A Special Day

Endingen, Germany -- Rest Day 3

There were two things making today special: first, Axel had the day off, and second, it was Meg’s and my 13th Anniversary!  I was hoping she’d buy me a new pair of underwear given that the traditional gift for 13 years is lace... oh well, maybe next year!

In any event, the big decision was whether to go to the nearby town of Freiburg or visit a castle across the border in France. Freiburg is a beautiful old town just a short drive from Endingen. However, the kids have yet to see a castle... so castle it was.

The Haut du Kroenigsbourg castle was built in its most impressive form in the 15th century. Its location was key as it lay at the crossroads of two important trade routes, the east/west wine and wheat route and the north/south silver and salt route. However, it was abandoned in 1633 after being burned by Swedish forces in the 30 Years' War. After more than 250 years of decay, it came into the possession of the German emperor Wilhelm II who arranged for its full restoration between 1900 and 1908.

Model of Haut du Koenigsbourg

Mini draw bridge

It was really cool to see, though I'm not sure I'd want to live up on that hill in winter. On a beautiful summer’s day, however, it was wonderful and the views spectacular.

During our picnic lunch at the castle, Meg was concerned that Marion hadn’t gotten enough to eat. Axel quickly assured Meg that Marion had eaten quite a lot for breakfast (open mouth, insert foot). We got plenty of use out of that comment for the rest of the day. 

Lunch and a new flavor of Haribo candy

Laughing and joking with the Hofers, will be one of my fondest memories of our visit. For Dex, the favorite activity was playing soccer in the backyard with one of Theo’s little balls. Everyone in the household got in on the 2-on-2 action at one point or another, although running into Theo was grounds for a five point penalty.

The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing at the town “swimming hole”, the very spot where both Axel and Marion had learned to swim as kids.  With a ping pong table, sand volley ball court, mini-golf, and a small biergarten, there was something for everyone. 

Axel prepared a special anniversary dinner -- mini pizzas with a cream cheese and various toppings. I think he was going for 13, but we all petered out after 9 or 10.  It was a delicious meal topped off with another bottle of local white wine while the kids headed downstairs to watch Shawn das Schaf (Shawn the Sheep).  Happy Anniversary.