For Tomb the Bell Tolls

If you go all the way back to my post from May 2010, you'll recall that in many places here in Europe you don't "own" a final resting place at a cemetery; instead, you simply lease it, usually for a couple of decades or longer.  If, at the end of the lease period, you (well, maybe better put: your living kin) don't choose to "renew your subscription," well, the cemetery simply "reuses" the plot for some other poor stiff (sorry, it was there; I had to use it).  What exactly happens to your headstone, remains, etc., etc., well, I've never really known.  Until now.I can at least offer an on-the-scene report of what happens above-ground.  I happened to be walking through our local cemetery this afternoon and discovered that a large section, measuring something like 100x100 ft., had been "cleared" of the massive, flat marble monuments often used here in Belgium to cover a grave (in many cases, these are used in lieu of a headstone, probably at an enormous cost, considering the marble slabs are about 8 inches thick, and certainly larger than the largest coffin).  What once was a field of tombs was now a barren patch of dirt.  All the marble was gone, except for a chunk here or there.  As for what had happened beneath the surface, well, here I choose to not even ask.
I'm guessing that, within a matter of weeks or months, we will start to see some new graves and marble slabs, as fresh tenants move into the space now so unceremoniously "vacated."  Oh, these unusual European ways...

Ach, wie schoen!

If it's peace and serenity you seek, my suggestion has to be Berchtesgaden, in the extreme southeastern tip of Germany.  This is one of our favorite places, anywhere.  Hopefully, for obvious reasons.

A Solution to Crappy Airplane Food?

It seems like a crafty German may have a solution to the age-old problem of crappy in-flight meals.  This rather unusual item moving around the baggage carousel at the Munich airport is, I believe, a huge pair of Weisswursts with mustard.  While this is certainly better tasting than what is served on the plane, you do have to wonder what's the point, if you don't bring the food with you, but instead check your meal with your baggage.  At least your luggage can't be confused with anyone else's.  Unless Samsonite now sells a Brats-and-Sauerkraut line of luggage.

 

Move Over, Julie Andrews

Maybe it's only natural, when in Salzburg, to get really caught up in the whole Sound of Music thing.  There are numerous tours you can take, visiting many of the filming sites.  You can actually stay at the von Trapp mansion, now a hotel (see post below).  But in one museum in the city you can get even closer to the movie than all of this.  You too can truly hear the sound of music...

The Hills Are Alive!

Turns out that Hollywood tricked us...twice.  In The Sound of Music, the von Trapp mansion in Salzburg, Austria, was actually two large estates, neither of which had any connection whatsoever to the family.  One was used for filming the lake/boat/terrace scenes; the other, for Maria's entry off the road as she first lays eyes on the house.  Recently, however, the real von Trapp mansion has been opened as a hotel; we stayed there just a couple of nights ago.  While it perhaps lacks a bit of the grandeur of the Hollywood version of the home, the marvelous family photos on the walls inside and the furnishings made the place special.  Here are photos of all 3 locations.  The real house is at the bottom.

  

So Many Beers; So Little Time...

It's true, both about the beer and the time.  In just seven weeks we will head home from our four years here in Belgium.  Tempus really does fugit, as they say.

Mosque Colors

The mosques in Andalusia in southern Spain are nothing short of amazing.  Besides the remarkable architecture, there is the color. Everywhere color!

Bone Appeteat

Far be it from me to poke fun at any Europeans' English.  With the exception of the German-speaking countries, nowhere is the locals' English worse than my abilities in their own language.  This, however, couldn't keep us from a smile or two (alright - also some belly laughs) when recently reviewing the English-language menu kindly provided to us at a small tapas bar in Seville, Spain.

It all started with: "Clouds of Chicken" .  We've all seen clouds with shapes that remind us other things, but fowl?  And on my plate?
Then we had: "Muffled Shrimp".  Makes sense to me: if there's anything I hate it's a loud-mouthed little guy.
This was quickly followed by: "Mussles to the Garlic".  And, right behind: "Eggplant to the Oven".  What is this - a menu order, or some twisted Hitler Army order?
Up until this point, all seemed well.  I'm sure I could have enjoyed any of these unpredictable meals.  But the final entree remained, I'm afraid, off limits: "Cream of Scum". 
It was about at this point that we asked where the nearest McDonalds was...

I Admit It...I Really Like Beer

                                And here, the proof positive.