Fonthill Castle

Posted on July 6, 2023 by Janette

In the early 1900s, Henry Mercer acquired about 70 acres of land in Doylestown, Bucks County, PA.  Adding onto a small farmhouse, Mercer constructed a reinforced concrete castle home that welcomes guests today.

Funded by a wealthy Aunt, Mercer was well-educated, traveled extensively, and had many interests.  Essentially becoming a jack of all trades, Mercer graduated with liberal arts and law degrees, worked for museums, opened a tile and pottery shop, published books on various topics, and became an amateur archaeologist.  Mercer secured cuneiform tablets inside the castle into one of his rooms with translations of their subject matter.  Fascinated with how everyday people lived a common life thousands of years ago, the tablets are receipts of bartering goods and services.  Mercer also had an impressive collection of books that he cataloged in his two-level library, accessible via a secret staircase.

Throughout the entire castle, tiles decorate every surface depicting scenes from around the world.  His tiles were also used on the Pennsylvania State Capitol building floor in Harrisburg, PA.  Influenced by other cultures, his tiles feature varied colors, textures, styles, and images.

The Springhouse is a small structure just to the side of the castle.  As the name depicts, this structure covers a natural spring that was used to keep perishable food cool before refrigeration.  This spring also led to the castle’s name as “font” meant fountain or spring, and “hill” refers to the hill where the castle sits. 

The area surrounding Fonthill Castle is also beautiful.  Take the time to walk the grounds, see all the other noteworthy locations you’ll find on the map, and visit the Moravian Pottery and Tile Works afterward.  You can purchase beautiful tiles from the giftshop or have some original designs recreated for you. 

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Austria, a quick stop

Posted on July 1, 2023 by Janette

Going to Germany to see our friends was exciting enough, but on one of our excursions, they surprised us with a day trip to Austria.  Southern Germany is close to a few different countries so dipping our toes into another one wasn’t that difficult.  Still, it was a surprise for people who enjoy tracking where they have traveled on a large world map!

The first thing we did was grab our tickets to the Highline 179 Bridge.  Opening in 2014, this bridge won a Guinness World Record for being the longest Tibet-style footbridge, coming in at 1,318.9 feet.  Visitors can walk across the bridge, suspended above the highway, between Fort Claudia and Ehrenberg Castle.  A steep incline takes visitors to the platform to admire the view and cross the bridge if you are not afraid of heights and (on that day) forceful wind that was bitterly cold.

After having fun on the bridge, we toured Ehrenberg.  This castle structure sits in ruins, with original portions dating back to the 1200s.  The signs explain that visitors can tour at their own risk due to crumbling portions. We did see construction efforts on certain parts, so it seems like restoration efforts have begun, but everything is still open and somewhat unsafe.

This was a great day trip from Southern Germany. Even though it was unseasonably cold, I was excited to visit my 18th country!

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The Village of a Million People: Munich, Germany

Posted on June 24, 2023 by Janette

Before traveling to southern Germany to visit friends, I purposely did NOT research the area, which is the opposite of my typical travel prep.  Unsure of exactly what I would see with friends, I let everything happen organically.  Besides learning the tipping practices, basic locations on maps, and having our hotel in Munich booked, we traveled to the Village of a Million People without expectations.

Exiting the S-Bahn at Marienplatz was like any other subway stop I have been to…except when we climbed the steps to the surface and looked around.  Marienplatz is a central area of the city.  The plaza is awe-inspiring due to its size, intricate architecture, and beauty. 

The Old Town Hall and New Town Hall greet visitors to the square.  This entire area is open to foot traffic, including side streets radiating out in each direction, so visitors can meander easily around the area. 

If you have the time, catch the glockenspiel show from the tower at 11:00am, 12:00pm, and 5:00pm.  The glockenspiel depicts two stories: the top level tells the story of a wedding, and the bottom tells the story of barrel makers dancing after the plague epidemic.

Visitors can buy tickets to ride the elevator to the tower for a spectacular city view for a few euros.  From this vantage, it was easy to see the other large, iconic buildings in the area and plan a walking route.

