sailing east from Mainau Island with Konstanz to the south, the group could see Meersburg on the northern shore of the Bodensee, in Germany.ï¿½ It appeared medieval, enclosed by high ramparts overlooking the lake, with arched entrances and ancient towers.ï¿½ Through the binoculars Liesl could make out cobblestone lanes and castles.ï¿½ In Meersburg was the oldest occupied castle in Germany.ï¿½ They passed by the old city and continued east along the northern shore.ï¿½ A few miles later they rounded a tip of land as the shoreline swung gradually north and then east again, till it reached a river mouth, and the city of Friedrichshafen, largest on the lake after Konstanz.ï¿½ Friedrichshafen itself was an ancient town, declared a free city of the Holy Roman Empire in 1275.ï¿½ It became a rail junction in

 the mid-19th century, a resort town and ferry crossing.ï¿½ ï¿½What the heck is that,ï¿½ asked Liesl, pointing to the northwest horizon.ï¿½ ï¿½I could swear thereï¿½s something there, but the sun is blocking my view.ï¿½ Einstein looked back over his shoulder.ï¿½ ï¿½You know, youï¿½re right.ï¿½ Rantzau was looking up at the sun now, using a newspaper to shade his eyes.ï¿½ It was helping.ï¿½ Wolf, under his sunglasses, had the best view.

ï¿½Thereï¿½s something, alright.ï¿½ An airship.ï¿½ ï¿½But I donï¿½t hear anything,ï¿½ said Liesl. ï¿½Dirigible.ï¿½ Zeppelin.ï¿½ Makes sense.ï¿½ The Zeppelin factory is in Friedrichshafen,ï¿½ Wolf continued.

ï¿½Thatï¿½s right,ï¿½ Haber agreed.ï¿½ ï¿½Graf von Zeppelin was born around here, wasnï¿½t he?ï¿½ Zeppelin, born on the island of Mainau, off Konstanz, where the party had just had lunch, began developing rigid balloon airships after retiring from a long military career.ï¿½ By 1910 commercial airship service began.ï¿½ During the Great War they were conscripted for air raids.ï¿½ By the end of the war over 500 British civilians had been killed in Zeppelin raids launched from staging grounds in northern Germany.ï¿½ But they were slow and vulnerable to attack by planes and AA fire, so more and more were limited to stationary aerial surveillance, since they could sit for hours or days in the air at a given location to report on battles in progress.ï¿½ In the summer of 1919 all German Zeppelins were surrendered to the Allies under the Versailles Diktat, and the Zeppelin works in Friedrichshafen was preparing to turn over the last of its airships.ï¿½ Liesl had the glasses trained on

 the Zeppelin in the sky above them.ï¿½ ï¿½I'd rather they didnï¿½t get too close to us.ï¿½ ï¿½Why,ï¿½ asked Wolf.

ï¿½A few of those people up there look familiar.ï¿½ ï¿½On that blimp,ï¿½ Einstein asked. ï¿½Yes.ï¿½ Wolf, take a look.ï¿½ He took the glasses from her and trained them on the airship. ï¿½A veritable cornucopia of right wing fanatics.ï¿½ Albert, letï¿½s give them a wide berth.ï¿½ ï¿½Iï¿½m trying.ï¿½ But weï¿½re under sail, and theyï¿½re flying.ï¿½ï¿½ And we donï¿½t have much wind speed at that.ï¿½ ï¿½Then weï¿½ve got a problem,ï¿½ Wolf replied, ï¿½because I think theyï¿½re coming right for us.ï¿½ To her horror, Liesl saw the glint of binoculars staring back from the flying craft, which was sailing inexorably down towards them. ï¿½Oh, my god, get us out of here,ï¿½ she implored Albert.

