"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the Earth all one's lifetime." - Mark Twain
The year was 1980. At only sixteen years old, I had yet to fly on a plane, and had only seen parts of the Midwest. I found myself awestruck and forever changed upon my arrival to
Coburg Germany, a fairytale land dating back to 1056. From the incredible medieval "Veste Coburg" castle looming large over the town and the ancient half-timbered buildings, the lovely people and culture, to displays of art and music steeped in history, my senses were electrified. And almost ever since, my husband has had to hear about this repeatedly. With this in mind, I was a bit trepidatious returning thirty three years later with my husband in tow. I hoped his introduction to Coburg would be every bit as rich and beautiful as it had been in my sixteen year old eyes. The Coburg of 2013 did not disappoint. My husband can now relate to my deep feelings for this wonderful fairyland. Mission accomplished!
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| Prince Albert von Saxe-Coburg and Gotha, the husband of Queen Victoria stands tall with the Stadthaus behind |
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| The 15th Century Marktplatz (2013) |
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| Market day 1980 with my fellow classmates Rosie and Amy! |
Below is the school we attended (all boys, no wonder we teenage girls were such a hit!)
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| The current Gynasium Ernestinum |
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| The "Ernst" in 1980 |
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| The Spital Gate - part of the fortifications in 1331 |
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| The neo-Baroque Rathaus or Town Hall |
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| The Hofapotheke -above far right(Apothecary) has been operating for 470 years! |
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| The Ehrenburg Castle viewed from the Hofgarten |
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| Schloss Ehrenburg (taken in 1980) |
During the Diet in Augsburg in 1530, Martin Luther hid out in the Coburg castle. He wrote letters and manuscripts here that remain important Luther monuments. As a life long Lutheran, this really brought my religion to life.
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| In 1980 the cannons were still on display |
No trip to Coburg is complete without enjoying an "Original Coburger Rostbratwurste," a pinecone roasted brat served on a fresh baked hard roll. Kevin was delighted!
If you're going to travel to the area, be sure to check out all the castles. Below is
Schloss Hohenstein dating back to the early 1300s. It is a lovely hotel, has wonderful grounds, views, and restaurant.
In summary, I'll leave you with this thought. If ever given the opportunity to "leave one's corner of Earth," as Mark Twain wrote, embrace it! Experiencing a culture different than your own broadens your understanding of all people and other ways of life, and as a sixteen year old, developed a confidence in myself. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. The benefits are truly priceless, and leave the traveler forever touched. I am eternally grateful for having experienced Coburg and its lovely people in 1980, and am blessed to have travel continually expand my corner of Earth.
