Claudia got me thinking with her question, "What is the greatest state in the US"? And I was just wondering, where would you chose to live in Europe and why?
Mine would be Waldmohr, Germany....my wife is too undecided. I'd have to be a rich man to be able to live in all the towns she would like to.
My daughter and I call St. Goar our other hometown. We did not know until recently our maternal ancestors came to America in the 1730's from the Palatinate region. Now we know why we feel so comfortable in this area of Germany.
Even though my hometown is a few kilometers upriver, I now live and work in Krems, Lower Austria (Wachau)
and have to nominate it for my choice.
It is relatively small, about 23,000 inhabitants and one of the oldest towns in Austria, over a 1000 years old. Traditions are alive and well here in Krems, yet it is also modern and quirky because of two international universities and countless international companies, not to mention the many visitors from all around the world, and our diverse population.
The center of town is lovingly restored, a true beauty, and continuing its proud tradition as a trade town, is chock full of stores.
Every Friday and Saturday all the farmers come from the outlying villages to sell their produce and flowers on the two farmers markets right in town.
The Wachau region is known for its high quality products and culinary delights, it is pure joy to do the food shopping here.
Krems also boasts an excellent infrastructure: 5 municipal bus lines, and Postbusses (rural) too many to count, the Wachau Bahn, regional train to the West, and to St. Pölten and of course, Vienna (1hr) away. Not to mention the ships. The district hospital, schools, academies, whatever your heart desires.
Culturally Krems is nearly unsurpassed, the cup runneth over here ;-)) Music, museums, exhibits, two movie theaters, every day the listings take up pages.
All this, nestled in the vineyards along the Danube river in one of the most beautiful riverscapes of the world, framed by nearby castles and abbeys.
And last but not least: we have a wonderful climate, the Wachau is known for its almost mediterranian micro-climate. And of course, the wine flows freely :-))
http://www.krems.gv.at/system/web/zusatzseite.aspx?menuonr=218454324&detailonr=186158735
Wow! I'm ready to go!
West Coast of Ireland. It's all about the Guinness and the blood line.
No doubt - Paris! It's all about the wine, the food, and the blood line!
I would choose Wiesbaden, Germany. My grandparents and mom lived there. They had a large villa in the 'music composer' district. Love the place.
Although... I don't know why in RS's Germany/Austria guidebook he discourages visiting Wiesbaden, saying it's not worth it.
Maybe Rick is keeping Wiesbaden all to himself. There are a whole bunch of places in Germany that either don't get mentioned or sort of dismissed. Sad actually. Do you know how irritated I was, when I found out there was a whole page talking about the Eros hotel in the red light district and not one word about the Holocaust Memorial in Frankfurt? What about Heidelberg? Really pretty town. It isn't any more filled with tourists than any other touristy town. It does not make any sense to me, but they aren't my books, and I haven't gotten any memos yet asking for my help (though that would be fun!)
Jo,
you are absolutely right!
RSs books and tours merely scratch the surface and bypass 90% of Europe. Pure logistics, I am sure!
I have always had the distinct feeling that RS is not an Austria fan: besides the obvious stuff about Vienna and a quick drive-by through the Alps or the Wachau, there isn't much enthusiasm. I suspect that he lost his heart in Switzerland, and that is perfectly okay! ;-))
That's where we come in, right??! :-))
I travel to Frankfurt here and there (Messe), and would have never really thought to explore it much beyond the surface. Now, thanks to you, I can't wait to!
I'll be dropping by YOUR place for tea one day soon! :-))
Oh gosh yes. I would like to meet everyone on here. I would even go out to the airport and pick people up. Have thought about making myself an official Rick Steves greeter for Frankfurt. I think it is fun to meet people from the forum here. My apt. is tiny thought, so we might have to go somewhere else for that tea. How about here?
http://www.apfelwein-wagner.com/
or here
http://zumgemaltenhaus.de/speisekarte/english/english.html
Though the drink of choice there is Apfelwein.
I much rather have a glass of Apfelwein (never tried it before!!), and the place looks lovely! :-))
Jo, I too enjoy Frankfurt and look forward to some time there in Sept. As Frankfurt is where many of Rick's tour members land, I am surprised he does not spend at least one day there as the city has so much to offer. Also maybe you will let me buy you lunch or dinner and tea while I am there in Sept. Would be nice to meet a regular poster that has so much info and helps so many on this site.
Its a deal! See you in September!