ï¿½Iï¿½m sorry, thereï¿½s little I can do, my dear.ï¿½ What are you so frightened of?ï¿½ Do you think they intend us harm?ï¿½ She didnï¿½t know herself, so she looked at Wolf. ï¿½I donï¿½t think so, professor,ï¿½ he said.ï¿½ ï¿½Thereï¿½s a pretty distinguished-looking entourage on board.ï¿½ It isnï¿½t likely theyï¿½re out for a serious incident.ï¿½ Liesl will have some explaining to do to her friends,ï¿½ he nodded derisively up in the air, ï¿½when she sees them back in Munich.ï¿½ ï¿½Who is on that ship, Wolf?ï¿½ Haber was insistent now, and both Einstein and Rantzau were staring at him as well.

ï¿½Alright.ï¿½ I can make out a few of Lieslï¿½s acquaintances from the Thule Society.ï¿½ Thereï¿½s Rudy Sebottendorff, the president.ï¿½ And Dietrich Eckart, a writer in Schwabing.ï¿½ Oh, and thereï¿½s Gustav von Kahr, the prefect of Upper Bavaria.ï¿½ And whoï¿½s this,ï¿½ mused Wolf from behind the spyglasses.ï¿½ ï¿½Itï¿½s Ludendorff!ï¿½ Yes, for sure.ï¿½ Thatï¿½s his stepson, Heinz Pernet, beside him.ï¿½ No doubt about it.ï¿½ ï¿½Quite a group,ï¿½ commented Rantzau.ï¿½ ï¿½What do you think they want with us?ï¿½ ï¿½Havenï¿½t a clue,ï¿½ replied Wolf.ï¿½ ï¿½Maybe just trying to scare us.ï¿½ ï¿½Theyï¿½re doing that now,ï¿½ said Einstein.

ï¿½ ï¿½They donï¿½t have to come any closer.

Pingï¿½ping, ping. ï¿½What was that?ï¿½ Why, those are shots!ï¿½ The water around the boat jumped in a few spots. ï¿½Theyï¿½re shooting at us, professor,ï¿½ Liesl cried.ï¿½ ï¿½What can we do?ï¿½ ï¿½I donï¿½t know.ï¿½ Fritz.ï¿½ Ulrich.ï¿½ Wolf.ï¿½ What do we do,ï¿½ Einstein implored them. ï¿½Letï¿½s get below.ï¿½ To the cabin,ï¿½ cried Haber, grabbing Lieslï¿½s hand as he headed down the entryway.

ï¿½Go with them, Count,ï¿½ Wolf shouted at Rantzau.ï¿½ ï¿½Thereï¿½s nothing you can do out here.ï¿½ Letï¿½s not give them any easy targets.ï¿½ ï¿½But theyï¿½ll only have the two of you to shoot at, then.ï¿½ I wonï¿½t leave you topside to face them!ï¿½ Rantzau refused to budge.ï¿½ More shots pinged the water.ï¿½ Wolf was nervous about using the spyglasses, lest the glint draw a shot.ï¿½ Still, he could see Ernst Rï¿½hm chortling wholeheartedly as Hermann Ehrhardt fired round after round into the water in a ring around the boat.ï¿½ The shots were coming ever closer to the craft itself.

ï¿½You still think theyï¿½re just trying to intimidate us, Wolf,ï¿½ asked Rantzau.ï¿½ ï¿½Theyï¿½re doing fine, donï¿½t you think?ï¿½ ï¿½Oh, yes.ï¿½ Theyï¿½ve got me going.ï¿½ How about you, Albert?ï¿½ ï¿½Hm?ï¿½ Oh, yes.ï¿½ Iï¿½d be willing to admit that Iï¿½m almost scared speechless.ï¿½ Both he and Wolf were rambling, playing for time to figure out what to do.

