Wartburg Castle, et al

I got up early enough to snap some pictures of the attractive and comfortable Heinz home in Haiger, Germany.  This was Botho's parents' home, built by his father after the war.

Water garden

Functioning back yard train track that Botho built for his two sons.  Botho's father was a railroad man.

We left their home this morning around 7:30 a.m.  We breakfasted at a McDonald's "McCafe" (very nice, very upscale, very much different and nicer than most US McDonald's).  Our first stop was "Point Alpha", said to have been the most dangerous spot on earth during most of the Cold War years, 1945 to 1989.  During this period American soldiers kept a tense watch on Russian and East German soldiers positioned mere yards away, across the line that divided Germany into East and West.

American Guard Tower

Russian tower across the line

There were flashpoints, certain to create an incident if violated.  Bringing armaments past this point was one of them.

We arrived at Wartburg Castle near Eisenach around 1:00 p.m.  This site's main distinction (among many) is that Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German here in the year 1521.

Castle watchtower

The Great Hall, with seating for over 300 then (16th century) to now.

Martin Luther translated the New Testament into German in ten months at this desk.

This coat of armor was on display in the castle's excellent museum.

Wartburg Castle

The four of us enjoyed a late lunch of a Thuringia sausage on a roll with mustard while walking in the old and picturesque city of Eisenach.  Johann Sebastian Bach's birthplace is there.  There is also in this city the Luther House, where Martin Luther went to study Latin from 1498 to 1501.

Delicious!

J. S. Bach

 

  Bach's Birthplace

Luther House

We also visited this beautiful church in Eisenach.

Bach again.

"A Mighty Fortress is Our God"

Martin Luther

As we drove along the Autobahn, we passed three castles.

Leaving Eisenach, we traveled to Erfurt, where we enjoyed a spendid traditional German dinner together in a sidewalk cafe.  We are spending tonight in Friedrichroda at the Haus der Stille, a private Christian retreat center which serves as one of Botho's frequent teaching venues.

We heard the magnificent sound of a huge pipe organ played here!

 

Erfurt Plaza, where we ate our evening meal.