Up in a hill, in the city of Koblenz, is Fortress Ehrenbreitstein. It was built in the 11th century. It suffered a one year siege by French troops, capitulating just because of hunger. In the 19th century the Prussians turned it into one of the most powerful military constructions of Europe. It was called the Stone Guard at the Rhine. Unfortunately we could not visit it. It is closed until next year, when it will host a fair.
We left Koblenz travelling South. We visited Marksburg Castle going in a tour inside. It was built in the 14th century. The importance of Marksburg is due to the fact that it is complete and protected as a medieval bastion. There, we learned that it was common for the knights to drink 5 litres of wine per day, since the water was very bad. But the wine was not strong, perhaps similar to American beer. Tea was just for sick people, whereas beer was for the poor. Children would dring wine too from an early age. Interesting times.
Affer visiting Marksburg, we went to Maus (Mouse) Castle. As the picture below shows, it is essentially in ruins, but there is an eagle and falcon show run by an old fellow. We watched it. Interesting, but we could not understand a thing since all explanation was in German. The only few things we understood was that the eagles eat chicken (he called them "McChicken") and that one eagle's name was Herman, the German. The funny thing is that the eagles would fly far away and the poor trainer had to keep calling for them using a loudspeaker. "Herman, come back you rotten schnitzel!"
I also understand now why eagles are found in so many flags and insignias. The Europeans have a fascination for eagles.
No comments:
Post a Comment