ï¿½Just so I wonï¿½t feel silly later for not asking, Albert ï¿½ thereï¿½s no gun on board?ï¿½ ï¿½Iï¿½m afraid not.ï¿½ Itï¿½s not our boat.ï¿½ So unless Haber or one of you has one, weï¿½re out of luck.ï¿½ ï¿½Check the glove compartment, and any other likely place up front, anyway,ï¿½ Wolf said.ï¿½ ï¿½Count, can you check the aft?ï¿½ Iï¿½m going below.ï¿½ Be right up.ï¿½ And keep your heads down!ï¿½ Wolf surfaced a minute later.ï¿½ He climbed onto the roof of the cabin, grasping the mast.ï¿½ Standing erect, one hand on the mast, the other arm outstretched, he pointed at the blimp.ï¿½ ï¿½Whatï¿½s he up to,ï¿½ asked Rantzau.ï¿½ Haber and Liesl surfaced from the cabin.ï¿½ "Thereï¿½s no gun on board,

ï¿½ observed the Count.

At that moment, a shot ripped the cabin roof scant feet from where Wolf stood.ï¿½ It almost caught the sail. ï¿½Wolf, get down here,ï¿½ Liesl shouted.ï¿½ ï¿½Youï¿½ll be killed!ï¿½ She headed towards the cabin roof.ï¿½ Haber grabbed and held her.ï¿½ At that moment, Wolf reached into his pocket and pulled out what appeared to be a blunt, little, sawed-off pistol.ï¿½ He took aim at the gondola and fired.ï¿½ The shot hit it below the lengthy side viewing port, exploding in a bright, incandescent red, showering sparks above and below, some of which bounced off the balloon itself but did not puncture it.ï¿½ The party inside the gondola, however, were in consternation.

ï¿½Theyï¿½re running about like ants,ï¿½ Haber gloated gleefully.ï¿½ ï¿½Look at them shout and jump up and down.ï¿½ Theyï¿½re even hitting each other!ï¿½ Einstein passed the binoculars to Liesl.ï¿½ ï¿½Itï¿½s quite a sight.ï¿½ Your acquaintances do not appear to be enjoying their party anymore.ï¿½ I do hope that you donï¿½t run into them back in Munich, Liesl.ï¿½ï¿½ He was not smiling now.ï¿½ ï¿½I mean it, my dear.ï¿½ They look like they could do you serious harm if they ever got hold of you.ï¿½ They look very angry ï¿½ very mean.ï¿½ Wolf reached into his pocket for another flare cap.ï¿½ He pointed the pistol up towards the blimp again, but this time took dead aim at the balloon itself.

ï¿½Get below, Liesl,ï¿½ said Haber.ï¿½ ï¿½That balloon is pure hydrogen.ï¿½ï¿½ Modern blimps, like the Goodyear, use non-combustible helium. ï¿½If he hits, itï¿½ll be the Fourth of July, as they say in America.ï¿½ And weï¿½re so close that we might not be around to celebrate it,ï¿½ Haber shouted. But the men in the blimp had seen Wolf take aim as well.ï¿½ From the gondola they were all looking at the balloon immediately above their heads, and then down at Wolf pointing the flare gun at the balloon.ï¿½ At once the airship turned to port and headed north for shore. ï¿½Looks like theyï¿½re turning tail for Friedrichshafen,ï¿½ commented Haber. ï¿½Thank god,ï¿½ said the Count. ï¿½Magnificent,ï¿½ Einstein congratulated Wolf as he sat down beside them.

ï¿½But who were they, Wolf,ï¿½ asked Liesl.ï¿½ ï¿½You didnï¿½t finish telling us before the shooting started.ï¿½ ï¿½Oh, Iï¿½m sorry.ï¿½ They were mostly a whole bunch of senior army types, believe it or not.ï¿½ Thatï¿½s probably how they had access to the Zeppelin.ï¿½ A last joy ride before they turn it over to the Allies.ï¿½ Or hide it.ï¿½ There was General von Mohl, overall commander in the Munich area; Colonel Franz Ritter von Epp, who commands his own Free Corps brigade; and there are two whom Liesl is familiar with.ï¿½ Captain Ernst Rï¿½hm, Eppï¿½s adjutant.ï¿½ ï¿½And who else, Wolf,ï¿½ she prodded him.

