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Voyage to Europe aboard M.S. Europa North German Lloyd Apr 1966
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Click here for pictures of the Diary itself
Tues 26 Apr
Left Pittsburgh on 9:35 A.M. train to New York. Nice sunny day &
enjoyed the trip over the mountain. Arrived Penna Station 38th St 6
P.M. Taxi to hotel Manhattan where I had reservations for 26th & 27th
- Tues and Weds. Ate, showered and to bed early - tired.
Up early - had breakfast at Childs and strolled around town. About 16
yrs since I was here with Ed and young Eddie. Checked on my trunk &
two suiter which had been sent to pier by Railway express - found they
had arrived ok - returned to hotel in evening. Called Nell & told her
first mail would arrive in about 10 days. This would be dropped off
at Cherbourg France on May 7th - cold day !
Packed my bag, ate breakfast at the hotel and got a cab (after an
hours wait) to pier 88 at 48th St - checked my small bag at pier -
right to stateroom # 96 aboard ship. Raining and cold - Europa was
scheduled to leave at 11:45 A.M. - On board - found my cabin - two
beds and two
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upper bunks. I had an upper and saw that it was very nice.
Everything on board this ship is plush. Met the other three cabin
mates and got acquanted - all 3 born in Germany and lived various
number of years in U.S. In order of births, # 1 Franz Keit age 72
returning to Nurenberg after 14 yrs in Detroit. # 2, Dr. August
Heine, from Long Island on a business trip, age 55 yrs - # 3, myself -
# 4 Hans Schneider from N. J. On a visit to East Germany to see
relatives, age 69 yrs.
Ship left pier at 12:20 P.M. About 35 min late, probably due to
weather conditions which were rather bad - rain & cold winds all this
day - temp 55 deg. Sea calm.
Friday April 29
Overcast all day - passengers on sun deck few hours but no sun - more
rain and sea making?? up from calm to choppy to rough to very rough -
ship rides very smooth with only slight roll & pitch. Few youngsters
sick. Distance made each day is reckoned from noon one day to noon
the next day.
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So from 12:20 P.M. On the 28th to 12 noon the 29th days run was 369
Nautical miles - distance still to go to Cherbourg 2852 N. Miles -
temp from 51 deg to 67 deg.
Sat Apr 30
At noon 40 deg 14' North, 57 deg 01' West. Days run 427 N.Miles.
total to date 796 n.ms. To Cherbourg, 2425 n. Ms. Sea from very
rough to rough to slight sea. Temp from 55 deg to 61 deg. Barom
holding steady 30.2 to 30.3 drizzle & chilly. Rain or shine there is
always something going on aboard the ship. Breakfast at 7;30 A.M.,
movie at 9:30 A.M., ships Poll at 10 A.M. Try to guess the days run -
the correct last figure wins - 50c a chance. 11:30 A.M. lunch (a 5
course meal), 1 P.M. another movie, 4 P.M. tea, concert 4:30 p.m.
- Bingo 6 p.m. - Dinner 9 P.M. Orchestra in Europa & Atlantic lounge
with sandwiches served at 10 P.M.
Sun May 1
40 deg 25' North, 47 deg 55' West, days run 416 n.m. Total to date
1212 n.m. - Nice sunny day with moderate sea - first sun on the
crossing - all deck chairs occupied, lazy day every one getting a
suntan
pg 004
Mon May 2
43 deg 10' North, 40 deg - 00' West days run 391 n.m total to date
1663 n.m - to Cherbourgh, 1618 n.m varied cloudiness with rough seas
temp 60 deg barom 30.1. The Atlantic is a lonely sea. Have seen
nothing on or in the water since leaving N.Y. Never a ship or gull or
fish - in fact it was the same until we were one day out from the
French coast. But I never got tired watching the ground swells and
white caps. Rain or shine, I was on deck every day.
Tues May 3
Sunny day, balmy weather, deck chair and sun glasses. 45 deg 55'N, 31
deg 43'W day's run 391 n.ms. Total to date 1994 n.ms - to Cherb, 1227
n.ms. Smooth calm seas - temp 54.5 deg, barom 29.9. When at sea, you
look around the ship in all directions. What you see is an immense
circle of restless water and in the exact center is your little ship.
It's quite a sight.
48 degrees - 22' north 22 degrees - 40' west days run 398 n miles
total 2392 n miles. To Cherbourh 829 n miles. Sunny day with
moderate to very rough sea.
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Temp 57 deg to 58 deg barom 29.7. Water water everywhere and not a
drop to drink ! But the ship has plenty of good German beer and the
doc & I drank plenty of it. Two glasses of draft beer cost 1 D.M.
(Deutshcher mark) 25c U.S. To find the equivalent in U.S money, you
divide the marks by 4. 20 marks (a paper bill) divide by 4 and you
have $5.00 U.S.
Thurs May 5
Sunny, very rough sea 49 deg 20'N, 22 deg 55'W day's run 384 n.ms.
total 2781 n.ms. To Cherbourgh 440 n.ms. Temp 54.5 deg to 57.6 deg
barom 29.8. Saw our first ship today, a freighter far off on the
horizon.
Fri May 6
Arrive off Cherbourgh 4:30 P.M. Did not enter port. Passengers for
France taken by ferry boat to pier. This done to make up lost time.
Arrived off Southampton Eng, 11:18 P.M. Same procedure as at
Cherbourgh. Sunny, very rough sea. 49 deg 46'N, 03 deg 03'W Day's
run 384 n.m. In & out at Cherbourgh 57 n.m. In and out at
Southampton 79 n.m.
Sat May 7
Departure Southhampton 00:36 a.m. Cloudy, rough sea.
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51?? deg 37'N, 02 deg 40'W. Day's run 160 n.ms. Total 1160?? n.m.
To Bremerhaven 288 n.ms. Varied cloudiness, rough sea, temp 48 deg -
49 deg barom 29.9. Lots to see now, ships & shores in the English
channel. Lights at night & a big full moon. We were sitting in the
lounge drinking a few beers and listening to the music. It looked &
felt like a moonlight excursion on the Allegheny River.
Sun May 8
Day's run 286 n.ms. Cool day, arrived off Weser light_ship 3:30 a.m.
arrival Bremerhaven 6:00 A.M. Total mileage 3747 n.ms. Everybody on
board excited today. The pier (very modern) is crowded with people
waving & shouting to their friends. The Europa came in with all her
colorful flags and pennants flying. But we cannot go ashore until all
baggage has been debarked. So at 8:00 A.M we set foot on the pier. I
sent Nell a cablegram from here which should have been phoned Sunday
afternoon. The boat train arrives at 10:25 A.M. For
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Bremen
After I located my one bag (under V) on the pier I started for the
train in order to get a seat. Found the right train & a good seat
with 5 English speaking people. Had a first class seat and rode to
Bremen where I got off. This was a one hr ride.
From here, Took a train to Maintz where I changed again - 5 hr ride.
From here rode 15 to 20 minutes to Wiesbaden station 6 P.M. Phoned Ed
& he picked me up and so to his house on Uranusweg No. 9
Mon May 9
Spent the day getting acquanted with neighborhood. Ed is located in a
section of Wiesbaden named Crestview ?? This is all government housing
occupied by NCOs and their families. His apartment has a kitchen,
dining room, living room, one large bedroom one medium bedroom and
bath. Outside balcony on front of house. 2nd floor I am in the
smaller bedroom - very nice.
Tues May 10
Ed drove me into the downtown section of Wiesbaden. It's a beautiful
city and spotless as are all German towns I have seen so far.
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Wiesbaden is on the Rhein and is noted for its mineral springs &
baths. It has a large park in the heart of town with a large lake &
many fountains. The sidewalks are lined with outdoor cafes, tables
covered with colored parasols, lots of flowers and clean. This fact
struck me more then anything else after coming from dirty NY city.
Getting use to the German money by now. The mark is the unit of value
here, coins - Pfenig 1-2-5-20-50, marks 1-2-5 - paper money - marks
5-10-20-50-100 - 1 mark - .25 cents US. 4 marks = $ 1.00 US. All
price tags in the stores are in marks. 100 pfenings = 1 mark or 25
cents US. It gets quite confusing at times since I also visit the Air
Force stores which deal only in US money. So I carry both kinds at
all times
Today Ed had to get his car ready for shipment back to the states. It
had to be delivered at the pier in Bremerhaven.
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We packed some things and he and I made the trip down to the sea. It
was a 7 hr ride and by the time we got in it was too late, so we found
a nice hotel (the Nord See)and spent the night there ($6.75 each).
Next morning we had breakfast at the hotel and drove to the pier.
Fri May 13
A lot of paper work here. In about 3 or 4 hrs everything was finished
and we took a bus to the R.R. Station called "The Bahnhof". It was a
long ride back but after changing at Bremen Hanover and Frankfurt, we
were again back in Wiesbaden - tired out.
(Note added later: It was here when I found out that I had left the
key to my bag at Ed's home in Wiesbaden.)
Sat May 14
More sightseeing today, with Ed, Shirley and their friends Mr and Mrs
Robert Campbell. We were invited to their house for the evening.
Later went to the NCO club and had a very nice dinner. After dinner
we played the slot machines and I was lucky enough to hit the 10c
machine for $15. This was the second time I hit on the machines. The
first time for $17.
Sun May 15
Up early and went to Mass at a little chapel named Hainerberg Chapel.
This belongs to the Air Force and is used for all three religions.
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Catholics can go to Mass at 9, 12:30 and 17:00 hrs. I went to 9. It
was very nice with a small boys' and girls' choir - see postcard. For
the rest of the day we relaxed and read - also had a few German beers.
Mon May 16
Today the movers came in wrapping and packed everything for shipment
to the U.S. They took everything that belonged to Ed and Shirley
except the things they need for another month. Of course nothing of
mine was touched. I'm sure glad I brought all my bedding with me so I
feel right at home under my own blanket and between my own sheets.
This was an all day job as each small item had to be wrapped and
packed into a large box. Air Force pays and the Germans do the work.
Tues May 17
Went over to Bierstadt today. This is a small German community near
here. A few days ago I went over with Shirley. She got her hair
fixed up in the same shop I got a German haircut by a young blond
German girl - real good job too. Cost 5.20 D.M. Or $1.30 U.S.
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Weds May 18
Went into town on a bus today - many things to see, so just wandered
around feeling my way. The park here - large and beautiful. It is
situated right on the main street Wilhelmstrasse). It has a large
lake with different kinds of ducks (large and small) many beautiful
shade trees and plenty of benches. Here you see people from all over
Europe and England. Also here in the heart of town, they have a large
gambling casino called the Kurhaus. It also has an immense park and
lake. Kay would like the sidewalk cafes. You can sit here & order
anything you want, If it's just a cup of kaffee and just watch the
people go by.
Thurs May 19
Took it easy today and got up late. Did need to go to early Mass. On
holydays they have one at 1530 hrs (3:30 P.M.) so at 3 o'clock took a
slow walk to chapel - walked 2 squares up a hill from Ed's house
crossed a large farm on a path, made a right turn and from there you
can see the church. Home after Mass, did some reading and writing.
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Friday May 20th
Again into town after some information on a Volkswagen camper. Took a
while to get it as these people close shop and take a three hour lunch
and rest (12 noon-3:00 p.m.). Got a few folders but all printed in
German. Prices range from $2,200 to $3,100 but no campers on display
so on Monday Ed and I will go to the large display on Mainzer Str.
Saturday May 21st
Went out to air base today to see a ball game between the Flyers and
the Rams - both Air Force teams. The Flyers (visitors) won 2-1.
Weather remains warm and sunny cool in the evenings no trouble
sleeping.
Sunday May 22nd
Armed Forces Day. Big holiday for all U.S. servicemen and for all
the Germans. Went to 12:30 mass. Ed working at the airbase Club
today. So later on we all piled into a station wagon. Four adults
and six children. The roads to the air base were jammed with cars.
It took one and one-half hours to go 5 mi.
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We took in all the sights, listened to the band, climbed in and out of
all kinds of planes, watched the parashoot jumps and had a good time.
Later went to NCO club where Ed works and had a nice meal for 50¢ a
plate. Ed kept us supplied with beer. Home as a thunderstorm was
brewing and just made it before the rain started.
Monday May 23rd
Went looking for a car today. Selected a Volkswagen camper and made a
$50 deposit on it. Total cost including full insurance coverage,
plates etc. comes to about $2,500 U.S. I don't need all the extras
that a family would use. Think it will answer my purpose and it has
lots of extra space in rear for my trunk and two pieces of luggage. I
want to carry everything with me. Will see the man again on Friday
and closed the deal.
Tuesday May 24th
Went into town this morning via bus. Visited the museum which has a
large art gallery. Spent some time here
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and enjoyed the art. Some of the paintings were over 500 years old.
Ate lunch in town and window shopped all afternoon. Also dropped into
a bierstube und had one BIG BEER - later home for dinner.
Wednesday May 25th
Spent the day at home bringing my notes up to date. The weather here
remains very nice. Its broad daylight at 4:00 a.m. Each morning and
still light at 9:00 p.m. At night. The way I understand it, we are
six hours earlier than Pittsburgh. At night the Big dipper is right
overhead. Nights are clear and cool. This cold air blown from the
Tanus mountains which can be seen to the north.
