Author: Tricia A. Mitchell
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Photo du Jour: Sunset at the Heidelberg Castle
The Heidelberg Castle is bathed in soft light just before sunset. This world-famous ruin majestically overlooks the city of Heidelberg and the Neckar Valley. First mentioned in the early 13th century, the Heidelberg Castle (German: Schloss Heidelberg) served for over 400 years as the residence of the Palatine Counts and Electors of the House of…
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If Headstones Could Talk: Pondering at Paris’ Père-Lachaise Cemetery
I had long wanted to visit Paris’ storied Père-Lachaise Cemetery. However, during past jaunts to the ‘City of Lights,’ the Eiffel Tower, Champs Elysées, and Notre Dame had taken center stage on my itinerary. During our most recent trip to Paris, our hotel in Paris’ 11th arrondissement was a short walk from the cemetery. With…
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Photo du Jour: The Gargoyles and Grotesques of Notre Dame
In the shadows of Notre Dame, we waited for just under an hour to ascend the 387 stairs of the cathedral’s north tower. Once high above the rooftops of Paris, we strolled about the Galerie des Chimères marveling at the figures there. The statues gazing at La Tour Eiffel and Sacré Coeur are technically not gargoyles since…
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Photo du Jour: Looking for La Vie en Rose
In Europe, one can already feel summer’s upcoming departure from the stage. Indeed, autumn is not so patiently waiting in the wings… To savor one of the last weekends of summer, Shawn and I have decided to go in search of ‘la vie en rose’ this long weekend. A return visit to Paris is on our…
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Buzzing About Bart: The “Bumble Bee” with a Fondness for German Gingerbread
When my husband, Shawn, moved to Germany last October, I welcomed him home with a traditional German indulgence – Lebkuchen, or gingerbread. It’s the kind of sweet treat that’s plentiful at Oktoberfest stands and German wine fests each fall. The messages piped onto this heart-shaped gingerbread range from mischievous phrases to sweet nothings. The heart I carefully chose for Shawn…