ï¿½Oh, your admirer Captain Herman Ehrhardt, ex-Imperial Navy commander, and now leader of his own brigade.ï¿½ The bloodiest Free Corps unit there is, Iï¿½m told.ï¿½ I sincerely hope he didnï¿½t spot you on board with me, Liesl.ï¿½ But I think he must have.ï¿½ He was the one doing the shooting.ï¿½ A shudder ran down her back. ï¿½Itï¿½s a good thing that they decided to leave when they did, though,ï¿½ added Wolf.ï¿½ ï¿½I only had the one flare cap.ï¿½ The boat continued east towards Lindau.ï¿½ They passed wine towns, with steeples and spires of churches and castles towering over them, and fishing villages, and vineyards.ï¿½ Wasserburg came into view, a former island fortress resembling Lindau, but smaller.ï¿½ Wolf talked with Haber and Rantzau about events in Russia.ï¿½ Einstein and Liesl sat down together.

ï¿½Itï¿½s not like it looks, professor,ï¿½ she whined to him.ï¿½ ï¿½Those fanatics are not my friends.ï¿½ ï¿½Are you sure youï¿½re not protesting too much?ï¿½ ï¿½No,ï¿½ she replied emphatically. ï¿½Alright, Liesl.ï¿½ I believe you.ï¿½ I know you have a job to do.ï¿½ Youï¿½re a journalist.ï¿½ ï¿½Oh, Albert.ï¿½ Iï¿½m so mixed up.ï¿½ The only thing I know for sure is that I hate the Reds.ï¿½ They murdered Hella, in front of me.ï¿½ He remembered.ï¿½ The auditorium at his old high school.

ï¿½Thatï¿½s what attracted me to all those Thule types in the first place.ï¿½ Well, no, actually it was Hella who took me to their meetings.ï¿½ And my paper wanted coverage.ï¿½ But they scare me.ï¿½ Ehrhardt, Rï¿½hm, others like them.ï¿½ And I know that most of what they say is bunk.ï¿½ Folkish ideology stuff.ï¿½ And everything is ï¿½Jew thisï¿½ and ï¿½Jew thatï¿½.ï¿½ Itï¿½s really quite revolting.ï¿½ ï¿½ï¿½Itï¿½s not the Jew-bashing of these men that scares me, Liesl.ï¿½ Itï¿½s their lack of human compassion.ï¿½ Theyï¿½ve had it drained from them by the war.ï¿½ There is such a thing as simple human decency, but they seem brutalized to the point of having none left in them at all.ï¿½ Just a pitiless resolve.ï¿½ The next morning Liesl and Wolf prepared to leave Lindau.

ï¿½ Before they left, the trip to Russia was considered.ï¿½ Wolf was prepared to go if Rantzau went.ï¿½ But there were credible rumours of massacres and fighting on a grand scale between Cossacks and Reds, and increasing reports of major pogroms.ï¿½ ï¿½I'll call you from Berlin in a week or so,ï¿½ said Count Rantzau, ï¿½after I've had a chance to think.ï¿½ It would be a dangerous trip, no doubt.ï¿½ So we shouldn't decide rashly.ï¿½ *ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ *ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ * Hitler was off to the Lechfeld transit camp, where he would get his first chance to prove what a convincing indoctrinator he was.ï¿½ It was late July, hot and sunny, with a slight cooling breeze drifting down from the north.ï¿½ Light clouds hovered above the Alps to the south

.ï¿½ A low platform had been built for the corporal from the Enlightenment Detachment to speak to the troops at the camp.ï¿½ They were returning German prisoners of war from the east who apparently had been showing Red sympathies.

