Sorry for the lack of updates...
It’s been really difficult finding reliable internet access that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg.
My pictures are also all on my laptop, so until I find a wireless network or a way to get internet onto my computer, I won’t be able to upload any more pictures.
I’ve been at Schloss Sommersdorf for the past two days, and it’s been really quite pleasant. I’m in the Gothic Room, which is this enormous bedroom + sitting room on the third floor of the “new” part of the castle (new as in… 16th century, maybe? I can’t keep the dates straight in my head). It’s a little bit scary at night, sleeping in a room the size of my entire apartment in Philadelphia, but a nightlight helps a lot.
Last night was the castle tour and candlelight dinner, hosted by Baron (Dr.) Manfred von Crailsheim and his wife Baroness Lilo (apparently in German you say [i]Baronin. The castle is quite an amazing place, and I wouldn’t want to spoil the fun if any of you ever decide to come here… so let’s just say that you get to meet some of the Baron’s ancestors!
The dinner itself was wonderful—I ate way too much—a rather traditional fare of vension, sauerbraten, spätzle, sauerkraut, pear w/berries, and hot raspberries/red berries on ice cream. All of this was then followed by coffee and schnapps!
We also watched a short TV clip from Extreme Homes (I think it runs on the Home and Garden channel) that featured the castle in Sommersdorf. Quite entertaining if you can find it online or something—drop me a comment or an email if you do.