Thursday May 26th
Went to town today to make arrangements regarding paying for the
Volkswagen. I have a letter of credit for $3,000 issued by Amer
Express and must get a check at one of the banks to pay the VW dealer.
Couldn't get the check because the dealer had my passport in order to
get plates and register the car.
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So went to Amer Ex and had them make out a check. With insurance
(full coverage) and minor items it came to $2,400.
Friday May 27th
With Ed out to VW agency. Signed some papers, gave them the check and
Ed drove the VW home. Its standard shift, so quite different than
automatic and I'll have to get used to it. Very nice. Drives real
good. Its a VW camper called Mosaic. I don't need all the items a
family would use. It's a light green finish with two seats and a
folding table between. The seats make up into a bed. Plenty of space
in the rear for my trunk and hand luggage. Will buy a small 2 burner
stove and a cooler. Will also need some plates, cups, and utensils.
Also two pots and a frying pan. So I'll be a gypsy in no time!
Saturday May 28th
Today Ed took off a little early and we went out to the airbase for a
practice session. Nobody out here on a Sat and plenty of space to
practice. Like the car real well and satisfied it will answer my
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purpose. Will get some more practice and be in good shape.
Sunday May 29th
Up early and to 9:00 Mass at the little chapel on the hill. Home and
we all piled into the camper. We first went for a ride through the
country and small towns. Nice scenery and very quaint old towns.
Later back to Wiesbaden and to a carnival. The kids had a great time
on the rides and at the many booths here. Home with our loot and to
bed.
Monday May 30th
This of course is Memorial Day for U.S. citizens and also a big
German holiday. So nobody works and everyone takes a trip or goes on
a hike or has a picnic in the country. We took off in the camper for
a ride down the Rhine. This river is without doubt one of the most
picturesque in the world. A deep cut River Valley with high mountains
on each side, jeweled on both sides with ancient castles. We visited
one of these old places and it was well worth the climb.
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It is called Burg Rhienstein and is high up on the mountain. You
climb a cut back trail and after a few stops to admire the view and
catch your breath you at last reach the moat and drawbridge.
We first went out to a patio and sat down at a table for some
refreshments. Ed and I had German beer and Shirley and the girls
coke. The view from here was terrific!
Later we bought some souvenirs at a little shop and then took an
escorted tour of the castle. Inside and out. Shirley waited here as
she did not care for the height. Price was two marks for adults and
one mark for children. We went all through it and climbed to the top
of the tower. It was something to see and experience. Hope my
pictures both inside and out are good.
Tuesday May 31st
Took it easy today - resting and catching up on my notes. Everyone
really enjoyed the trip downriver to the Castle yesterday. Ed drove
the camper and we parked on the riverbank. One of the family still
lives here in a part of the castle.
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She is an elderly woman. A granddaughter of the owner's brother. She
lives on the income from the tourists. Not a bad investment after all
those years.
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Click here for pictures of Castle on the Rhine
Wednesday June 1st
Went into town (Wiesbaden) today. Picked up a roll of pictures
(slides) which were finished and left another roll. All 20 slides
came out good. These were my first pictures taken with my new camera.
It's a Kodak Instamatic #804. Most of the shots were taken on the
ship. Visited the Kurhaus (casino) but found nothing operating - too
early. Had my camera with me and snapped some views. Found an
outdoor cafe in the park and sat down to rest and drink some beer.
Home later by bus for dinner.
Thursday June 2nd
Ed is using the VW camper to get out to the air base and home again.
His car is on its way to the states by a freighter. He has been
working double turns this week so the camper comes in handy.
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Therefore I will stay here until they leave which will be June 21st.
From here I will probably go south to Munich and into Bavaria.
Friday June 3rd
Today everybody had to get up early. The painters arrived at 7:00
a.m. to paint the apartment so it will be nice and clean for the next
NCO and his family. They will be here three days. Today, (off Sat
and Sun) Monday and Tuesday. These are all German painters of course
and I have a lot of fun talking to them. One asked if I was a German.
They start at 7:00 a.m. - Work to 9:00 a.m., then stop for breakfast.
Back to work at 9:30. At 12 noon they stop for lunch one hour.
Painting again from one to 4:00 p.m.. They bring beer and wine with
them and drink and sip all during the day.
Saturday June 4th
Going on a trip by boat down the Rhine today, so all hands up early.
The boat leaves at 9:05 AM from a pier in a suburb of Wiesbaden called
Biebrich.
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Fare for Ed, Shirley and the two kids cost 72 DM ($18). I rode on my
Europass. This was for a round trip. Downriver to Koblenz on the
Lorelei and back by train to Wiesbaden. We parked the VW on the wharf
and boarded the big boat for a five hour ride. The scenery was
beautiful. It's hard to describe. As old as Germany is, this river
with old ruins, castles and small Old World towns with vineyards on
the sides of the mountains, is just as fresh and pretty as a scene
from a fairy tale!
We had a table with a large window in the dining room and also chairs
on deck. Tried to catch some of the beauty with my camera and trust I
can bring a little of this valley away with me. Arrived at Koblenz at
2:00 p.m. Boarded a small toonerville trolley to the RR station. Had
1 1/2 hour layover, so we had a bite to eat at a small cafe and then
got the train to Wiesbaden. Here's the way we went. By VW camper to
the pier. By boat to Koblenz. By trolley to R.R station. By train
to Wiesbaden
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And by bus to pier. By camper to house. This was my treat for Ed and
his family and we all enjoyed the trip and had a wonderful time.
Sunday June 5th
Up at seven A M and to mass at the chapel on the hill. Back home for
breakfast and relaxed. Later in the afternoon, we got the living room
and dining ready for the painters. Things are kind of gemixed but we
are making do and hope to get rid of the German troops by Tuesday.
Monday June 6th
Painters arrived at 7:30 a.m. today and I am CQ today (charge of
quarters) as Ed went to work, the kids to school and Shirley on a
regular call to see her doctor. So working on my notes, getting some
mail off and listening to the Germans jabbering away.
Tuesday June 7th
Another day with the painters. Cannot do very much as someone has to
stay in the house to keep an eye on everything. They arrived at 7:30
a.m. Get started at 8:00 a.m. Work
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one hour then stop for breakfast. At 8:30 a.m. they resume work and
paint until 12 noon sharp. This is the lunch break. They heat up
their food and have beer and wine which they bring everyday. At 1:00
p.m. they start painting again. At 3:30 p.m. Work stops and all are
ready to leave at 4:00 p.m..
Wednesday June 8th
Painting all finished by 3:00 p.m. today. Kitchen painted last so
cannot cook evening meal. Shirley and the kids ate at the military
shopping center and Ed and I went to a stag at NCO club. Twice a
month the NC0s hold this for their guests and also invite their
officers. They serve a chicken dinner with all the trimmings. All
you can possibly eat. Very good. Plus a floor show and music till
late.
Thursday June 9th
Corpus Christi - everything closed tight today. The Germans observe
this religious festival or holy day and many others during the year.
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Wrote about 15 postcards which I will mail tomorrow as post office
closed. Here in Germany the government runs the P.O. And the
telephones.
Friday June 10th
Bought a Coleman cooler and a large thermos jug for the Volkswagen.
Paid $19 for the cooler and $4.50 for jug. Ed got these for me at the
Air Force store. Now I still need a two burner stove and a lantern
plus some misc. items.
Saturday June 11th
Ed, the kids and I went to the ball game out at the airbase. Nice
warm day. We would watch the game for a while from the stands and
then stroll over to the NCO club and have a few big ones. Sitting on
a nice cool veranda, drinking cold beer and rooting for the home team.
Wiesbaden beat Damstadt (Darmstadt? @@@)15-3. Later home for the
evening meal.
Sunday June 12th
Up at 7:00 a.m. And got ready for church. It was raining and I
thought it would be best to go to a late mass. At the last minute the
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rain stopped so headed up the hill over the farm to the chapel. Lazy
day. Caught up on my notes and took it easy. Ed worked today out at
the NCO club.
Monday June 13th
Received a letter from Nell dated June 8th and answered it today.
Sent her some pictures from a folder of my Volkswagen and also sent
Kay a Wiesbaden newspaper - know she will enjoy brushing up on her
German. The two children and I took a walk over to Bierstadt and
mailed the letter and paper at the German P.O.
Tuesday June 14th
Shirley and the two kid went over to Bierstadt to the beauty shop.
Patty and Katy got their hair cut. Getting ready for the trip home to
the states. Shirley drove the VW. While they were gone a real storm
kicked up. It got pitch black, the wind blew at gale force, then it
poured down. Thunder and lightning. A pretty good storm. They got
back OK and I ran an umbrella out to the car.
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House cleaning time. Everything left in the house must be spotless.
Stove, refrigerator, sinks and tubs, commode. The walls and ceiling
were painted and the floors will be sanded. This saved Ed some work.
This goes on all week and right up until the inspector comes and we
move out.
Tuesday June 21st
May Day! Out we go, my trunk and all. Many goodbyes to be said and a
few tears fall. In the afternoon we got in the VW and Ed drove us
over to Rhein Main - the military field. They were supposed to fly
out tomorrow 6/22 at 7:00 a.m. Ed knew someone here and this man
arranged for a flight at 4:00 p.m. today. I stayed with them until
3:00 p.m. And then more goodbyes. Started on my trip to Munich.
Took the autobahn (Route E4) and drove to Heidelberg on the Necker
river. This was my first experience on a high-speed autobahn. There
is no speed limit and I mean they travel. But I kept in the right
hand lane (unless I had to go around a truck) and let them all pass
me. I held it at 40
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this first day and got the feel of the car. Found a very nice camping
platz just above Heidelberg on the same river.
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Click here for pictures near Heidelburg
This is such a nice spot I stopped for two nights. Situated on the
left bank of the Neckar river. All facilities here. Hot and cold
showers, W.C.s and food if you want it. The camping site cost me 57
1/2 c U.S. per day. Took some pictures here. Today went back down
river to Heidelberg as I had seen very little of it when driving
through. It's a beautiful old city right on the river, its castle on
the hillside, and a very old bridge crossing the river. Unable to
take any pictures here. Cloudy and a fine rain falling. I sat on a
bench under the trees and admired the view. This was the beginning of
some rainy weather. Left the town and after a little trouble trying
to fine the way to the autobahn, finally got on it and drove to
Karlsruhe. Camped at a place called Albgau. Charged three marks (75¢
U.S.) for one night. This is in the Black
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Forest region.
Went into Karlsruhe, which is a fairly large city and again had
difficulty getting to the autobahn. Drove to Stuttgart and on to a
turn off called ??slihgen. But I could not locate the camp I was
looking for. I drove back through the hills searching for a camp
sign, but no could find. Now was lost, so drove on until a village
came into view. Asked a couple of natives about camping sites - nix.
- No ferstay. So I gave up camp for the night (it was getting late
and a storm was coming on). Now I tried to find the autobahn again but
got lost in the hills. I found a parking spot just off the road and
decided to spend the night there. Right on the edge of a big woods.
By and by a man came along and I asked the way to the autobahn for
Munich. He turned out to be a Romanian but did understand autobahn.
He motioned for me to turn around and go in the opposite direction so
I turned around and after going through little farm towns found a sign
pointing to the highway it was almost dark and once I got on, I
stopped at the first parking platz on the autobahn.
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----the night. I
-----and settled down
--dark and a
-----about
-------&
----stayed
------a blanket
------it turned
----------thing
-------------ing.
----------up.
--------good order
------turn off
------------the camp
------shower &
-----made myself
--------weiners
----------down to
--------squalls
------wind blew
----stay on here
-------conditions. Could
----the storm was so
-----of the VW
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about half unreadable
So I cooked and ate my three meals---
very cosy later--
raincoat on---
room & had a bottle of beer & read German magazines
Monday June 27th
Up early with the rain still coming
down. I don't care for the---
the rain but---
clear up, so---
again. Temp 60 degrees---it was very---
& this stretch---
with some very steep grades ---
I have seen only one tunnel on the autobahn. You either go up them
or curve around them ---
Bavaria the hills are starting to get pretty high---
rain until I found the camping
place I was looking for. It is
nice, situated on a lake about ---
east of Augsburg. Still pouring---
so I found a real nice spot and settled
down for the night. It stormed all night and I
was glad ---
Page 30
----- spot. About 8:00 a.m. o'clock the rain stopped and the sun
came out - everything was damp, so gave the VW a good airing and did
my wash. Now the wash is on the line and I'm catching up on these
notes - will stay here tonight.
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My birthday! More rain and the autobahn very slippery and it was very
cold. Made several stops at the parking places and brewed some tea in
order to get warm. Continued on to Munich. Found a real good camp on
the outskirts of town and settle down hoping the weather would clear.
This is the most modern camp I have seen. They have everything a
camper needs. Once I parked the VW the first thing I did was to have
a shot of Canadian Club. Then I felt better.
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Click here for pictures of Munich Camp
Thursday June 30th
It's raining this morning and very cold - temp 49 degrees. Stayed
over here as I wanted to go into town - Munich and pick up mail but
bad weather - too bad - perhaps tomorrow.