ï¿½Theyï¿½re infected with that damn Lenin virus,ï¿½ Rï¿½hm said.ï¿½ ï¿½Itï¿½s your job to delouse them.ï¿½ So he stood up on the small platform in front of the dirty, decrepit, dispirited, starving troops, and commiserated. ï¿½I know how you feel, cause Iï¿½m one of you.ï¿½ Iï¿½m not an officer; Iï¿½m just an ordinary soldier like you all.ï¿½ I served the entire war in the trenches.ï¿½ I survived a gas attack, and I was blinded for weeks.ï¿½ I earned this Iron Cross,ï¿½ he pointed to it proudly on his chest, ï¿½putting my life on the line for the Fatherland.ï¿½ I came home, fighting for my life, on a hospital train; and what did I find?ï¿½ That people spat on me!ï¿½ Adolfï¿½s eyes blazed as he stared defiantly at his audience.ï¿½ Some murmured as they felt the emotion emanating from the speaker.

ï¿½Now some of you may have already heard it in the camps you came from.ï¿½ Some may be hearing it for the first time.ï¿½ Some of you may have even been brainwashed already by the Reds into thinking otherwise.ï¿½ But Iï¿½m here to set you right.ï¿½ He wasnï¿½t yelling or haranguing them; just a statement of fact. ï¿½The Jew is responsible for the entire mess our homeland is in.ï¿½ He started the war in the first place; he fomented Red revolution in Russia which now threatens Germany; and now he has shackled the Fatherland with that accursed treaty of Versailles.ï¿½ The last word hissed from his mouth. ï¿½Let me first impart to you a few facts about the Jews in Germany.ï¿½ The first ones came to our land in advance of the Romans, and even then they came as merchants.ï¿½ Shopkeepers,ï¿½ he said, dragging the word out.

ï¿½They were never producers; rather, they always acted exclusively as middlemen.ï¿½ With his millennia-old mercantile dexterity the Jew is far superior to the still helpless, boundlessly honest, Aryans, and for that reason German commerce has become a Hebrew monopoly. Money has become the god to whom all serve and bow down.

The aristocracy of the sword, the might of the German army, now kneels to the millionaires.ï¿½ Jews publish the most prestigious newspapers, and rule the trade unions.ï¿½ The Jew is a parasite on the body of the Reich.ï¿½ Existence impels the Jew to lie, and to lie perpetually, just as it impels the inhabitants of the northern countries to wear warm clothing.ï¿½ No more proof is needed than the shameful, repugnant, revolting Versailles Diktat: it lays blame for the entire war on Germany!ï¿½ And then, purporting to do justice on the basis of that travesty of fact, it sweeps away all our gains in the east, bought dearly with German blood.ï¿½ï¿½ But all that is nothing compared to what the accursed Diktat does to our beloved Wehrmacht, our German army!ï¿½ Adolf was working himself up into a fine lather, and the feeling was infectious.ï¿½ His audience began to murmur agreement, some clapped lightly.

ï¿½So what can we do,ï¿½ a soldier shouted from the audience, to the approval of others, ï¿½tell us what we can do to save the Fatherland,ï¿½ he implored. ï¿½Alright, Iï¿½ll tell you,ï¿½ Adolf began in a low voice, and then turned up the volume. ï¿½If two million of Germanyï¿½s best youth were slaughtered in the war, we have the right to exterminate these subhumans who breed like vermin.ï¿½ Cheers erupted. ï¿½And if the Hebrews try to destroy us in the press, if they donï¿½t like what weï¿½re saying, well, a thirty centimetre shell has always hissed more loudly than a thousand Jewish newspaper vipers ï¿½ so let them hiss!ï¿½ They were on their feet.ï¿½ For the first time in years, these returning troops were given something to cheer about.ï¿½ Hitler was in Valhalla.

