Schwarzwald: Carousel Organ

I visited the small town of Triberg located in the Scwarzwald or Black Forest, in Southern Germany. I have attached a few photos from the Black Forest Museum of an organ from a carousel. It is about 8 feet tall and 15 feet wide. You can see two drums, the circular painted objects on the front. Most other instruments are behind. Three of the figures are shown as well located on a shelf above the organ. What I thought was very interesting is that the music is played along the same line as a player piano. In this case the music comes off of a continuous folder sheet of heavy paper. One of the photos shows the paper feeding into the reader mechanism on the right side of the organ. The other photos shows the boxes which hold different sheets of music. OK, son, now go get me the music to Edelweiss! There are many additional organs that have wheels on the back that the operator would turn to play the music. Most were able to be placed on a small cart and transported to different events. And the operator would grind out the music while he might also have a monkey entertaining the crowds. I will post some more about Cuckoo Clocks and the wood carving in the museum as well as the longest water fall in Germany also located in Triberg. Auf Wiedersehen!

Zirndorf, Germany

Yesterday, 8 Nov 2008, I went to a town where I was stationed with the Army from 1972 until 1975. The tonw is named Zirndorf, and is located just west of Nurnberg, Germany. First of all, let me say it. I can't believe how much it has changed. There, now that's done. The army post, Pinder Barracks or Pinder Kaserne, was turned over to the Germans and is now called Pinder Park. all of the old buildings have been torn down, and replaced by modern office space and affordable housing for the area. I have attached a couple of photos of the main entrance gate and the gaurd house outside. I lived in a barracks that was attached to the right side of the Clock Tower Main entrance. Those are the only two remaining structures from the original base which was initially a German Army Kaserne since befoe WWII.

While in the area, I completed a 10Km Volksmarch around the forests on the outskirts of Zirndorf. Volksmarching is a great way to get out into the towns and countryside for a short organized walk of 5, 10, 20 or even 42 kilometer distances. There are international clubs that organize both permanent or year round walks, as well as live events that are on just about every weekend at different little towns. A great way to get out and experience the Frisches Luft! (Fresh Air)

I have included a few photos that I took along the path. At one area, I heard what sounded like wild boar. And, by golly that was what I found when the path turned the corner. I was grateful they were all penned up as part of a display to re-introduce them in to the area. They used to be a favorite animal to hunt. The first one I saw, actually came up to the fence where I was standing, wagging its little tail. Still not cute enough to really want to reach through the fence and scratch the hair on its chinny, chin, chin! Let the Big Bad Wolf eat these guys! LOL!:)

One still very colorful tree was just on the edge of the woods next to the train track. So, you get to see that as well. I am impressed how the German people take responsibility for their actions, and don't over protect things to make them so safe where you have to really try to get hurt, then you sue someone anyway. For the most part you see parents teaching their children to be careful around the streets and train tracks, and it works, and without alot of frivolous lawsuits. Just a thought, as the walking/bicycle path paralleled the train track for about a kilometer with not much between them. Saw plenty of people but not much wildlife. I found a tree stump that had some cool stuff on it, so you get to see that as well.

I enjoy the Volksmarches as it is an inexpensive way to get out and enjoy the countryside, get some exercise and great for the mind as well. There are Volksmarches all around the US. I believe Dallas has quite a few.

Take care, and get some Frisches Luft!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Dad

Halloween Roundup

Here's the scary monster cupcakes that we made for Christian to take to work. I think they turned out a little more cute than scary... He added all the antennae. Then we went to a Halloween party with a little mix-up. We had to bring costumes, but then we drew names, and someone else had to wear our costumes. The stick figures below are the costumes we brought, and in the front of the picture you can see Christian and I. We were Japanese tourists at Disneyland. (See the Mickey ears?) Thanks John and Diane! We had lots of fun!

I participated in a Volkslaufe or "Volks March" in the town of Langenzenn on Saturday 1 Nov 2008. The distance was 11 Km or about 7 Miles. It took 2 hours and I had a great time as the weather was crisp, very crisp yet dry and clear which was "Ausgezeichnet!" or outstanding. Here are some of the photos I took along the way. Some nice artwork for the address of one house; some lucky stork yard art, a couple of statues someone had in their backyard, a gaggle of geese, in this case one twelvth of a gross, a tower of a church, and the center of the town. Here, you can benefit from the photos without having the tired feet.