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Friday July 1st
Went into Munich today rain?? had stopped - found the Amer Ex - picked
up 2 letters one from Nell one from Ed V - spent the day in town -
took a bus tour of the city and surrounding countryside. Back to camp
late in the evening.
Saturday July 2nd
Up early and the sun bright & ??. After breakfast I got my clothes
together and had an old fashioned wash day. They are now on the line.
Temp 70 degrees will stay here over the weekend.
Sunday July 3rd
Another nice warm sunny day. Temp hit 90 degrees at 3:00 p.m. Some
change! Gave the VW a good airing and hung the bed clothes out on the
line. Had bacon and eggs this morning - first time since leaving
Wiesbaden.
Monday July 4th
Fourth of July - nice and warm - temp 86 degrees at 3:00 p.m. Stayed
on here for the holidays - bacon and eggs again for breakfast - living
it up. Listened to the Armed
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Forces broadcast on my transistor - Channel 11 all day. This made it
feel like a real fourth. Leave here tomorrow.
Tuesday July 5th
Got out on the autobahn but didn't get far as a storm came up so I
camped at a place on a lake called Langvieder See. Very nice
location. Rain still coming down. I could write a song about this
weather.
Wednesday July 6th
Stayed put with the rain and cold wind keeping me in the VW. Met a
very nice Dutch couple here. They have a trailer and are on a six
week vacation - both are musicians. He plays the bass fiddle and his
wife the violin. they invited me over for coffee and cakes. both
spoke fluent German and a little English. I lent them my large book
on parks. they really enjoyed it. We exchanged addresses and phone
numbers so we may meet again someday.
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Thursday July 7th
Weather continues bad - staying on until it clears up - Wrote letters
to Kay, Larry and Nell. Hope I can get into Munich again and mail
them.
Friday July 8th
Cleared up a little and I moved on to another camp close to the city.
I had just got into the camping ground when the rain started again.
Stayed put.
Saturday July 7th
Weather clear this AM so got up early. Put on my sport suit, took my
camera and raincoat and started out for Munich. I caught the bus,
transferred to an interurban car and arrived downtown an hour later.
Sun out and warming up - took some pictures - had my lunch at Herins?
A large department store and enjoyed self. Paid a visit to the
Hofbrau House and drank a large stein (??) of beer and felt good in
the sun out in the garden. This is some place - they say you haven't
seen Munich until
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Click here for pictures of Munich
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you have seen this spot. They drink beer and the band plays all the
old German songs. Today no mail at American Express
Sunday July 10th
Up early and found the sun shining! Intended to go to church in Munich.
But no can do as the bus does not run in this burg on Sunday. So got my
dirty clothes together and did the wash - aired the VW out good.
Tomorrow will start out for Salzburg.
Monday July 11th
Got an early start and tried to go around Munich but no can do - Had
to go through the center of downtown - what a job! Was glad when I at
last got on to the autobahn. As you get closer to Austria camping
places become very scarce. The only one I could find was about 10 mi.
from Salzburg. It wasn't much but had to do as I had just got on the
grounds when down came the rain again
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It's located at the foot of a Mountain. Plenty of mountains around
here. Today they are all cloaked in clouds. May get a few pictures
before I leave.
Tuesday July 12th
Rained all night and continued some this morning although it is not as
cold as it was around mountains. While this isn't so hot as a camp,
at least they have television and at night they put on the
international soccer games. The Germans call it football. Tonight a
crowd watched West Germany play Switzerland. The Germans love it and
drink plenty of beer in the process of rooting for their home team.
The West Germans won 5-0 and the beer hall went wild.
Wednesday July 13th
Got off to an early start. Sun shining and warming up in a hurry.
after a little trouble found the way to the autobahn. From here on
the highway is very ??. Austria is a poor country compared to West
Germany - very few Austrians own cars - Most all have bicycles or
scooters.
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?? for long stretches you have the autobahn to yourself - very few
camps and all camps are in the back country. Passed near a large See
(lake) and continued on to a small town named ?els about 8 mi. From
the autobahn. Had to go through the town to the camp. Streets so
narrow you could barely pass. At last found the ??? called camping
Stephanie. It's a quiet place. Tonight they only had one other
camper besides myself.
Thursday July 14th
Staying over - looks like rain and sure came down about noon. When I
got to the Austrian border the guard?? ask if I had any whiskey, cigs
or other items to declare. I said that I had a bottle of whiskey, one
bot wine and one carton of Cigs. He then looked at my passport and
told me to pull over to one side. I thought maybe I was in trouble
Well, I showed him the two bottles, the Chesterfields - he asked me
what was in the trunk. I said clothing. He said open it up then he
asked for ??? & ???, looked at and said in English ok.
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Friday July 15th
More rain - stayed put at Wels. Took a walk into the little town.
Not much to see here and after finding the way out to the autobahn I
decided to go by federal road through Linz to autobahn. The streets
are narrow. It's really dangerous to try and drive through. Bought
some feed supplies and so back to camp.
Saturday July 16th
Looked like a nice day coming up so I took the road to Linz and was
glad I did. Took some pictures of Salzburg from the autobahn. It's
in a very nice setting - surrounded by high snow-covered mountains.
Makes a pretty picture - past three large Sees (lakes) and had the
camera out again. Part of this section of autobahn was under repair
and a detour Of about 10 mi. was necessary. Then back onto the
autobahn to my next camp in Spat?? this was in a very small town named
Melk Austria. I found this to be the nicest little town I had seen so
far. Quiet peaceful streets and friendly people.
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Click here for pictures of Melk Austria
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The camp is right on the Danube river and there is no charge for
camping. The man who owns it has a big Gasthaus or combination
restaurant and beer parlor with a nice patio and a gas station next
door, W.C.s Showers, the water - everything free of charge. Of course
you pay for what ever you eat or drink.
Sunday July 7th
Up early and had just toast and coffee for breakfast as I wanted to
get to church. Had taken a shower the night before so after eating I
shaved, put on fresh clothes and my sport suit and went into town - 10
minutes from camp. Had my camera with me. Was in town at quarter
till nine. Inquired at the priest house and he told me the next mass
was at 10:00, so for an hour I wandered around the narrow streets and
snapped pictures. It was a little overcast but I think they will be
all right. Back to church (Maria Himmelforth) for 10:00 Mass.
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The service was in German and or rather Austrian and Latin - almost
exactly the same as ours except for language. After church did
some ??? shopping and about town. Sat down at a table in a small café
- here's what I ordered gemuse soup, zwei Brautwurst, mit senf,
salzkartoffeln, mit souse weisskohl. Ein grosse flache helles bier,
Ein brotchen - so what did I have for lunch?
Monday July 18th
I could not say aufwiedersehen to this quiet pretty town so ... The
sky wasn't too bright and I convinced myself it was going to rain and
stayed over another day. Right above the town is an immense
outcropping of solid rock and on the top is a huge cathedral. It is
larger than the town called Stift Melk. Kept me busy all day touring
Page 40
all the corners of Melk, watching the boats on the Danube (here known
as the Donau) Then back to camp and made up my mind to leave in the
morning.
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Click here for pictures between Melk and Vienna
Tuesday July 19th
Up early after a shower. Got The VW ready for the road. Was on the
autobahn by 9:00 o’clock. It was only about 45 mi. To Vienna but
then ran into a detour. After getting back on the autobahn made
several stops at the parking platzs. At last, came to the beginning
of West Vienna. Was trying to locate a camping spot as close to
downtown as I could get. Found a nice camp after a little trouble -
located on Huettelbergstr #40. From here I can get downtown by bus
and subway. It's a big town and I don't care to barge into that
traffic so if it's a nice day I'll buy a large map in town and try to
locate Rosa.
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Wednesday July 20th
Got up at 6:00 a.m., showered and got my good clothes on for the trip
to town. Walked to the Metro or Subway station (no buses for a
half-hour) found the train for town and got on. Fare three shillings
- about 12¢ U.S. Had a map of the downtown district and did the same
as I did in Munich - walked around looking at the maps and checking
every street I passed. Got along real good - tried to buy a large map
of the city showing all the streets but did not locate any. Wanted to
find out what district Rosa lives in. Anyway went to an information
booth and found out exactly how to get to the house. Two street cars
from the center of Wien brought me there but nobody home - rang the
bell and knocked on the door. This was on the second floor. A couple
from the first floor got all excited - Ran up and down the steps, out
on the street to look up at the windows and at last said they must
have gone
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with son Willie as he had been there earlier. I told them I would be
back later and asked where I could buy a beer. I mean it was real hot
and I was dry. Anyway he showed me in the same building on the corner
a small café. So I drank beer for over an hour but nobody showed up
at Rosa's house - I left her a note in the mailbox. Here's what I
wrote "ich kommen zuruck Freitag oder Samtag - Uncle Gene von
Pittsburgh". Retraced my steps back to the VW at camp.
PS forgot this
In the morning in order to save time I skipped breakfast thinking to
get something in town. Looked and found a small cafe and ordered eier
mit speck which in German means Eggs and bacon - no good - she served
me a soft boiled egg and a small plate of cold ham so I had ham and
egg.
Thursday July 21st
Up again bright and early - nice day so I decided to go into town with
my camera.
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I got off the train at Karlsplatz near the center of town. The first
thing you see is Karlskirche. It was built in 1716 by Emperor Karl
VI. Two pillars one on each side at the front are 120 ft. High and
carved with scenes from the life of St. Charles Borromeo. The inside
of the 250 ft. high dome is decorated with frescoes. Inside all
statues, figures, railing, pulpit, in fact everything is carved from
wood.
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Click here for pictures in Vienna
From here I walked up to the opera house. It is called Staatsoper
(State Opera). It was erected in 1861 and very impressive looking
from the outside - did not get in. Now I went off for breakfast -
found a good place in a subway station below the street - here they
have a small city by itself. All kinds of stores, cafes and dining
places. Ordered ham and eggs, brotchen and kaffee. This time I got
what I ordered. The coffee comes
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Click here for pictures at Vienna Opera House
Page 44
in a small cup topped with whipped cream and costs about 30¢ U.S. -
Very high! From here I walked to St. Stephen's Cathedral taking
pictures on the way. The original church was built In the first half
of the 12th century. The present cathedral was started In the 14th
century and finished in the 15th. I went all through it - counted 12
altars. Also visited the catacombs way down under the cathedral. It
was cold and dark and full of bones. Later walked over to the Donau
(Danube) canal, which flows through the city and took a few pictures
from one of the bridges. Did some more sight seeing, had my dinner in
town and started back for my little bungalow. It was 6:00 p.m. When
I reached the camping grounds - tired out.
Friday July 22nd
Decided to stay in camp today
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as the weather was threatening. Will visit Rosa's home tomorrow.
This is my fourth day at this camp.
Saturday July 23rd
It wasn't too bright in the morning but started into town as I had
left word at Rosa's house that I would return Friday or Sat. Took my
raincoat and some photos to show her. Picked up some slides I had
left earlier in the week - had breakfast (ham and eggs) - got on the
Strassenbahn, transferred and again arrived at 29 Leopold Strasse. I
knocked and rang the bell but nix. Another door opened and out came
Rosa and the woman who lives there. I said "Rosa" and she hugged and
kissed me. She told me in German that she had Locked herself out
leaving the key inside. She kept repeating "Gott im himmel" and
wringing her hands. A man was to call in a half-hour to open the
door. We sat in the other lady’s room for a while and later went down
to the cafe on the corner for a beer. At last the man arrived &
opened
Page 46
the door. He charged her 120 schillings or $4.80 U.S. for the job.
So we went into her apartment. They are poor and it was poorly
furnished. Everything in it was old and threadbare but it was her
home and I told her it was larger than my little home in the VW. She
insisted on taking me to lunch at a different cafe up the street. We
had a very nice lunch - soup - I didn't get the name of it - but
similar to a clear vegetable soup with an immense dumpling in the
middle, a salad of lettuce tomatoes and sliced potatoes all in a
dressing with lots of garlic, 2 weiner schnitzels (breaded veal
cutlets) and beer. It tasted good and I enjoyed it. I tried to pay
the waiter but Rosa said something in German which I did not catch and
he would not take my money. Rosa's husband is in the hospital again
with his bad leg and so after lunch we went out to see him.
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We stayed about an hour-and-a-half talking with Willie and then I said
goodbye and he wished me good luck in my travels and sent good wishes
to all in Pittsburgh. It was pouring down rain when we left But Rosa
insisted that she go back to camp with me and see the VW and the
camping platz. So we took two more streetcars, the subway and bus and
into camp. She was tickled with the VW Camper. I offered her a drink
but she did not care for any so I showed her the large book on
Pittsburgh I had with me and she sat down and went through the whole
book looking at the pictures. She really enjoyed her visit - she is
76 years old, short and is sort of dumpy. She is also good hearted
and very friendly. Later I helped her on the bus and she said "Now I
am satisfied for I have seen a camping platz and your VW". I did not
get to see her son or little Willi. The son works seven days a week
and lives in a different town.