One such iconic building is Frauenkirche Munich or the Munich Cathedral.  This striking building is hard to miss, with its twin towers topped with green domes.  If you go inside, don’t forget to read the story about the “devil’s footprint” that you see in the entryway.

Moving a bit farther out from the plaza, I wanted to tour the Residence Museum.  This structure seemed endless.  Serving as the residence and seat of government to the Wittelsbach rulers until 1918, this palace holds a treasury, a theatre, and other areas that guests can now tour. 

I purchased a ticket that covered the main palace plus the treasury.  Who could pass up looking at the family’s vast collection of precious metal, glass, ivory, enamel, and stones? 

I had an amazing time but seriously underestimated the time this would take.  All throughout the palace, guests had listening devices programmed with their language of choice, and numbered markers in the rooms allowed visitors to hear the parts they wished to learn more about.  After a while, we also saw “shortcuts” through the building, which was nice as you could get lost in the main palace alone!  Plus, if you wanted (or needed) to exit at a certain time, this allowed you to find your way back to the main lobby.

A day and a half in Munich was not enough time.  I love walking outside on a nice day, meandering around the small streets, and going into souvenir shops and bakeries at will.  But, with so much to see down every street, I could have used at least another 1-2 days to explore.  I guess that means we need to go back one day!

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Castles, castles, castles!

Posted on June 16, 2023 by Janette

On our recent trip to Southern Germany, I was blown away by the number and age of various nearby castles.  There are a few that I knew would be in the area as they are commonly photographed, but I was impressed with the amount of history in this area.

The Hohenzollern Palace of Sigmaringen was the first castle we toured.  As with many types of museums, we received listening devices in our respective languages and enjoyed a tour at our own pace.  The tour took nearly an hour and showcased about 20 rooms.

The front entrance was almost tucked away.  The entire structure is huge and set in a quaint village, but finding the entrance took some guidance.

Once inside, there was much to see.  Beautiful staircases guide you around the corridors bringing you to elaborate rooms showcasing amazing artwork.

Including nearly 3,000 rare exhibits, this palace contains one of the largest private weapons and armor collections in Europe.  Guests can experience almost 700 years of history by looking through the arms displays, which have been drawing crowds for the past 300 years. 

This area is completely walkable, so once we parked the car in a parking area, we were on foot the rest of the time.  After touring the castle, we stopped at a nearby café to recharge and people-watch in the quaint town.  Then we headed across a bridge to a park where visitors could view of the entire castle structure.  Our day to visit was a bit rainy, so the time outside was more limited, but the views were amazing, and we could have stayed there all day on a warmer, dryer visit.

I can only imagine how imposing this place would have looked hundreds of years ago.  It’s still impressive, jutting out from the rock underneath, but it has been built up with many structures and businesses near the base.  The pond and waterway nearby offer visitors a great view of ducks and swans as joggers pass by or families take their little ones for a stroll.  The tour offered us a glimpse into this castle, but I can only imagine how grand the entire building was at the height of its function.

Later in our trip, we took a ride to a famous area that everyone seems to identify as Southern Germany.  Neuschwanstein Castle is an iconic structure that is quite notably photographed.

Additionally, just down the road is Hohenschwangau Castle, which is bright yellow.  We didn’t go into either castle, but hiked around and enjoyed the view.  Getting to Neuschwanstein was especially challenging.  There is a nice paved road that visitors can walk up, but it is a long way uphill.  The view along the way is gorgeous, and after you reach the top, visitors can cross a small bridge to get the iconic photos you see in magazines:

Another castle we toured was the Meersburg Castle.  Located in Meersburg (of course), this location is right on the edge of Lake Constance and a beautiful setting for a fortress.  This is a smaller structure than others we have seen, but the location is amazing.

Inside, the rooms were smaller, and cold, with few furnishings, but I feel this would have been exactly how it felt centuries ago.  I would imagine that cool air coming off the lake would have kept the inside feeling chilly all year round.  You could see many wooden artifacts that have been damaged through time, but it is amazing to see the original pieces.

I had no idea there were so many castles to see, as we were only in one general region of Germany.  If I ever get the chance to go back, I know there are many more amazing historical structures to tour!

