German-born master chef takes over Black Forest, Three Lakes
As most U.S. teens were just learning to drive, 15-year-old Marcel Biro was a world away, navigating culinary school. The year: 1988. The place: East […]
Germany
Wolfenbuttel, Kenosha: sister cities since 1970
The GPS has us driving in circles, so we park and approach the first person we see. Yes, she speaks English. Yes, she knows where […]
Germany’s natural world: Spreewald, Hainich
Our captain maneuvers us like a gondolier, standing as a pole propels his flatboat through a maze of canals that gingerly pass tree canopies, tiny […]
German brewers still abide by 500-year-old beer purity law
First in a series. About 44 percent of Wisconsin residents, the highest percentage of all states, reported German ancestry on the 2000 U.S. Census. (The […]
Major Nuremberg brat exhibit opens in Germany
You say you love bratwurst? Germany’s Bavaria is centuries ahead of us in that regard, and now a new exhibit in Nuremberg’s local history museum […]
A few pros, cons of river cruise vacations
Living out of a suitcase usually is an irritating necessity when a trip involves multiple cities, states or countries. You can stay in one place […]
Germany at Christmas: Seiffen’s holiday spirit lasts all year
In the Erzgebirge Mountains of eastern Germany, one hill away from the Czech Republic border, the charm and promise of Christmas prevail all year. In […]
Germany at Christmas: marzipan, stollen, gingerbread go global
The world’s courts protect foods and beverages that are unique because of where they are produced. True Parmesan cheese comes from Parma, Italy. Champagne, a […]
Germany at Christmas: Outdoor markets feed holiday spirit
On a dreary Friday before the four-week Advent season begins, while dusk shifts to darkness, I seek the spirit of Christmas. She arrives at precisely […]
Germany’s Fairytale Route celebrates milestone this year
In Germany are dozens of orderly driving routes for tourists to follow. These trails celebrate food, music, history and heritage. This year is special for […]
Bach’s legacy makes Leipzig a City of Music
Under glass is a letter of complaint from the church choirmaster, making a plea for more musicians and lamenting that some boys under his tutelage […]
Berlin: Wall, monuments size up history
Fourth in a series about travel in Germany. The majority of Wisconsin residents, a higher percentage than any other state, trace their roots to a […]
Baden-Baden: thermal therapy in 17 steps
Third in a series about travel in Germany. The majority of Wisconsin residents, a higher percentage than any other state, trace their roots to a […]
Hamburg’s fish market: a Sunday a.m. party
Second in a series about travel in Germany. The majority of Wisconsin residents, a higher percentage than any other state, trace their roots to a […]
Meeting Bucky in Germany: “Das ist dax”
First in a series about travel in Germany. The majority of Wisconsin residents, a higher percentage than any other state, trace their roots to a […]
Bavaria: Tour it through Sightsleeping
It’s good to be queen, even if just for a day. I got the key to room 107 without fanfare and trudged off for an […]
Bavaria: Signs of faith are everywhere
It is long past sunset as we climb a narrow and steep cobblestone path to the top of Cathedral Hill. We arrive on the night […]
Bavaria: Plenty abrew seems familiar
This is what it is like to go home for the first time. The patches of woods amid gentle slopes of farmland seem familiar, but […]