Page 48
Sunday July 24th
It rained here all night and kept it up until noon today. Could not
get out of the car - I had told Rosa if it did not rain I would visit
her Sunday as her son and little Willi would be at her house until
noon. He then goes to work but that's out - at any rate I'll see her
again before I leave Wien.
Monday July 25th
Still raining this morning so stayed close to camp. Would have washed
today if it had not rained so wrote a letter to Ed V and a few post
cards to friends. Will go into town tomorrow and mail these (if it
ever stops). Did some reading and listened to my transistor, cooked
ate and went to bed early.
Tuesday July 26th
Got up at 5:00 a.m. and had the shower and wash room all to myself.
Did not bother with breakfast, outside of a pot of coffee - put my
good clothes on,
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took my raincoat, camera, flash bulbs and map of Wien. A bus at the
camp to the subway Bahnhof from there to Karlplatz in downtown Wien.
Had a bite to eat and then went to the state opera house and paid 10
schillings - 40¢ for a tour of the inside. Built in 1061 And was
burned out on the inside during the bombings of the Second World War.
Has been completely refurbished. Took a few flash pictures inside and
here's hoping. Later on visited the Academy of Fine arts. this ? art
gallery dates back to ?1692? containing a very fine collection of old
paintings. Its world-famous. Left a role of film at photo center On
Kartnerstr (? shopping Street) - can be picked up Friday or Saturday.
Later tired from so much walking went home.
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Click here for pictures inside Vienna Opera House
Wednesday July 27th
Sleep in late (8 o’clock) and made a breakfast of bacon and eggs, rye
bread and a pot of coffee.
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It was a very nice day - hot sun out and a nice breeze blowing - got
my soiled clothes together and did the washing. They are all dry now
with the exception of three pieces. Caught up on my notes, listened
to the radio and loafed.
Thursday July 28th
It started to rain Wednesday night and continued through the night and
all day Thursday. Was I glad to have a VW camper and keep everything
dry including myself. A great many Of these campers come here in
their regular cars and pitch a tent. All were flooded out this day
and had to get into their cars. Everything they had in the tents was
soaken wet and covered with mud. They had to make do with cars for
sleeping tonight.
Friday July 29th
Got up early as usual, found the rain had stopped - put a pot of
coffee on (using instant coffee now) got dressed and caught the subway
train for town.
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Got off at Karlsplatz walked up Wiedner Hauptstr to the opera. Had a
bite to eat and caught an R tram for the Prater. This is the new
fairgrounds or amusement park. You have probably seen a picture of
the giant Ferris wheel. It is called here Das Wiener Riesenrad. It
is big - largest I ever saw - took a ride on it and snapped some
photos from the top. They have a small railroad, small roller
coaster, old fashioned autos to drive, racing cars, booth's etc. Also
have a large zoo here. Spent today taking everything in and made a
few stops for beer at the cafes.
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Click here for pictures of Prater
Saturday July 30th
Nice day - decided to visit Schlos Schoenbrun - this is a castle and
not too far from downtown Wien - this is not like the castles in
Germany. Built more in the order of the French style - it's really
huge and shaped like the letter U. The gardens are beautiful and well
tended - spent the
Page 52
whole day here on the grounds and inside. Everything inside is also
in perfect order - each room more lavish than the last. This was
started in 1695 and finished in 1749. Emperor Franz Joseph lived here
from 1848 until his death in 1916. Took two rolls of film, both
indoors and outside. About 1:30 I got hungry and found right on the
grounds a nice outdoor cafe called Tirolergarten. Had a nice chicken
(pullet) dinner with two bottles of beer and felt much better. Cost
of 53 shillings ($2.12 U.S.). Later caught a tram back to the opera -
short walk to the subway And 10 minutes on a bus to camp. I had done
plenty of walking - was tired - good night!
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Click here for pictures of Schoenbrun
Sunday July 31st
Up at 5:00 a.m. - Showered and got ready for church. Caught an early
train at subway - off at Karlsplatz and a few steps to Karlskirche for
730 Mass.
Page 53
(I forgot to mention - when I got back to camp at 5:30 p.m. Yesterday
a note was handed to me by one of my neighbor campers. It was from
Rosa! Well I could not read it and none of the Germans or Austrians
could either. She had made a trip over to camp and of course I was in
town all day).
Anyway after mass I started out for her house - arrived there about an
hour and a half later - she was at home and said she had two letters
for me - one from Ed Voith and the other from Gail Skinell, Nell's
friend. But the letters had been left by her at the camping office.
Well we had another big day. She showed me all her old photos and
gave me five or so of them. These I don't remember ever seeing. She
fixed up chicken dinner which was real good and I took a couple of
flash pictures of her. So after eating we must go see her son Willi
who was working in town. At first she forgot where
Page 54
the building was located. Well we finally found it - a huge structure
- looked like a castle with turrets all over it. Anyway this was the
police headquarters. Willie, she said was a criminal inspector. We
went inside and I met Willi. He's 52 years old, gray and balding. A
good-looking man and big like his father. We talked for a while but
he speaks no English. Then we said goodbye and he wished me a
pleasant journey and sent greetings to all in Pittsburgh. Now we must
go see little Willi and their home is in another town nearer camp. We
did some more riding and arrived in Unter St Viet. Found the mother
and Willie at home. Chatted for about an hour. Took a flash picture
of Willi and his mother. Willie was reluctant but I got some kind of
a shot. Then we said aufwiedersehen so now we must go to the camping
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Click here for pictures of Rosa and Willie
Page 55
Platz. I picked up my letters and Rosa climbed into the VW and we sat
down. Well we talked and talked. I pulled out her note and asked her
to read it to me. She read the first sentence and then stopped after
studying it for a while. She exclaimed "Jesu, Maria und Josef" (J
pronounced like Ys) I can't read my own handwriting! Well I laughed
remembering the letters we got from her. Well it was getting late and
she decided to go home - helped her on the bus but before she left I
gave her a 500 schilling bill - its $20 in U.S. money. She was still
throwing me kisses as the bus turned the corner.
Monday August 1st
Sun was bright so I got up at 5:00 a.m. Showered and shaved but today
made breakfast. Ham and eggs mit a pot of coffee und rye bread and
marmalada. So into town on a shopping tour. Bought five or six items
and shipped three of them through American Express. One for Nell Kay
and Larry.
Page 56
Did a lot of walking and was plenty tired. Found a spot to eat about
2:00 p.m. And sat there for one hour then home early.
Tuesday, August 2nd
Nice fair day - decided to stay in camp today and get my washing down.
Washed five shirts three pair underwear, four pair sox, a tea towel,
washcloth, a pillowcase, and several odds and ends. Pretty big wash
for me - got them all washed and on the line. Camp here has been very
crowded the past week. They come from all over the world. Some have
very large caravans or trailers - Some tents only and some with VWs
like mine. Never knew so many people, large families were camping and
traveling. After the clothes dried took it easy and relaxed.
Wednesday August 3rd
Was going to leave today but it started to rain so we’ll see what
tomorrow looks like. My next mail pickup will be in Salzburg.
Page 57
The autobahn ends at Wein and everything east of Here Is Iron Curtain.
Had decided not to try to get into the town where grandfather and
grossie were born. Was advised that it is quite risky so that's out.
Thursday August 4th
Up early - got the VW in shape. The sun was shining so I started off
on the autobahn for Salzburg. After traveling about 60 mi. The wind
kicked up and got so bad it was hard to control the car. It was
quartering wind and very strong. Keep{sic) blowing the front of the
wagon to the right. I pulled off at the parking platz and waited, but
it continued and the sky?? was getting black in the West. Looked at
the map and saw that Melk was only 14 mi. away. I had stopped there
on my way east to Wien so decided to push on and camp there. I beat
the storm in and was glad to be in a nice little town like this.
Page 58
Friday August 5th
Rained all night and most of this day. Made up my mind to stay here
over the weekend. I said before and say again it's the nicest little
town I have seen. Lots of nice little outdoor cafes, backereis,
Buchladens, Fleischeries, etc. Took it easy and waited for the rain
to stop.
Saturday, August 6th
Sun shining today so I explored all the streets, nooks and gasses (a
short street) of the town. I didn't miss many of the cafe's either.
The people here wear the native dress. The women with puffed sleeves,
a colored apron, high woolen hose, and some sort of sandals. The men
wear what looks like a uniform (usually the suit is gray or blue with
green lapels and cuffs, knickers and wool hose and a regular Tyrol
hat, with brush). They go out of their way to be friendly to
strangers. The boys wear the lederhosen, short woolen sox and the
girls dress like their mothers. When you go into a store the clerk
always
Page 59
says guten tag and when you leave it's always aufwiedersehen, although
I notice in Austria they pronounce it aufwiederschoen.
Sunday August 7th
Sunday morning up at five shower and got ready for 8:00 mass at the
little church. (Maria Himmel??) I don't know how to spell the last
word. Everything in it is carved out of wood. The stations of the
cross, the pulpit, the altar, the statues etc. The people enjoy
singing too. Loud and clear, The vestments are the same but the altar
boys wear dark green cassocks with a light green shoulder cape. All
in German and Latin of course but it's very easy to follow. Spent the
rest of the day trying different dishes at the cafes. At one place
had a bowl of liver dumpling soup and was it good - a clear soup with
a big dumpling of liver in the middle. Also tried stuffed peppers
called gefullt paprika?? again I'm not sure of the spelling of the
last word. Real good though no bread is ever
Page 60
served at meals - always the small hard rolls called brodchen - no
butter unless you order it and never any water.
Monday, August 8th
Up early & ate (bacon and eggs) showered and got the car ready for the
road. Had it washed and filled the tank with gas. Nice day - sun
shining and hot. Took off for Salzburg - got as far as Attersee (a
very large lake) when it started to cloud up and get dark. Turned off
at Attersee and went looking for a camp. This is a very beautiful
lake - when I first saw it there were at least a hundred sail boats on
it. Followed a very narrow winding road along the lake. Saw one
small camping platz (postage stamp size). Passed it up and continued
on this road I did not like - too narrow for the traffic. The next
camp I came to I turned off into the place - the storm was getting
close. Wasn't much but I was glad to get off that road and settle
down before the storm - had a bit to eat and made up my bed. The rain
came within a half hour.
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Tuesday August 9th
Paid the farmer in schillings (40¢) for a night and got off to an
early start. Back up that narrow winding road??? path to the autobahn
It had rained all night and today was windy & cold. After getting on
the autobahn drove for about an hour then stopped and made a pot of
tea. That warmed me up. I felt much better - took it slow and easy
as I had plenty of time and not too far to go to Salzburg - turned off
at North Salzburg and found the camp - it's real nice. Has everything
a camper needs - Called Nord-Sam and located not far from the
autobahn. Cost seven shillings per person and four shillings per
auto?? per night - total 11 shillings (44¢) a night for me. Can walk
from here to a bus which goes right into the center of town.
Wednesday August 10th
Up early into the town by bus and found my bearings in Salzburg. Went
first to Amer Ex and found three letters one from Nell one from Kay
and one from Eddie V. Glad to hear from all of
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them. Walked around and got the lay of the city. Snapped Some
pictures. Salzburg is the fairy book city - a pretty river flows
right through the middle of town (the Salzach River) and is very
beautiful. Of course the town is not as large as Wien but its setting
in the Alpine peaks with the river and lakes makes quite a difference.
The old town is across the river and with its narrow streets, old
world appearance and the quaint costumes of the natives it has an
atmosphere all its own. It is also the birthplace of Mozart. I
visited the house today.
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Click here for pictures of Salzburg
Thursday August 11th
Again I got up early and caught the bus to town (2 1/2 schillings -
10¢ U.S.). Snapped a lot of pictures today and made arrangements to
take the tour to Berchtesgaden and Hitler's Eagle's nest - cost a
hundred 50 schillings ($6 U.S.) and is an all day trip. Starts at
9:00 a.m. Tomorrow so
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I'll have to get up real early and make ready.
Friday August 12th
Up before the sun and got ready. Took my little shopping bag and
packed a sweater my camera, films, flash cubes, my binoculars and a
map of the city, Kleenex and toilet paper. Arrived in plenty of time
(7:00?? a.m.) and looked around for a café - not much opened at this
hour but after some searching found a nice little place open for
business - all you can get at this hour is fruhstuck which is coffee,
hard roles (brodchen) with butter and marmalade. Then to the bus and
off we went At 9:00. I have taken many tours but this one was far and
away the best. We went by a large modern road up the Alpine RR To
Kohlstein then a government bus up the mountain (and what a thrilling
ride) to the top of the peak. Here we got off and
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walked through a tunnel to an elevator which takes you to Hitler's
Eagle's Nest. Everything here is exactly as built by A. H. It was
not bombed during the war although the house he lived in was leveled.
This place was used for conferences and the big shots of germany came
here. It is now a restaurant and large outdoor café. Well the view
from here was breathtaking - snow-covered mountains, lakes and tiny
little villages in the valleys. You might know I took a few
snapshots. From here we went to the town of Berchtesgaden which is a
spa or resort having salt springs. Next we went to Konigsee, a large
mountain lake and I drank some more beer. From here the bus brought
us to Badreichenhall, another well-known resort and I drank coffee (I
had eaten dinner at Kalstein). Then back into town at 6:00 p.m. It
was a nine hour trip and
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well worth the price.