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My Short Experience with German Cuisine

Posted on June 5, 2023 by Janette

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new culture is to experience local cuisine.  Getting out of your normal routine and offering yourself up to a new location has to include doing what the locals do.  My recent trip to Germany offered many opportunities to experience delicious dishes that did not disappoint.

Breakfast tends to include various types of bread with fruit or cheese spreads.  Since bread doesn’t have the preservatives that typical bread in the US has, it doesn’t last as long, but everything is fresh and soft, with amazing flavors.  Pretzel bread is also offered everywhere.

As is common in many places, lunch tends to be the largest meal.  During the middle of the day, visitors can find hearty portions of heavier foods that will satisfy their appetite and keep them full for the afternoon.  One dish that I really loved was Kasespatzle, which is a dish of cheesy noodles.  In smaller towns or non-touristy locations, many businesses actually close for a few hours in the early afternoon so workers can go home for lunch.  Plan accordingly!

Throughout the day, visitors are never far from cafes and bakeries, and there is no shortage of delicious options.  At a nice café/restaurant, I had Kaiserschmarrn, a delicious concoction of toasted cake-like dough topped with powdered sugar and served with fresh, chunky apple sauce.  It reminded me of a cross between French toast, funnel cake, and pancakes.  The portions tend to be large, so sharing is always an option. 

At a smaller café, we enjoyed a traditional dessert from Southern Germany called Schwarzwald Kirschtorte, commonly called Black Forest Cake.  Also, a traditional Austrian sweet was the Sacher Torte, which was equally as delicious for any chocolate lovers out there.  These two paired well with a cappuccino and a corner booth overlooking the quaint town.

Many places will highlight their famous Apfelstrudel (apple strudel) along with other light treats such as a Strawberry Cream Crumble.  The treats we tried were delicious and flavorful but not overly sweet.  It was a nice balance that didn’t leave us feeling too full or guilty.

Lastly, in street cafes in metropolitan areas, you will see plenty of other options to pick up and take away.  One of the most delicious choices was the Topfenstreusel.  It was a flaky Danish-type of pastry with creamy almond filling and toasted almonds on top.  Definitely worth trying if you see it nearby!

I wish we could have tried everything in the case, but we would have needed to stay an extra week to try it all.  Around every corner, there were tasty bites to satisfy any craving or quell our curiosity. 

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Springtime in Washington, DC

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Janette

Visiting Washington, D.C., in April is a wonderful experience.  The cherry blossoms are blooming, spring is around the corner, and the weather is comfortable, which encourages us to get out and about.  My current trip to D.C. did not pan out how I had expected, at least not initially!

Our bus arrived downtown, close to our rally point (where we would be dropped off and picked up), only to find that we couldn’t get there.  A marathon was occurring, and many roads were blocked off.  We were only about a block away and conveniently located near a Starbucks, so we deboarded and started the day.  On a rainy day, we managed to catch a break as we walked to Starbucks without getting very wet.  After a drink and a snack, we headed toward the Library of Congress…just in time for the torrential rain to come back…and we got soaked.  Upon arriving at the Library, we noticed a sign out front that stated all visitors need to have virtual, timed-entry tickets.  Using the QR code showed two tickets left…for the day!  We hurriedly signed up, got in line, and gained entry in half an hour.  There are no guided tours anymore, as everything is online, but guests were free to walk around as desired.  It also happened to be a Japanese cultural day, which was fun to experience.

Many of the murals are so intricate that they look like beautiful paintings from far away.  The artistry is gorgeous, and the displays are interesting. 

Heading back toward the direction we came, the next stop was the Botanical Gardens.  This was a wonderful place to spend some time.  With indoor and outdoor areas to view, this location showed a variety of plants.  My favorite part was the selection of orchids that were blooming.

Continuing further down the road, our next stop was the National Museum of the American Indian.  This was one of the coolest buildings I have seen.  Walking inside, visitors see a large metal structure in front of them.  After walking around to the other side, you realize that the structure is supposed to look like a partially woven basket that is larger than life.  This outlines a staging area where speakers and performances occur.  The museum has multiple floors and so much to offer, including an amazing gift shop that you can look around for an hour!  On this particular day, the museum was celebrating its Cherokee Days, so many activities and demonstrations were available to see.

