MetaFilter posts tagged with Germany and travel

Well, I'm running down the road trying to loosen my load

netbros — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 21:00:44 -0800

A few years ago when I was visiting Alaska, one of the more interesting portions of the trip was the 45-minute drive from Anchorage to Girdwood along the Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet. This is one of the world's rare bodies of water that features bore tides, an amazing scene. The highway is one of only 15 roads in the United States that have been designated an "All-American Road." What about some of the world's greatest highways? There are many roads all over the world known for their scenic beauty and stunning vistas. Following are a few that I came across ... some I've even been on. Great Ocean Road, Australia The Amalfi Coast, Italy B9 from Koblenz to Bingen, Germany Iceland Ring Road Blue Ridge Parkway, Virginia and North Carolina Pacific Coast Highway, Big Sur, California Columbia River Highway, Oregon There are hundreds more great roads and highways the world over. What are some of your favorites?

Auf Der Walz.

Effigy2000 — Thu, 14 Dec 2006 18:11:44 -0800

Since the Middle Ages, German craftsmen have gone 'auf der Walz' (taken to the road) as part of a kind of working-pilgrimage that artisans make after completing an apprenticeship with a master craftsman. These travels are meant to teach them about work and life and takes precisely three years and one day; they are not allowed to return home before this time. The trip can take these young craftsmen and women (all must be under the age of 30) halfway around the world (and often does) and they are allowed only a small rucksack. Other than that, they can bring along their uniform (a simple black and white affair that almost defies description), their tools, undergarments, a sleeping bag, a book and their trademark walking stick.

Although today this is a dying tradition, and is often more traditionally known as being a Journeyman today, it still exists and has inspired some to write about the strage travellers they see on the road. Indeed, perhaps the most famous work this tradition inspired is Australian poet Banjo Patterson, whose work Walzing Matilda is believed to have been inspired by this fascinating yet waning custom.

The Thousand-Year Spa

matteo — Fri, 29 Apr 2005 06:20:13 -0800

Hotel Godwin. Five-star luxury in Berchtesgaden, Hitler's mountain retreat.

Propeller Island

Feisty — Thu, 01 Apr 2004 19:23:45 -0800

Propeller Island City Lodge "Universal Art Objects & Hotel"