Bodensee, Germany Bodensee, Germany Bodensee Located on the southern border of Germany, next to Austria, lies the Bodensee (also known as Lake Konstanz).ï¿½ The lake was created in its present form some 15,000 years ago during the last ice age, when glaciers carved the Lake Constanz basin.ï¿½ The lake is actually part of the Rhine River as it flows north from the Alps to the North Sea.ï¿½ It is also the source of drinking water for much of central Europe.ï¿½ The upper part of the lake (the main part) is over 46 kilometers (27 miles) long, and 14 kilometers (9 miles) wide.ï¿½ There are numerous towns surrounding the lake, with tourism being the main industry of the area.ï¿½ An interesting fact:ï¿½ Because of the curvature of the earth, you cannot see the south shore from the north shore because it is some 120 feet lower than absolute level.ï¿½ Even on a clear day, it is below the horizon and out of view.

Liechtenstein ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ Bodensee ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ The Bodensee is visible on the northern border of Switzerland. Liechtenstein is the small pink area on the eastern border.ï¿½ Vaduz is the capital.

In the early 1900s, two aviation giants used the open expanses of the lake as a reason for basing their companies here.ï¿½ First, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin founded his dirigible company and produced his first airship in 1900.ï¿½ One of the ships produced here later was the Hindenburg, which burned on landing at Lakehurst, New Jersey in 1937.ï¿½ The second company was Dornier Works, producers of the largest amphibious airplanes, including the 12-engine Do-X.ï¿½ Destroyed during WW II, the industrial centers did not produce anything until the 1950s, when Zeppelin Works began manufacturing industrial equipment, and today produces heavy motorized equipment similar to the Caterpillar company in the USA.ï¿½ Dornier is once again producing aircraft, mostly medium sized planes used by various military services around the world. Our first view of the Bodensee from the northern shore. After almost a month of rain, it was nice to see the sun. Lindau is a small island (about 1 mile across) on the southeast corner of the Bodensee.

ï¿½This is a view of the town from the harbor lighthouse. The entrance to Lindau harbor is protected by a large lion (built in 1856) and a large lighthouse. Hereï¿½s a better view of the harbor lion. The lion (not including the base) is over 6 meters (18 feet) tall. He has been guarding the harbor since the late 19th Century. This 13th Century tower (known as a ï¿½Mangenturmï¿½) along the harbor that was part of the medieval defenses. I would not want to be the person that replaces the roof tiles! The engraving on the base of the old tower.ï¿½ Roughly translated:ï¿½ ï¿½This tower, called Mangenturm, was built in the 12th Century to light and protect our seaport, a strong symbol of the Free Empire.ï¿½ The Lindau Rathaus (pronounced Rot-House), similar to a city hall. The Lindavia Fountain by the Lindau Rathaus. It was made in the late 19th Century. One last look across the Bodensee towards Austria and Switzerland.

The Alps are visible even through the rain clouds. Next stop ï¿½ Friedrichshafen. Just up the shoreline of the Bodensee about 12 miles lies the town of Friedrichshafen.ï¿½ Our hotel was situated on the pedestrian shopping area near the water.ï¿½ Just outside the front entrance and across the square was this beautiful church.ï¿½ It was nice to look out the hotel window and see the steeple. The Zeppelin Museum was the main reason we wanted to stay at Friedrichshafen.ï¿½ Inside, you are taken back to the days of luxurious airship travel.ï¿½ This is the entrance to the model of the passenger section. Howï¿½s this for room to stretch and walk around?ï¿½ This is the drawing room. Large windows line the walkways on both sides of the airship, providing an outstanding view. The map on the wall shows some of the different routes the zeppelins traveled. This is a re-creation of the structure inside the zeppelinï¿½s fabric skin. The tanks held water for ballast. The Zeppelin Works also produced earth-bound vehicles for traveling. Now, Zeppelin is a producer of heavy machinery.