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Click here for pictures of Eagle's Nest
Saturday August 13th
Slept in late - decided not to go to town today. The past three days
have been scorchers so stayed in camp and kept cool on beer. Caught
up on my notes and generally took it easy.
Sunday August 14th
Sunday morning got up early 5:00 a.m. Beat everybody to the showers.
Put on my sport suit and off for the bus to town. I had located a
church (St Andra) just one block from the bus stop and went to 7:00
mass Here. This is just across the street from Schloss Mirabel (a
castle in the French style and pretty as a picture). After mass
walked to the river (the Salzach) and took a few pictures. Crossed
the main bridge to the old city. Located my little cafe again and had
fruhstuck (breakfast). Since all stores are closed just wandered
around looking in the windows and taking pictures now and then. Had
lunch in a small café. About 2:00 o’clock tired From walking around,
decided to go home.
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Arrived at the camp, changed clothes, ate, drank a little wine and to
bed early.
Monday August 15th
The Assumption - up again at 5:00 and off to St. Andra’s for 7:00
o’clock mass. Afterward to my little cafe across the river. I had
forgotten that this is a big religious holy day and was surprised to
find everything geschlossen (closed). Visited the castle (and
fortress) Built in a dolomite rock that stands 374 ft. Above the
town. You ride up by a funicular railway. This is the same as the
inclines in Pgh. Six schillings a round trip - A fine view of the
river and city! Of course I got some pictures and enjoyed wandering
all over the place. Great view of the mountains Also. This rock and
Castle is called HohenSalzburg (high Salzburg). The oldest parts go
back to 1077. All kinds of old cannons, siege guns barracks, a
prison, old water pumps and a regular little town with a chapel.
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Spent most of the day here and then went back to camp - Tired out.
Tuesday August 16th
After all this nice weather I knew it was going to change. It started
last night and poured all today. Camped next to me are two young
girls (French) from just outside Paris. They have a small French car
and a tent. Well, before this day was over they were flooded out.
The younger one Roslynn is 21 and her sister Claudette it is 23. They
are Catholic and come from a large family. So we had dinner in the
Volkswagen and got along fine - Once in awhile I had to draw pictures
to get an idea across. They are two of the nicest girls I have ever
met. They have close family ties and speak often of Mama and Papa and
their familie. By my little candle light lamp they went all through
the
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Click here for pictures of Roslyn and Claudette
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large volume on Pittsburgh I have with me. Nell, this was more fun
than when Rosa looked at the book.
Wednesday, August 17th
Slept in - Still raining and not much you can do about it. The French
girls slept in their car last night and we ate our meals in the VW.
We talked, played cards, listened to the radio and had lots of fun
making ourselves understood. They speak and understand only French
and I know about 10 words in that language. At one point I told them
I had eaten ham and eggs in Salzburg. No compre! So I drew a picture
of a pig and they said Compre, compre. Then I tried to get them to
understand eggs - No compre! so I flapped my arms and crowed like a
rooster. Claudette said compre pidgeon and made motions like a bird
flying then I clucked like a hen does after laying an egg. They both
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cried compre, compre - some fun.
Thursday August 18th
Still raining - we ate (the girls and I) played cards (a French game
called grim pette and pronounced grand pete) and sang French songs.
They wrote down for me the first names of the entire family. I gave
each of them a Kennedy half dollar and they were struck dumb with
astonishment. They love President Kennedy and had never seen the half
dollar. They had watched the funeral on TV and explained it all to
me. Tonight for dinner we had French soup Gefulte paprika and
marmalade and coffee. Later in the evening ice-cream and cookies.
Friday August 19th
The rain had stopped this morning but the sky remains overcast and
gives promise of bad weather. I remained in camp as the girls were
leaving today For Vienna. I helped them get things in order for the
Road.
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We exchanged addresses and photos. I had taken a flash photo of them
One night in the VW so they made me understand it was their turn to
take mine. So first Claudete snapped a picture of Roslynn and me and
then Roslynn took one of Claudette and me. We had so many laughs that
I was truly sorry to see them leave. I forgot to mention - one night
we were singing and after we finished a French song I started to hum
what I call the Pittsburgh song. They insisted I sing it for them so
I did not once but many times until they got the words correct. Then
I must print the words on a piece of paper and sing it slowly while
they followed with their French accent. At last they got the words
and tune fairly good and long after I was in bed I heard them singing
the song in their car. Well they pulled out for Vienna About 2:00
p.m. They both shook hands
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with me and each had a little speech to make. It was touching. I
wished them bon voyage and said au revoir.
P.S. All the time they were camped here they both called me monsieur.
Although Gene is a common name in France. It is spelt Gean ?? and
pronounced something like Jean. In fact they have a brother 13 years
old whose name is Jean Marie.
Saturday August 20th
Slept in this a.m. And waited to see what kind of weather we were
going to get. The sky was overcast but looked as though it would
clear. After a late breakfast got dressed and went into town. Sat is
a very busy day in Salzburg until 12 noon, then every store or shop
pulls down the iron shutters and locks the doors. No more business
until Monday morning provided it isn't a holiday or holy day. All
except the cafes which remain open all day Sat.
Sun did a little shopping - visited the RR station which I
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Click here for more pictures of Salzburg
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hadn't seen, and watch the trains coming in from all over Europe.
Later it began to cloud up so caught The bus back to Nord Sam camp. I
was there about one hour when the rain came down. This is the fifth
day in a row it has rained.
Sunday August 21st
Up at 6:00 a.m. - Made a pot of coffee and got a quick bite to eat.
Arrived at St. Andra at 830 so waited around until 9:00 o’clock Mass.
After church went to an old cafe in the neighborhood and had fruhstuck
pronounced froo shtook (breakfast). This consists of brot and butter
marmalade and kaffee - this runs to from 16 to 20 schillings (64¢ to
80¢). Anytime you have coffee and butter you pay! Later on window
shopped (everything closed today) and walked along streets I hadn't
visited before. Came back to camp early and a few hours after I got
in it started in again to rain.
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Ate my dinner and spent the rest of the evening in the day room at
camp reading the German magazines and drinking a few beers.
Monday August 22nd
Still raining this morning so slept in Late. This makes five or so
days straight it has rained. The few camping here in tents are in a
sorry state - flooded out in mud up to their ankles. Just as soon as
it clears up I intend to move out for Munich. This bad weather has
delayed me since leaving Heidelberg which was on June 23rd. Therefore
I am running late on my schedule and perhaps will not be able to visit
all the places I wanted to see.
Tuesday August 23rd
Rained all night and this a.m. Is dark and threatening so will not
hit the highway today. They are having floods all over Austria and
eastern Germany. Last week in Salzburg I saw a bridge washed out.
When I
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think of summers in Brookline when hardly a drop of rain falls I just
can't understand this wet weather. Sure glad it isn't wintertime
here! It's beating a tatoo on the VW roof as I write but I am warm
and dry inside and the water and mud does not come in on me.
Wednesday August 24th
More rain - I have never seen so much of it and pouring down day after
day. Impossible to move to the VW until we get some sun to dry up the
water and mud. Nothing you can do but remain in camp. I've been
collecting mountain flowers in between the rains and am trying today &
press them. This is very beautiful country with a grand array of wild
flowers and the mountain scenery is great. If the sun would shine a
little more. It surely must be a real winter wonderland. Found a
real good wrist watch in camp today and turned it into the camp owner.
Towards evening a young man
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called at the VW to thank me. He was an Englishman and was profuse in
his thanks. The watch was given to him as a gift and he prized it
highly.
Thursday August 25th
It rained all night and the sky is now overcast. Here's hoping it
clears. Later - well it hasn't cleared and the rain is coming down
again. All rivers and streams are flooded in this part of the country
and the camping place here is a sea of water and mud. The ground is
saturated so the rain water lays on top. I'm still nice and dry in
the VW but many of the campers with small cars and sleeping in tents
are in a sorry state. This camp has a large day room (open until 9:00
p.m.) and game room. Most of our time between meals is spent here.
They play cards, read magazines, talk and drink beer or coffee so we
make do until the sun shines.
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It rained all night and still coming down as I write. Also very cold.
I slept last night in my underwear with a wool shirt and a woolen
sweater. On my feet wool sox. Covered up with a sheet, a wool
blanket and a comfort. I was warm! Rain continued all day and very
cold. In the evening I stuck a deck of playing cards in my pocket and
went to the day room. Only people there were an Austrian woman I know
(she camped next to me for awhile), the owner whose last name is
Karl?? and his two young daughters. We played cards awhile (I taught
them the French game grand pette) and later Karl got his guitar and
play the Tyrol songs and Mrs. Kastner the Austrian lady and the two
children sang. It was real homey and the music and singing was
wonderful. Since I didn't know the songs and couldn't sing-along they
asked me to sing one. So I sang the Pittsburgh song. It was a nice
evening and we all enjoyed it.
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Saturday August 27th
Rained all night but the sun came out this morning and it turned out
to be real nice and warm. I aired out the car, clothing, bedding ??
?? things as everything was damp.
Later in the day took a trip up a Mountain named Gaisberg ?? 12 ?? for
a fine view of Salzburg and the mountains. The top of this mountain
was covered with wild flowers. The highest Mt in sight was 2714 mi ??,
and called Watzmann. Well worth the trip. Will stay over in camp
for church in Salzburg tomorrow and try and get away Monday.
Note: Here uncle Gene has "(see page 79 for Sunday)"
Monday August 29th
Slept in a little late - got up at 7:00 a.m. Sun shining and looked
like a nice day again. Got cleaned up, ate, and while getting ready
for the road aired out the car, and everything else. Paid my bill (20
days at 44¢ per day). Came to 198 schilling with 10 percent off for a
long stay. Got on the autobahn about 10:00 a.m. And took off for
Munich. Stopped at
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Chiemsee (a large and beautiful lake) for a while. Many wild geese
and ducks in the water. A great many sailboats near the distant
shore. Snapped a few pictures and explored the area with my
binoculars. Met an American Jap and his wife Here. He was interested
in the VW and so I showed them the inside and gave all the details.
Nice couple. They lived in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.
On my way again. Made one more stop for lunch at one of the many
parking platzs. After lunch got going again and so to the outskirts
of Munich. Now the fun began. I came into Munich on the east side
and must leave it on the West. That means another trip through the
heart of the city. I didn't know this end of town so parked at the
first place I saw. Had a small map of the city and with this and a
short
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walk, found the streets to follow. Well I did better than expected.
Made one wrong turn in the center of town but corrected by making a
left then a right turn to Bayer Str which I knew would take me towards
the autobahn to Stuttgart. Arrived at last at the camp I wanted. It
was 4:00 p.m. And was glad to be in a nice place like this for the
night.
Note: (reverting to Sunday August 28th)
Up at 6:00 a.m. - Nice day with sunshine. Spruced up for church and
caught the bus for St. Andra. Made 8:00 mass and began to feel like
one of the congregation. After mass with all stores closed I just
walked around window shopping or as the Austrians say spaziering. Did
not cross the river into the old town. Later had a bite to eat near
the the bus terminal and then continued to
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Explore streets I had not been on before. Afterwards, tired out, went
back to camp. Found it very quiet as everyone had gone somewhere.
Read the magazines and drank some beer and then back to my little
Bungalow.
Tuesday August 30th
Up early as usual and found the sky overcast. Decided to go into town
(Munich) and pick up mail. Found two letters one from Kay And one
from Nell. Nice to hear from home and get the latest news. Had four
rolls of films which I dropped off at a Photoshop near the American
Express office. Will pick them up Fri afternoon. This is a big
bustling city - the traffic is out of this world. About noon found a
place which features fish on the menu. Had two Bismarck herring
sandwiches and two glasses of beer. First I have had for up long time
And was zehr gut! By now it had
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started to sprinkle, so decided to get back to the wagon. Had a 15
minute walk from the bus. By then it had let up. However, started in
again when I arrived At camp and rained all night.
Wednesday August 31st
Since it was still raining (what else) I slept in until 7:00 a.m.
Washed up, made bacon and eggs, a pot of coffee, bread and pineapple
marmalada for breakfast. It's still coming down as I write these
notes, wrote three letters today one to Nell Kay and Eddie V. Will
mail when I get into town if it ever stops raining. Rained all this
day.
Thursday September 1st
Still raining when I got up. Spent the day on my notes and wrote two
more letters; one to Larry V. and one to Gail. That's a lot of
letter writing for me. More than I write in a year when at home.
Rained all day.
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Friday September 2nd
Got up at 6:00 a.m. - No rain for a change but the sky was not clear.
Nevertheless I got ready and went into Munich. Took a few things with
me to mail home. These items accumulate on me and space is running
out. Sent home a small painting, postcards, menus??, books etc.
Picked up my films, mailed five letters and then ate a fish dinner.
Shopped around town and before I knew it, it was 5:00 o'clock. Got on
a tram and a bus and walked 15 minutes to the camp - Tired out.
