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Thursday, July 31, 2008

Exploring My Fatherland

Today - we took a drive to two places close together - just north of Stuttgart.
town.

First - we went to the Porsche Factory and Museum. Admission was free
but the museum was small. They are building a giant new museum right now that will rival Mercede's and BMW's museums. It only took an hour.
or so.

Next we went to Ludwigsburg - it was the capital of Wurtensburg Duchy - from a long time ago. Duke Ludwig Eberhard found the city and also built his palace there. The town has a street named Eberhard - and a big statue in the busy town square of Eberhard.

The palace is beautiful and all original. It was built around 1700 - but it is all original - floors - walls - and furniture. The palace is very ornate - to my surprise. Generally - German architecture is stark - but we all go through our flowery periods. Keith said it looks like it was designed by a girl. I must admit the outside has some breathtaking colors that play well there - but might appear gaudy in Tallahassee or Tamaqua. Eventually Wurtenberg turned into a kingdom and a 450 pound - 7 foot tall - Frederick was made king. His wife was a quarter tonner two.
When they married it was called the Wedding of elephants.

This palace housed 1800 people - more than Henry VIII's Hampton Court. This palace seems light and airy compared to the castle-like home on the Thames.

Friday - we have an all day to tour - then we catch our light flight back to London. We have one week left before we go home.

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