This Maybach Zeppelin sedan is on display in the lobby.ï¿½ Maybach was a very prestigious company, kind of like the Rolls-Royce of Germany.ï¿½ To give you an idea of the prestige the name still carries 60 years after they produced their last car, Mercedes-Benz is using the name for itï¿½s new line of ï¿½Ultra Luxuryï¿½ cars.ï¿½ The new Maybach sedan is powered by a twin-turbo V-12 engine and starts at $350,000.ï¿½ What does this have to do with Zeppelins?ï¿½ The Maybach engine works provided engines for many of the largest Zeppelins. ï¿½ A close-up of the Maybach Zeppelin grille. Here is an original Maybach 12-Cylinder zeppelin engine. ï¿½Itï¿½s actually two inline-6 engines (not in a ï¿½Vï¿½). This close-up view of the Maybach zeppelin engine shows the intricate detail given to the design and manufacture.ï¿½ No detail was overlooked, no matter how small.

After the Zeppelin Museum, we walked down to the waterfront to sit and watch the sunset. Looking across the water to the south (and past this antique weather vane), you can see the Swiss Alps. Perfect end to a perfect day.ï¿½ Unfortunately, it was the last we saw of the sun on this trip. Liechtenstein The next morning, we awoke to the sound of rain on the roof.ï¿½ Knowing the weather changes quickly, we decided to forge on.ï¿½ After a great breakfast at the hotel, we headed south through Austria to Liechtenstein.ï¿½ Austria was interesting because of the long tunnels under the Alps (one was over 6 miles long, the other was about 3 miles).ï¿½ We were only in Austria about 25 miles before turning off into Liechtenstein. ï¿½Liechtenstein has a total area of 160 sq km (62 sq mi), just slightly less than the size of Washington, DC.

That may sound large, but itï¿½s just over 10 miles X 6 miles ï¿½ for the entire country!ï¿½ The western edge of Liechtenstein lies in the valley of the Rhine River. The rest of the country consists of foothills of the Alps, which rise in the south to peaks of more than 2,400 m (more than 8,000 ft) above sea level. The Rhine River, which forms the western border, drains, along with its local tributaries, the greater part of the country. The Samina River is the principal stream of the mountain region. Liechtenstein has a mild climate; average temperatures range from -1ï¿½C (30ï¿½F) in January to 21ï¿½C (70ï¿½F) in July. The average annual precipitation is about 1,000 mm (about 40 in). Forests cover 45 percent of the land; deciduous trees predominate at lower elevations, conifers at higher elevations. Wildlife includes deer, chamois, fox, marten, and badger.

The population of Liechtenstein (2001 estimate) is 32,528 (about one-third of whom are resident aliens), with an overall density of 203 persons per sq km (527 per sq mi). The capital and principal urban center is Vaduz (population, 1999, 5,106). German is the official language, but a dialect, Alemannish, is spoken commonly. Approximately 88 percent of the population is Roman Catholic. In 1991 primary school enrollment totaled 1,985 pupils; about 1,200 pupils attended secondary schools. Primary and secondary education is free in Liechtenstein; schooling is compulsory for 8 years. Marriage and Family People usually marry in their late 20s; it is considered important to first complete oneï¿½s education and enjoy some financial security and independence. Some couples live together before or instead of marriage. Legal marriages are performed at the national Registry Office. To have a church wedding is optional, but common, and usually takes place the day after the civil ceremony.

Some old wedding customs include decorating the door frames of the coupleï¿½s home with garlands or organizing a mock kidnapping of the bride. The nuclear family is the most important social unit in Liechtensteinï¿½s society. The father is generally considered the head of the household. Couples have been having fewer children in recent years. While single people and couples often live in apartments, families tend to prefer houses. The majority live in single-family homes, but more and more young families are becoming tenants because real estate is expensive. Many people prefer to settle in the village where they grew up. Adult unmarried children usually move out of their parentsï¿½ home by the time they have finished their professional training. An increasing number of married women work outside the home. Eating Zmorga (breakfast) usually consists of one of many varieties of bread with jam and coffee. Zmittag (the main meal) is served at midday and includes a soup or salad, a main dish, and dessert. Znacht (dinner), usually served around 6 or 7 pm, is typically light and often consists of open-faced sandwiches with cheese and meat. When going out for dinner, people meet around 8 pm.