Upon leaving the museum and walking toward our bus meeting point, I stumbled across some monuments dedicated to Dwight D. Eisenhower, the 34th President of the US.  Very nicely done and beautifully laid out.

This was only a sliver of the city, but there was so much to see in this one small area.  I need to return for a long weekend to see some of the other museums and monuments at the other end of the city!

Full disclosure…we would have gone to the Air and Space Museum, as that was right across from where our bus picked us up, but not only were all the timed tickets taken for the day, but 2/3 of the museum wasn’t available to view as it is undergoing a major renovation. Needless to say, we will make a return trip when that is done in the future. There is another museum nearby in Virginia where many of the aircraft were taken, so that would be amazing to see in the meantime.

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Sunny South Carolina

Posted on April 7, 2023 by Janette

Vising Columbia, South Carolina, in early March felt very tropical.  I can see why so many want to retire to this area of the U.S.  Warm sun and easy breezes welcomed me to the capital.  Walking the grounds offered many monuments and memorials to view and places to spend time.  On the outside of the building, viewers can see six bronze stars marking where cannon balls hit the building’s shell.

Hopping on a guided tour, visitors were taken to common areas of the building and were allowed to peer into the House and Senate chambers.  The guide explained the stages of construction and unique aspects of the building.  For instance, there is an office for a “House Nurse” on duty when school trips are scheduled, and congress members are in session.  Also, from the balcony of the top floor, guests can view the library.

Unlike many other capitol buildings, this one contains dark colors that decorate the interior.  Whether it is the color of the wood, paint, or fabric, rich options adorn each space. I loved how this building was strikingly different than the typical white stone versions that I usually see in capital cities.

On a semi-unrelated topic, I learned something valuable on this particular day. The small group of visitors that shared my tour reminded me of how many average citizens know little to nothing about how their state or federal government works. I am not saying that I enjoy politics…not even a little…but these adults, with children, were unfamiliar with what happens in their state legislature. These voters may be unaware of how the law process works and how their government may be making decisions that affect them, their families, and their communities.

If I can make one recommendation to the public, it is this: don’t be afraid to visit your capitol building. They are houses of the people. Average citizens should be aware of what business gets done within its walls, the responsibilities of legislators, and ways to get involved to affect change. At the end of the day, the people should hold legislators accountable, but few know how to have their voices heard. Capitol buildings are often historical and beautiful, but they are (usually) true places of business. We must not forget how long it took for women to attain the right to vote or how long it took for minorities to hold various offices. Make visiting a state capitol a weekend trip for children to get them interested enough to care about how to shape the future of your local area. Regardless of your level of interest, we should all understand how our government works.

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Raleigh, North Carolina

Posted on March 26, 2023 by Janette

Often called the City of Oaks, this beautiful location is home to the North Carolina state capital in the Tar Heel state.  On a cloudy day in March, I arrived at the grounds and enjoyed taking pictures without worrying about harsh shadows.  The complex was well-tended and will be blooming in no time!  An array of monuments peppered the area providing visitors plenty to view.

Now serving as a museum, the building has been beautifully staged and preserved as if you had stepped back in time.  Guests collect a pamphlet about the building and are free to walk around to any space that is open for viewing. 

In addition to the two chambers, there was a library and a geologist’s office, with examples on display behind glass for visitors.  Beautiful details were highlighted in every room.

As I found out, Raleigh is also called the “Smithsonian of the South” due to the number of museums visitors can enjoy for free in the area.  In fact, the North Carolina Museums of Natural Sciences and History are across an ally from each other, making it very easy to spend an educational day downtown without having to move your car. 

This was a short trip to see the capital before moving on, but well worth the stop!

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Richmond and Mount Vernon

Posted on December 27, 2022 by Janette

As a Capitol Collector, I have a knack for visiting capitol buildings when they are under renovation. Having said that, a visit to Virginia did not disappoint.

Many large monuments, memorials, and sculptures surround the capitol building in Richmond. The day I visited the weather was not kind, so the outdoor jaunt did not include visiting many of the notable pieces on display, but the ones I did see were gorgeous.