Saturday September 3rd
Showered on and off all day. In between I made a trip to the camp
store and bought some supplies. When in town yesterday I bought a
pair of short gum boots which I needed very bad. They will come in
handy around camp in this wet weather. Did some washing today -
Washed six pair shirts and shorts, eight pair sox, a large bath towel
small towel, wash cloth and two tea towels. Will hang them tomorrow
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if it's nice
Sunday September 4th
Again I missed church here. This is not a very good place to be on
Sundays. Sun shining a little today but no heat In it. Got my
washing on the line (they were still damp) again and think it will dry
out today. Have some sport shirts to wash yet and hope to get them
done before leaving here. Stuck close to camp today and watched my
wash. The rains come on very fast and didn't want to get my washing
wet again. Brought them in towards evening and they were just about
dried out.
Monday September 5th
Up at 7:00 a.m. - Sky overcast but got ready and went into Munich.
Took some more small items with me to mail home - Two small oil
paintings, a Wien calendar for 1967 some prints maps etc. Looked at a
good many paintings today but didn't buy any.
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I can't handle the larger size paintings as I don't have space to
carry them and it's impossible for me to ship them. Did buy some
postcard-size prints of fine paintings and will add these to my
collection at home. By now it was rainy and after it let up decided
to go back to camp. Didn't want to get caught in the rain on my 15
minute walk down a country road without shelter. Before leaving I
visited the Hauptbahnhoff which is the main RR station. It's an
immense building and has everything in it. All kinds of stores -
three or four restaurants cafes, etc - a city within a city. The
crowds coming and going all the time. People from all over the world,
all going or coming from somewhere. I thought of the Penn Station in
Pittsburgh (which is empty most of the time) and smiled.
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Forgot to mention I stopped at the Amex and found a letter from Larry.
Well I beat the rain back to camp and was plenty tired from so much
walking.
Tuesday September 6th
Nice sunny day - decided to do the rest of my wash. Did four shirts,
pair of socks, tea towel and odds and ends. Put these on the line
then got my bedding out and gave it a good airing. Opened the VW
front and side and rear and let the sun do its work. Everything dried
out and brought it all in around 6:00 p.m. Now I feel better and will
leave here tomorrow if the weather holds.
Wednesday September 7th
Slept in until 7:00 a.m. Ate a quick breakfast and afterwards got the
car in order for the road. Cleaned the windows, windshield and got
everything packed away tight. Checked my oil and gas, paid my bill
and was on my way. It was a hot day and the autobahn was really
burning. Was on the autobahn at 10:00 o'clock, after gassing up.
Drive until 12 noon and stopped at a parking platz for
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lunch. Had tea and sandwiches and then relaxed for a while. Got
going again at 1? PM and drove until about 3:30 looking for a camp.
Found one just west of Stutgart at a little town called Leonburg.
Turned out to be a very nice camp and the cleanest I have seen yet.
First thing after parking the VW was to take a cold shower. Did that
feel good! Afterwards walked into town (a couple of mins) found a
barber shop and had me a German haircut. My hair was long (started to
look like one of the Beatles) and I had tried for 3 days to get one in
Munich. Very few men’s barbers in Munich and when I would find one
they were all booked in advance. So was glad I came here - this
barber cut my hair just as I wanted it, short and did a fine job. He
charged me 3 marks and I tipped him 1 mark. (Total 1 US dollar). I
looked around for a hotel or
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café and found a very nice gasthaus for my dinner. Had hot beef
tongue buttered potatoes, a salad and two glasses of beer. This was a
little high (cost of the meal plus 10%) but well worth it. It was a
very fancy place for a small town.
Thursday Sept 8
Up early and paid the lady who runs the camp 4 marks (for two days -
50 cents US per day). Yesterday I had seen a shoe repair shop so
decided to take my camp shoes in for half soles. They were in bad
shape and when it rained I had wet feet. First shop was unable to do
them so found another and he promised to have them for me at 10 AM.
tomorrow. Went on into the stadtmitte (center of town) and found a
bank. My German money was running low and I needed a refill. Cashed
a $100 AMX check and then shopped around. Found a little dept store
and bot (sic) a large knife. This was one thing I needed badly. The
knife I had (which Shirley had given me) had dropped down between the
seat well and the side of the car and I was unable to fish it
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out. Bought a couple of postcards and on the way back to camp. Stopped
at a small café and had two cold beers.
Friday Sept 9
Weather remained sunny and warm - lazy day. Not much doing today so
did some reading and just lounged around. This is Friday so had
cheese sandwiches for lunch and fish for dinner. Will stay here over
the weekend and go to Mass on Sunday in the village.
Saturday Sept 10
Up early and decided to go into Stuttgart which is about 10 mi east of
here. Nice sunny day so left my raincoat at home. Caught a bus and
was in the center of town in 20 minutes (fare 2 marks). Very nice
city, bigger than Salzburg and reminded me of Wiesbaden. Visited the
main RR station and found it to be very large and modern, thousands
of travelers coming and going. Purchased a Stuttgart shield which I
tried to get in each city I visit.
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Also bought a German kalendar which is somewhat like our Farmer’s
Almanac. It’s real good and a lot of fun to read. Also picked up a
few postcard views. After bit I got tired walking and went to the
Kurpark and sat on a bench. This is the casino and its grounds are
very pretty with flowers, statue and monuments. Later bought a Paris
edition of the New York Times and started for the camp. Was back at
the VW within the hour and read all the news in the Times. See that
the Bucs are back in first place but only by 1/2 game.
Sunday Sept 11
Slept until 6 am, showered and had a quick breakfast, got dressed and
went to 9 o’clock Mass here in Leonburg. I think it is called St
Eberhard kirche; a new stone church with a hugh square tower, a clock
on the front of it and a cross at the very top. After Mass took a
slow walk back
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to camp and have taken it easy all day reading and writing. If the
weather continues fair will be on my way tomorrow.
Monday Sept 12
Arose at 5 AM, beat all the campers to the shower. Pulled my bed
apart, put the bed covers in the trunk, had a quick breakfast and got
the car in shape for the road. Sun was shining and it looked like a
hot day coming up. Was on the autobahn by 9:30 AM and on my way. Was
on E11 route and passed by Forsheim, ??? Carlsrue (here I took route
E4 north) and on to Heidelburg. Passed Mannheim to Darmstadt.
Here I stopped at a parking platz, made some lunch, turned left here
to get in route E5, continued on past Frankfurt, Weisbaden, on to
Limburg. From here I wanted to locate a camp close to the
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autobahn. At a small village above Montabaur named Megendorf I found
a camp just off the highway. It’s a nice camp in the country. The
closest town to it is Koblenz across the Rhine about 15 miles
distance. Got into camp about 4 PM. On one side of the camping
grounds is a large swimming pool (or bad) and on the other side a
miniture golf course. Very nice layout. All the rest is farming
land. First thing after getting settled was a nice cold shower. I
was hot and tired. After a bit to eat, I relaxed and listened to the
American Forces network on my transistor (channel 9).
Tuesday Sept 13
It rained most of the night and early this morning - the first rain In
about a week. It’s 9:30 AM and rain has let up but sky looks
threatening. Think I’ll wait until tomorrow morning and see what it
looks like.
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Wednesday Sep 14
Up at 6 AM - cold, windy and overcast day. Wind blows from the
southwest and it feels like winter is on its way. Some of the gusts
would blow my car off the autobahn and I have no desire to travel in
this kind of weather. The Germans have a name for it but I’m not
quite sure how it is spelled (R.V. Hundewetter ??) - just have to
stay put until the weather changes.
Thursday Sept 15
Arose at 6:30 AM - weather worse than yesterday. Winds much stronger
and they don’t let up. Right now it’s pouring down rain and it
wouldn’t surprise me if we got snow and believe me it’s very cold.
This is a disappointment to me as I expected to stay here only
overnight so nothing to do but wait it out.
Friday Sept 16
Got up as usual about 6:00 AM and found the wind had ceased blowing
but the sky was overcast. Since it wasn’t raining I decided to take
off. Got everything in order and was on
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the autobahn about 9 AM. Glad to get away from Ransbach (the camp is
closest to this town) and it’s rain, and cold strong wind. I was on
route 5 and went on up Past Bonn, Koln, Dusseldorf, stopped for gas
(right on the autobahn) and had a bite to eat. Later got going again
passing Duisburg, Oberhausen (was now on route 36) heading for the
Dutch border. There was a camp near Emerich at a village called
Elten.
Turned off at the Elten exit and back in the country found the camp.
From here it’s 3 miles to the border of Holland. It’s a large camp
situated on a small stream and the surrounding countryside is quite
beautiful. However there are no showers and that a big drawback.
Immer etwas ! so you make the best of it. Towards evening it turned
cold and the night was very cold.
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Saturday Sept 17
Slept in this morning as I wanted to go into the town and stock up on
supplies, especially food of which I was running low. So took a nice
slow walk up to the town and did some buying. I purchased bread, eggs,
bacon, 1/2 lb of butter (65 cents) the very first I was able to buy in
Germany or Austria. Also got some canned goods, my favorite marmalade
Apricot and a few other small items. The only church I saw in town
was Catholic with Masses at 6:30 AM, 7:30, 8:30 and 10 AM so will stay
over and go to church here tomorrow. Hope to take off on Monday
morning for Amsterdam.
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
Click here for pictures of Munich, Amsterdam ???
Sunday Sept 18
Up early - skipped breakfast and walked up the road to church and
arrived just as the bell was ringing for 7:30 Mass. A very young
priest said
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the Mass. He did not look very much older than the altar boys. After
Mass back to camp and made my breakfast - bacon and eggs, pot Of
coffee, rye bread with butter, and marmalade. In the afternoon went
over to the café of the camp and had a few beers. Spent the rest of
the day getting things in order for the road tomorrow.
Monday Sept 19
Got an early start and was on the autobahn by 9:30. About 2 miles to
the Dutch border. Here the guards stopped me - asked for my passport,
insurance card and my driver’s License. After looking them over, he
motioned me on. Pulled into parking spot as I wanted to exchange my
German money for Dutch. They only exchange bills, no coins. I
changed 400 DM for 360 Florins - you always pay a small charge for the
exchange. In this
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case I paid 90 cents in Dutch money. Standard money unit is the
Guilder now called the florin. There are 6 coins, 1 cent, 5 cents, 10
cents, 25 cents, 100 cents or one florin, 250 cents or 2 1/2 florins.
Bank notes are 2.50 guilders, 10 guilders, 25 guilders, 100 guilders,
1000 guilders. The 1 guilder coin is worth 28 c US - slightly more
than the German mark which is worth 25 c US. After crossing the
border I continued on to Arnhem, passing the first windmill I had
seen. Continued on route E36 to Utrecht where I turned right on route
E9 and so on into Amsterdam. Had to go through part of the town to
reach camp. The car traffic is heavy but it’s the bicycles and
motorbikes that you have to watch. They scoot through here and there
and you have to be very careful.
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Old and young they all ride bikes - many of the women have their young
babies strapped in a seat in back. Found the camp in back of the
Olympic stadium - a large camp - Very modern and all spotless. They
have everything here and you are right in Amsterdam. Charge or tax is
for one person and one car, 2 guilders Or 56 c per day.
Tuesday Sept 20th
Fine summer day - caught a tram into the downtown section - Fare 40 c
or about 12 c US. The Amstel River flows through the center of town
And I think more canals than Venice. Took a few pictures, looked
around (with the help of my map) and did some shopping. It is
different than any city I have seen because of the many canals and
bridges - very pretty. Did a lot of walking and tired out later on.
Got on the tram
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and when I arrived back at camp I found that I had a quart of Canadian
Club, carton of Chesterfields, postcards, a calendar, Paris edition of
the New York Times, and assorted items.
In the meantime I had stopped at Amex on Pamrak straat and picked up 3
letters. One from Kay, Eddie V, and Gail. Was surprised there was no
mail from Nell.
Wednesday Sept 21
Another summer day so into town again. Yesterday evening I wrote to
Nell and mailed the letter today together with postcards to Kay, Eddie
V and Gail. While looking around today I found a small cuckoo clock
which Gail wanted for her granddaughter Becky and mailed it to her
(Gail) At once. Cost $9 US plus $5.60 for handling and mailing.
Snapped some more pictures and toured the city - home tired out.
Thursday Sept 22
A little overcast today but I went
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into town - called at Amex - no mail. Can’t figure out what happened
to Nell - no mail for over 1 month! Did some more shopping around - at
an art store saw a small oil painting (a Dutch water scene) and went
in. After looking it over, decided to buy and did. Cost 65 florins
or Guilders ($18.20 US). Right in the heart of town, the fish mongers
have stands and you can eat a herring on the spot. He cleans it, cuts
it up and lays the fish in a tray of onions (cut up). You take a
toothpick and eat - very good - tastes just like Bismarck herring.
Later - home with my loot and tired from so much walking.
Friday Sept 23
Turned a little cold today - again overcast. Spent the day at camp -
had the sun been out I would have done some washing. Not much doing
here. Went to a large store and bought some Dutch butter (boter),
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pronounced bowtar - many of the words are similar to German; For
instance, a loaf of bread (een brood) and pronounced enbrot. Salt is
zout (zowt) soup is soep (sup) chicken is kip (kip) Steak is biefstuk
(bifstuk), Potatoes is aardappels (artapals) etc. You can get along
very well in Holland with German.
