The Windy Wilsons: Burg Altena with the Whole Clan!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Burg Altena with the Whole Clan!

We picked up Ray's parents from the Frankfurt airport and managed to get everyone's luggage into our rental van. Not only would our Audi wagon not work for the sitting arrangement, but it wouldn't have enough area for luggage if we hadn't upgraded. The van we got was called a "bus" and it sure looked like one! It seated 9 people and had just enough room for the luggage.

Since daylight is always limited and we're constantly fighting to see things before dark, we changed our plans for the day and instead headed back to our area (about 2 hours from Frankfurt) and visited the local castle, Burg Altena. It's really fantastic and Ray & I visited this one a few months ago with our tutor. It's the small town's biggest attraction (obviously) and the closest castle to us (about 15 kilometers). The castle first began construction in the 12th century and has since been renovated as all the rest are. This region of the world is particularly heavy in manufacturing wire and much of the inside boasts chain mail. Part of this castle at one point was used as a hospital, and it was also home to the world's very first youth hostel-- opened in 1912. It still has a hostel on the grounds, but it is not in the same location.

Getting up that steep grade on the right with ice on the ground was no-so-fun for our van, but we made it! The below photos from here on out are a combination of my Mom's, mine, and my Mother-in-law, Kay's photos. I wanted to show a little from everyone and our points of view.

Here's the entrance...