As with many capitol buildings, especially the ones that date back very far in the country’s history, this building was adorned with icons and metaphors. This statue of George Washington in the Richmond rotunda was created from a live mask and actual measurements of George himself. It is considered to be an exact match of how he looked, which is why it has been copied often throughout history.

No educational trip to Virginia would be complete without a trip to Mount Vernon. These grounds have been so well preserved and offer visitors many experiences. Outside visitors can roam around visiting monuments, gardens, the farm, Washington’s tomb, the slave memorial and cemetery, and the warf.

The museum and education centers offer patrons a glimpse of Washington’s life through the years, and the gift shop seems to go on forever!

The Mansion itself is furnished and decorated to look as it did in the late 1700s and many rooms feature original pieces as well as reproductions. Tour guides are fabulous as they share mountains of information as you move through each room. Specialty tickets are also offered, such as the “National Treasure” tour, where partons learn details about when the movie was shot on location. (This even includes a visit to the basement!)

One item of note…when you enter Mount Vernon, do your exploring outside, set up a time to do a Mansion tour soon after you arrive, and walk there first. It looks like a far distance on the map, but it only takes a few minutes to get through the entry point, have your bag searched, and then walk to the Mansion. After the mansion tour and viewing the items you want to view outside, head to the education center and onto the food court and shops. This is not explained upon entry, but the education center is meant to be your LAST stop, as it serves as an exit only. If you are planning on visiting for the entire day and you want to have lunch in the middle of your time to explore, you will have to go through this exit and then reenter, and have your bags checked again before being allowed to do the rest of your exploring…and with aging parents in tow, it would have been nice to know that from the beginning.

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Prevent burnout this year!

Posted on December 20, 2022 by Janette

Are you feeling burned out?

Holidays are upon us, and it marks the end of another stressful year.  We are learning to live and navigate a flu season mixed with ever-present COVID-19 concerns on top of nagging inflation and worker shortages.  Many aspects of our lives may be adding undue stress on us compared to a few years ago, and those tensions can lead to health concerns and burnout.

Burnout has many signs, including excessive stress, mental or physical exhaustion, headaches/physical pain, interrupted sleep habits, and even lowered immunity…yay….  Remember that there are simple things we can do to center ourselves in these chaotic times.

  1. Take a walk: Going on a simple walk, outside or on a treadmill, has loads of health benefits, especially if you are stressed.  Simple exercise like this can lower cortisol levels, improve mood, and help you sleep better at night.  Not to mention, a nice simple walk can help you clear your head.
  2. Take a nap: Many of us feel that we don’t have time to nap, but we find the time to watch an hour of TV or play with our phones at every available moment.  Getting comfortable and laying your head down for 10-20 minutes can make an impact, so give it a try.
  3. Meditate:  It has been said that meditation can help if you feel anxious.  Many people disregard this activity, but you don’t have to sit with your legs crossed with exotic music playing in the background.  I lie on my back with my legs resting vertically against the wall and slowly breathe in and out for 1-2 minutes.  Having your legs raised allows blood to circulate to your heart without fighting gravity, essentially giving your heart a break.  It is also very calming and relaxing.
  4. Go back to basics:  I have known many people who get into a fog when taking care of themselves and do not follow the advice they tend to give others in their care.  Remember to set a bedtime for yourself.  Even if you are not tired…get into something comfortable, put your phone away, and pick up a book you’ve been meaning to read.  If you are not a fan of reading before bed, lay there and practice your deep breathing (deep breath in – hold for three seconds – deep breath out).  Practice saying “no” to people if you need to set better boundaries for yourself and actively remove items from your mental list that are not necessary.  Will the world stop turning if you don’t dust the house and someone finds out?  No.

As we finish 2022, let’s make time for ourselves, our loved ones, and our futures.  Let’s slow down and open up our schedules for spontaneity.  After all, we tend to have creative streaks after tasting boredom, so do not be afraid of shaking things up.  The more opportunities to refresh ourselves, the healthier we will be and the better we can take care of our loved ones.

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