Saturday Sept 24
Still cool and overcast - stayed put and brought my notes up to date.
Will go into town tomorrow to one of the churches. Not many campers
here today. Of course it’s getting late in the season and I suppose
they are moving south. I guess I’ll be doing the same by next week.
I imagine it gets pretty cold up here in winter. Yesterday I wrote 4
letters; One to Ed V, Kay, Larry and Gail. I have already written
Nell. Temp today 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sunday Sept 25
Arose at 6 AM - washed up - made
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my bed (unmade it) had a quick bite and went up from camp to this part
of town. Walked to a Catholic church and arrived for 9 o’clock Mass,
All in Dutch and Latin, of course. All very close to our service
except the language. I brought back with me a booklet (similar to
Resurrections) all in Dutch and quite interesting to try and read. It
was very nice here Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Since then every
day has been overcast and cool but no rain. Spent the rest of today
getting my notes up to date, reading and listening to the radio. Good
reception on Amer Armed Forces broadcast - heard Bob Hope, What’s my
Line and similar programs.
Monday Sept 26
Slept in a little later today. Ate and got ready for a trip downtown.
Called again at Amex but no mail. I don’t know what happened to Nell
The last letter from her was dated August 24. That’s over
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a month ago. Well maybe I’ll find word at Antwerp. Also visited the
North German Lloyd agent here for info on shipping to the States.
Found out you can't do much from here so will have to go to one of the
ports. The camping season is about over and the weather is turning
cold at night. May have to cut my tour short and perhaps come back
some other year.
Tues sept 27
Still overcast and cool - temp right now 70 deg F. At night it drops
to between 40-50 deg F. Strolled to the local shopping district with
my German shopping bag. My supplies were running low and I needed
camping gas right away as I was on the last canister. I bought 3 cans
gas, ten eggs, bacon, bread, canned soup, goulash, 2 jars of marmalada
(apricot and orange) face tissues, Dutch butter (which is very good)
canned wieners (regular size and the small ones similar to Vienna
sausage) and believe it
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or not some V8 juice. So this will do for a while - expect to leave
here tomorrow morning for Antwerp.
Weds sept 28
Got an early start and after some searching and backtracking finally
got on the autoweg (autobahn) to Rotterdam. The Dutch don't mark the
roads like the Germans and Austrians. You don't get notice of a
change of direction until you are right at the spot. It's too late
then to turn - anyway I got into Rotterdam early and found the camp
(camping Kanalweg 84) without too much trouble. It's a fairly good
camp but the campers are thinning out and the end of the season is
about here. Nobody here walks - they all have cars, motorbikes or
bicycles. I was the only person taking a walk around the camp.
Thurs sept 29
Up and dressed for the city. Caught a bus right in front of camp and
for
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40 Dutch cents (about 12 c US) rode to central station in the center
of the downtown section. Rotterdam was almost completely destroyed by
the Germans in the last War and like many other cities, is still
repairing, tearing down and rebuilding. The downtown district is in a
mess. Streets torn up and new buildings going up all over the place.
The day was overcast and cool and I was able to get only a few
pictures. This city has a few canals but nothing like Amsterdam.
They do have some very nice park-like streets which are for shoppers
and strollers only. No cars, bikes, etc. Sent postcards from here to
Nell, Kay and Larry. Sat down for a while near the harbor and had a
good rest - later home to camp.
Fri Sept 30
Was going to leave here today but instead took a walk up to a local
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shopping center - I still needed a few items. Purchased bread, raisin
buns, cold cuts, can of baked beans, chicken soup and veg soup, some
Dutch cheese, a sack of sugar, toilet paper (this you must never
forget) ?? with ham and cheese and 4 cans of goulash. My German
shopping bag was loaded and was glad to get back to camp. If it's
still nice tomorrow, will leave here for Antwrep.
Sat Oct 1
Overcast day and cold - did not leave as planned - took a stroll to a
different part of this district. Found a shopping center at a pretty
good distance and looked around. Was running low on my bottle of
Canadian Club so kept a sharp eye on all liquor stores. After some
searching, found a store that handled my brand. Bought a bottle for
22 guilders and 25 c. ($6.23 US) which is still cheaper than I can
buy it in Pittsburgh. There it costs $7.07 per bottle. Also bought a
carton of Chesterfields at 15 guilders ($4.20 or 42c a pack) and some
bacon.
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Got turned around here and found myself lost in Holland. After a bit
of wandering around, found the street I was looking for and so a long
walk back to camp. This part of Rotterdam around camp is very pretty
with canals, lakes and lots of flowers. All these canals and lakes
have wild ducks and swans plus fish. The Dutch love fish and are
great fishermen. The camp is the only one in this city and is just a
few minutes from the autoweg.
Sun Oct 2
Very bad day - pouring down rain and cold - could not get to church
today. Had to put my gum boots on when leaving the car for a few
minutes. It is still coming down at 4 PM as I write. I do hope it
clears by morning as I want to get on to Antwerp from where I plan to
go up to Bremen or Bremerhaven and inquire about shipping.
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There is no two ways about it - The camping season is over and I would
like to get out before the snow. For a while I thought I would go to
Paris then into Southern France. But if I did this it would mean
spending the winter over here. That's just a little too long to spend
on one trip. Perhaps another year I can come back and see the rest of
Europe. Spent the day bringing my notes up to date and listening to
the Dutch, English and French broadcasts. No armed forces heard here
in Holland and I sure miss them.
Mon Oct 3
Left camp for Antwerp about 9 AM - cloudy day and cold - in order to
avoid going through the center of town, which is all torn up, I made a
detour around the city. Went by way of Delft then Haag to Gouda to
Rotterdam to
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Dortract to Breda and so into Antwerp. Had to go through the downtown
section to get to the camp. Finally got there after going through a
tunnel to the other side of town. Found the camp at last - what do
you know - the man told me it was closed for the season. So all that
trouble for nothing. I looked around for a hotel but found none - did
find a cafe on the river (Schelde) and ate my dinner there. I had
homemade soup, a steak, french fried and a salad plus two glasses of
beer. I was hungry and it all tasted very good. Cost about $2.00 US.
Inquired here about a room but was told the rooms were closed for the
season. Found two large parking lots, parked in one of them and asked
the man in charge if there was a time limit on the parking. He said
no and that it was
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free to the public. So I slept right there for the night.
Tue Oct 4
Got up at 6 AM, put the camper in order, and locked all tight. Caught
a bus right at the lot and rode to central station. It was a cold
rainy day and no picture could be taken. This city seems older than
the others I have seen - cobbled stone streets right down town.
Called at AMEX and was surprised that there was no mail for me. The
last letter I received from Nell was dated Aug 24. Perhaps there was
some delay and if so these letters will be returned to the senders.
It was too miserable to be walking around in the rain so went back to
my camp. Got everything ready and took off East and North for Bremen.
It's a long haul but I must make arrangements for a ship.
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Had to go through town again to get to E39 autobahn - after some
trouble, 2 young Belgium police men in a squad car escorted me right
to the autobahn. Went via Maastrict, Liele, Aachen, Koln (was now on
E5) to E36. Then E73 and past Unna to E3 at Kamen. From here to
Herford Germany for the night. Had trouble again but found the camp
at last. This one was also closing but I was permitted to stay one
night.
Wed Oct 5
Arose at 6 AM (no breakfast) and got back on autobahn E3. From
Herford to Hannover to E3-E4 - I was now travelling North. From here
to the junction of E71 which goes into Bremen it got very foggy so I
pulled off at a parking place and slept there for the night. This is
a regular sea fog - comes up the river and you can't see
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a thing.
Thursday Oct 6
Still foggy and it looks worse than last night so ate my meals and
spent the day working on my notes and a few other things. Later on in
the afternoon it cleared a little so moved a little closer to Bremen.
Towards evening the fog closed in thick and fast - it was impossible
to see anything on the autobahn. I found a parking place and camped
for the night. I had food and water and settled down to wait it out.
Every 4 hours the police checked these parking places. At 4 AM I was
sound asleep and woke up with 2 red lights shining through the
windshield and when I sat up, one of the police said in German "he's
all right - let him go back to sleep".
Fri oct 7
When I arose the fog was still very bad so I made no attempt to move
on. It was only a short distance to camp from here and I was hoping
it would be
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still open. About 1 PM it cleared enough to see and I scooted into
camp in a half hour. It's small but has everything I need with a cafe
and restaurant run by the owner. I needed a shower badly so tomorrow
morning will go into town. I need some German marks and will call at
the North German Lloyds office for information on shipping.
Sat Oct 8
Arose early and went into town via bus and tram (15c US). Went first
of all to AMEX to exchange some US money for German marks but was told
they did not exchange on Saturdays so went down to the RR station
where I had seen an exchange bank and changed $100 for 395.30 DM. Had
written a letter to Nell the night before so went to the PO in the
station and sent it off. Next I called at office of the North German
Lloyd agent and was told that it was impossible to
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get in touch with the shipping Co in Bremerhaven as the Europa was
leaving today and the Bremen was coming in. The agent told me to come
in Monday morning and they would call Bremerhaven. Looked around the
town a bit, did a little shopping for supplies and went back to camp.
It was raining all day and was cold.
Sunday Oct 9
Up at 6 AM and went to a church in the neighborhood not too far from
camp. This was 9 o'clock Mass. After church back to camp and dropped
into the cafe for ham and eggs and coffee. The weather remains foggy
and damp - cold and uncomfortable. Everything in the VW is damp.
Hope the sun shines sometimes in this town! Spent the day at camp and
in the evening, the cafe for a few beers.
Mon Oct 10
Up at 7 AM - still cold and damp. Got
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dressed and took the bus and tram to town. Wore my raincoat with the
zipper lining and was warm. The bus takes you half way and the tram
brings you right to the main RR station. Here you can get about
anything you need. It' a small city and has stores of all kind - a
barber shop, restaurant, movie house, etc. etc. Called at the N Ger
Lloyd and spoke to the lady in charge. She thought they could arrange
my passage on the Bremen which sails from Bremerhaven on 10/27/66, but
was not sure they would have room for the VW. She asked me to return
at 3 PM and they would have the info. So I had a few hours to wait
and decided to get a haircut. It was so long since my last one that I
don't even remember where I got it. The barber did a fine job and I
tipped him 2 DM - haircut cost 4 DM - still had a
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couple of hours and went into the movie to see Elvis Pressly! And Bing
Crosby's (Crosly's???) son (the blond). It was a comedy and all in
German but had not (sic?) trouble following it. After the movie had a
bite to eat (hamburger, gravy, boiled potatoes, carrots and peas,
bread and coffee). Now I felt better and went over to the shipping
agent. They had arranged my passage on the Bremen for Oct 27, cabin
565 on C deck. This is a 3 passenger cabin tourist class with toilet
and shower. However the Bremen only carries 25 cars and there was no
room for my car, so it will go on a frieghter which sails on Oct 18
and will be in New York a few days ahead of the Bremen. It (the
Bremen) is due to arrive Nov 3 so it's all settled. The agent will
pick up the VW here at camp on Fri Oct 14 and at the same time take my
trunk to the RR station. I will remain here at camp with
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my 2 pieces of luggage. This cafe at camp is also a small hotel and I
will remain here for about a week or so and then go into Bremen to
perhaps the Columbus or Post hotel and stay there. The RR is just a
few steps from the hotel. The boat train leaves at 8:45 AM and
arrives at the pier at 9:53 AM. After this was all settled I went
back to camp as it was getting dark.
Tues Oct 11
The sun came out at last and I spent the day doing my wash and getting
things in order. Just got my clothes dry and off the line when the
rain started again.
Weds Oct 12
Cleaned out the inside of the car today and making things ship-shape.
This is another cold and damp day. Glad I got my clothes dry as I
could not carry them with me or leave them in the car when wet. Spent
the day on
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my log book and cleaning house.
Thurs Oct 13
Spent this day at camp making final arrangements and disposing of
things I no longer need. Most of my cooking articles were given to me
by Shirley when they moved out. About the only thing worth a few
dollar is my little one burner cooking stove. This uses a special gas
which cannot be bought in the US, so would be useless to bring home.
However my gum boots, thermos water container and the cooler I left in
the car. Got my trunk packed, labeled and tagged for tomorrow
Fri Oct 14
Arose at 6 after a very cold night - had 2 cups of hot coffee and made
a final check of everything. Met the man from the shipping agent in
front of camp and paid him $180 for shipping the car. Also took out
some marine insurance, shook hands, said goodbye and away he went with
the VW. Went back to the cafe for breakfast,
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and afterwards to my room here for a little nap. This is the first
time since leaving Rhine-Main at the airport that I slept in a heated
room and a regular bed. It felt wonderful.