The national dish, Rebel, is made of ground maize stirred in a frying pan with milk, water, and salt. It is often eaten with elderberry purï¿½e. Other traditional dishes are Kï¿½sknï¿½pfle, a type of pasta with sharp cheese, and Rï¿½schti, grated and fried potatoes. The continental style of eating is used, with the fork in the left hand and the knife remaining in the right. It is considered polite to not leave any food on the plate, and accepting second helpings is interpreted as a compliment to the cook. When a person has finished eating, the cutlery is placed side by side on the plate. In restaurants, leftovers are not taken home. Most people drink bottled mineral water, wine, or beer with meals. Toasting with alcoholic beverages is common. Whether in the home or at a restaurant, it is impolite to begin drinking before the host proposes the first toast. The host will not do this until everyone has a full glass. Once the first toast is made, all guests are free to take a drink and propose additional toasts. In a group, the glasses are lightly tapped simultaneously in pairs.

Socializing A handshake is usually the appropriate form of greeting. It is common to greet people verbally on the street or when entering a store. The traditional terms used to address strangers are either the Swiss-German Grï¿½ezi! or the Grï¿½ï¿½ Gott! used in Austria and southern Germany. Both mean ï¿½Greetings!ï¿½ It is appropriate to add the other personï¿½s name, if known. Among friends, young and old greet each other with a short Hoi! Most people living in Liechtenstein address each other with the familiar du form of the pronoun ï¿½you,ï¿½ and young people generally use first names. This is, however, common only among locals, not with foreigners. The prince is addressed as Durchlaucht (ï¿½Your Serene Highnessï¿½). Young people socialize on a casual basis in school and in numerous recreational clubs. There are close to 300 clubs and Verein (associations) in Liechtenstein. Dinner guests are expected to arrive no more than a quarter of an hour late. They often bring a small gift for their hosts.

In formal situations, guests do not sit down until they are invited to do so. It is appropriate to give notice of a visit in advance; dropping by is only common between neighbors or close friends and relatives. While dinner may last well into the night, daytime visits are usually short. Recreation People in Liechtenstein enjoy the outdoors and activities such as hiking, cycling, and skiing. They participate in a variety of leisure-time clubs. Among the most popular team activities are soccer, gymnastics, music bands, and choirs. Many clubs organize public festivals and other social events. People also enjoy traveling abroad. A great cultural attraction is the princeï¿½s art collection, which includes world-famous paintings. A small part of this extensive private collection is exhibited in connection with the State Art Collection in Vaduz. Downtown Vaduz, the capital of Liechtenstein. The Princeï¿½s castle is visible high on the hill overlooking the city. This large church lies on the opposite end of town from the castle. A Liechtenstein license plate.ï¿½ The FL stands for Fuerstentum Liechtenstein Spencer bought a genuine Swiss Army Knife and had it engraved with his name.

After walking around Vaduz, we indulged in a couple of small pizzas before driving off into Switzerland.ï¿½ It wasnï¿½t far to go ï¿½ the border was only about 5 miles away.ï¿½ Thatï¿½s the nice thing about Liechtenstein ï¿½ nothing is very far away.ï¿½ Shortly after crossing the border into Switzerland, though, the rain started.ï¿½ Hard rain!ï¿½ We did not even stop in Switzerland except for a snack/rest stop at McDonalds.ï¿½ Like most things, even McDonalds is expensive in Switzerland.ï¿½ Two ice-cream flurries, a milk-shake, and an order of fries was $14.00. Yikes!ï¿½ By 3pm we were back at the German border, and by 7pm, we were back in our warm home.

Question: Which stretch of water do the Germans call the Bodensee?
Answer: Lake Constance