Sat Oct 15
Slept in until 8 AM then into the cafe for ham and eggs and a pot of
coffee. After breakfast went into town - did shopping at the RR
station - bought some tissue like Kleenex called taschenTucher, a
fifth of Canadian Club for 18.75 DM ($4.69 US). This is the cheapest
I ever found - price in Brookline is $7.07. Bought a Paris edition of
the New York Herald Tribune. 0.60 DM (15c US), 4 bars of bitter-sweet
chocolate, 2 rolls of cream filled crackers called Prinzen rolle (0.50
BM each). Had a beer and later a cup of coffee and a piece of fresh
fruitcake. Then I went into the movie to see Jerry Lewis in a comedy
about the police force. Before going to the movie, I walked
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across the street to the hotel Post and made reservations for a single
with shower for five days beginning Saturday, Oct 22. Rate 19 DM per
day ($4.75). Very nice hotel and handy to the RR station for the boat
train on Thurs Oct 27. So back to my room at the little hotel (6.50
DM) per day. Worked on my log, read the paper, and just about ready
for dinner.
Sun Oct 16
Into town a little later than usual - cold drizzly day. Made 10
o'clock Mass at St Johannas. Walked around a bit had a bite to eat
and went back to my room. Ate my dinner here, read the paper and
watched the German TV.
Mon Oct 17
Up about 8 o'clock, had my breakfast (a soft boiled egg, a pot of
coffee, a fresh bun, 2 slices of rye bread, butter and marmalada) at
the cafe. Nothing doing around here so caught the bus into town.
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Shopped around for a pair of shoes - most of the Germans wear narrow
needle-pointed shoes which I could never wear. Found a pair at last
which are more of a blunt toe. Paid $20.00 US and they look like a
pretty good shoe. Looked around a bit more and then went back to the
little hotel.
Tue Oct 18
My routine here is plenty regular - get up about 8 o'clock, have
breakfast about 9 then then read the New York Times and the German
papers - go back to my room and dress for town. This must be the
coldest town in Germany. If it isn't raining or foggy, or cold and
windy, then the sun may show for a few hours but it has no heat.
Today was no exception. Went to town as usual but did not spend too
much time out doors. Went to the movie at the RR station - an
American western with German dialogue (I think my ink is running out)
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Weds Oct 19
This is a big day in Bremen - it is the first day of a celebration
called Freimarkt (pronounced Fry-mark). It lasts until the 29th of
Oct. Similar to Munich's Ocktober fest. The whole city goes wild.
They drink beer and eat brautwurst like you never saw. Bands are
parading and playing all over town. They have a mammoth fair or
carnival in back of the RR station. I never saw anything like it.
It' so huge that you cannot take it all in on one visit. But can
these people eat and drink. They are what are called knife and fork
eaters - the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right. They
never lay either one down until the plate is empty. No bread, no
coffee but plenty of beer. I finally got tired and went back to the
hotel.
Thurs Oct 20
After fruhstuck (pronounced free
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stick) went back into town to watch the excitement. People get so
excited when a band strikes up a tune that they dance right in the
street. In front of the hauptbahnhoff (main RR station) a big caliope
plays all day long. It has angels on it and each one plays an
instrument. It attracts huge crowds. Went back to the fairgrounds
and the crowds were terrific. They have everything here - many ferris
wheels and merry-go-rounds, hundreds of stands of all kinds, shows,
cafes, candy, baked goods - any kind of sausage or wurst you want and
beer til it comes out their ears. Finally got tired and got the tram
for home.
Fri Oct 21
Spent the day right here getting ready to move out tomorrow morning.
Got everything packed and will leave for hotel Post in Bremen between
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10 and 11 o'clock. I will be just across the street from the RR
station and will make it easy to get the boat train to Bremerhaven.
Sat Oct 22
Moving day! Up early and showered, ate my breakfast, then back to the
room. Got dressed for town, paid my bill at the hotel here - came to
57.20 DM or $14.30 for 8 days; about $1.79 per day. Not bad! Had the
owner's wife "Rufe" (call) a cab, said goodbye and was on my way. Car
fare was just under $2.50. Have a nice room with steam heat, a
shower, toilet and sink with hot and cold water. However this runs to
just under $5 per day. Still not bad. Will be here for 5 days.
Leave early Thursday morning for Bremerhaven and board the Bremen.
Sun Oct 23
Slept in a little later today. Skipped breakfast and walked up to St
Johannas
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church for 10 o'clock Mass. Still cold and damp. After church had a
bite to eat - 2 cups of coffee, and felt better. Wandered around for
a while. In the market square they erected a big musical water
fountain with colored lights. The water dances with the music and is
really a pretty sight. Here you can buy many kinds of fish including
herring, eel, sardines and many smoked fish. The people eat them
right at the stand. The pickled herring is very good. I did not try
the eels. They looked snakey. After bit, back to hotel Post and
caught up on my notes.
Mon Oct 24
Slept in a bit today. Had fruhstuck at the hotel - a soft boiled egg,
fresh rolls and bread, a pot of coffee with butter and marmalada (3
marks). Overcast day - no chance for pictures. Strolled around town
for a while
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and later took in a movie. Afterwards ate at the RR station. Towards
evening, back to the hotel.
Tues Oct 25
Had a good sleep, showered, dressed and had breakfast at the hotel.
Not much to do - just wandered around - bought a few small items and
returned to the hotel. Got my wash together, gave it to the maid, and
should have it back tomorrow morning. Weather still damp and cold.
Wrote a letter to Nell and brought her up to date on schedule.
Weds Oct 26
The sun was shining when I woke up. Got dressed, had breakfast, and
took my camera with me. Got a few pictures in town and then went to
the Freimarkt fare and snapped a few more. Had lunch at the station
and then back to the hotel to pack and get ready to leave early in the
morning. My laundry was back so I
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packed both bags, drank the bit of Canadian Club left in the bottle,
and left a call for 6 A.M.
Thurs Oct 27
Getaway day! I was awake at 5 A.M. So got up and showered. Stuck my
labels + tags on both bags and was downstairs at a quarter to seven.
Had fruehstueck, paid my bill and took a cab to the North German Lloyd
baggage room.
Shipped both bags to the Columbus Pier in Bremerhaven, bought a first
class ticket on the Boat Train (7 marks) and also received an
embarktion(sic) card. Sat in the waiting room until 8:30 A.M. And
then walked over to the R.R station (5 mins.) Found a good seat on the
train and worked on a cross-word puzzle in the N.Y. Times while we
rode to Columbus Pier. This was a ride of just under one hour. On
arrival we went directly on board the Bremen.
Found this ship to be much larger than
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the Europa. Located my cabin on the port side, amidship and
introduced myself to the only one there. This man's name is Willy
Schreck who had been visiting relatives in Germany + was returning to
New Jersey. The two of us have the cabin to ourselves. The cabin has
three beds, but the third one is not occupied, so there is plenty of
room.
Later went up on deck, snapped a few pictures and watched them make
ready to cast off. At 12 noon sharp they got under way, with flags +
banners flying, the crowd on the pier waving + cheering and some of
the passengers crying. Its both a happy + a sad farewell.
After leaving the harbor, the Bremen dropped her pilot and sailed out
into the North Sea. From here to the English Channel there is a good
bit of traffic, ships coming and going in all directions. We stopped
off Cherbourg and picked up passengers and also off Southhampton Eng.
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
Click here for pictures on the Ship Bremen
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I asked for the first sitting in the dining room + lunch was served, a
little late at 12:30 P.M. At my table there was only one other
person, a man from Pgh. who lives in West View. His name is Anthony
Hotovec. He was born in Wien and came to the States when he was 23
yrs old. He's about my age and we got along great.
Fri. Oct 28
Up early as usual. The first sitting for breakfast is 7:30 A.M. The
food is wonderful and more than you can eat. Lunch is at 11:30 a.m.
And is a full course meal. Dinner at 6 P.M.
Got acquainted with the ship today, making a tour of all decks.
Sat Oct 29
The weather is sunny + warm, which is surprising to me after Bremen.
We set our watches back one hr. at midnight last nite, so had an
extra hours sleep. For breakfast I ordered grapefruit juice,
scrambled eggs + bacon, a pot of coffee, fresh rolls with butter +
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marmalada and that was about all I could eat.
At lunch I had roasted caper, potatoes, cauliflower, salad, fresh roll
with butter + marmalada. For dessert apple cake with whipped cream
and then coffee.
Dinner tonight is called welcome dinner and is something special.
Will in be the dinning(sic) room in about a half hour from now.
Sun Oct 30
Weather sunny + warm and sea calm. From 12 noon Fri. To 12 noon Sat.
We made 350 miles. Total to date 350 N. M. To N.Y. 2681 N.M. Wind
S.S.W. Smooth sea Baro. 30.36 Temp 53.6 Hum. 69.
Arose at 5 AM and made ready for 7 o'clock Mass on board. They use the
theater for all services. After Mass right down one deck to the
dinning(sic) room, for breakfast.
Warm, sunny day and seas remains calm. All deck chairs occupied.
pg 130
Temp ranged from 54 deg to 59 F. Barometer 30.36 + steady. Humidity
from 64 to 92. Days run 568 N. Miles. Total to date 918. Still to
go 2113 N.M. At 12 noon, Lat. 50 deg 52' N Long 25 deg 31' W
Mon. Oct 31
The last of Oct.! Six months since I left Brookline. Time sure flies.
Got some pictures of the ship today and at 1:30 P.M. We made a tour
to the bridge. Very interesting. Officers showed and explained all
the gadgets for steering + running the Bremen.
The wind has picked up a bit and the sea is choppy. Later on towards
evening it got rough. Days run 565 N.M. Total 1483. To N.Y. 1548
Tues Nov 1
Rough seas Temp. From 55 to 61 Baro 29.91 Humid. 79 to 91
Nov 1st. Hope I will get home before the snow flies.
pg 131
If the weather holds we should be in New York on Thurs Nov 3rd.
Around 1 P.M. Very nice weather so far. Today the Sun is shining and
the air is cool.
The mileage made today was 554 N. Mls. Total to date 2037. Still to
go 1003. Latitude 46 deg 28' North, Long. 52 deg 54' West. Slight
sea. Temp. 41 deg F Baro. 30.51 Humidity from 72 to 80.
We passed the coast of NewFoundland and could see some of the
mountains, but of course they were quite distant.
Wed Nov 2
Also saw the lights of two ships on the horizon tonight.
Up at 6 A.M. And strooled(sic) on the prom. deck until the breakfast
gong sounded. Sea is rough today and expected to get worse tonight.
Port holes have been closed and everything tied down tight.
All passengers busy getting their bags packed + baggage ready for the
morning. I am shipping my trunk + two suiter to Pgh. Will carry the
small grip with me.
pg 132
The ship rolled quite a bit during the night. Went to bed about 11:30
P.M. And slept real good. Days run was 536 N. Mls. Total to date
2573. To N.Y 467 N.mls. Latitude 42 deg 18' N. Long. 63 deg 51' W
Temp. 52 to 59. Baro. 30.57 to 30.18 Humidity 77 to 93 Rough Sea.
Thurs Nov 3
If the weather holds we should dock at pier 88 in N.Y. At 1 p.M.
Busy day aboard. Baggage all brought up on the prom. deck. About 11
AM caught our first sight of Long Island at a distance. Later when
entering the North River, the U.S. Customs officers came aboard to
examine all papers. This takes some time, as we have to line up +
have all our documents looked over. The customs then gives each
passenger a landing card.
Two tugs assist the Bremen to the pier (88) and they start to unload
the baggage. No one can leave the ship until all baggage is on the
pier. Here they group it under the initial of your last name.
pg 133
About 1 1/2 hrs. Later the passengers started to debark.
I was carrying my small grip and my trunk + the two suiter under V
about the center of the pier. Now you must wait beside your luggage,
until a customs officer comes your way. You hand him you(sic)
declaration card, open all trunks, and hand baggage and hand him your
card. He reads the card and then looks through all your luggage. You
are allowed $100.00 free of duty. (Mine was under $73.00)
When you have a US customs stamp on each piece, you must get a porter
to haul it to the express co. Who will handle the shipping. In my
case, I sent the trunk + two suiter to Pgh. I then left the pier with
my small hand bag and got a taxi to the YMCA on W. 34th St.
Fri Nov 4.
Got up early, had breakfast at the Y and then took the subway down to
the battery. After looking around I found State St. + the broker who
is handling my car. He told me the VW came in on the Freighter Nov 3
and
pg 134
was at a pier in Newark N.J. He put me in touch with another firm who
would arrange to bring it to Pgh. These people were located on W.42nd
St. So again on the subway uptown.
Sat Nov 5
Found the place + made all arrangements. They will pick it up at the
pier, pay the duty + deliver in Pgh.
I had bought my R.R ticket at Penn Station on Friday and would take
the 1:30 PM train to Pgh. Packed my small suitcase and walked over to
the station, which is just one square away.
The train was not crowded and had a double seat to myself. Coming
over the mountains, saw some snow between Altoona + Johnstown. Right
on time at Penn Station in Pgh. Nell + Gayle were on hand to welcome
me home. And believe me, I was glad to be home again before the snow.
So the journey ends and so does this log.
vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv
Click here for Welcome Home Pictures
pg 135
P.S To the log (For those who don't know the Pittsburgh song)
I'll return to the city
That is built among the hills
Where the smoke is always curling
From those old rolling mills
See the steamboats on the river
They are chugging to and fro
Where the old Monongahela
And the Allegheny flow.
1966 Europe Diary