Travel Tips - Germany

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Iphofen

July 24, 2000 4:27 PM
From: James W. Collins, Major USAF Jim.Collins@nellis.af.mil

Hi,

I've been travelling around Europe for 15 years or so, and was a tour guide in Germany for the past 3 while stationed there. I'm asked frequently about three things:

Do German women shave their legs/underarms? (Yes, I'm asked this ALOT)
YES THEY DO
What's it like on the Autobahn.
EXCELLENT.
Oktoberfest.
The Munich one is okay, if you like drunk Americans, but one that's pretty good AND a lot of the locals attend is the STUTTGART Bierfest at about the same time as Munich's. Speaking of which the Augustiner is better than the Hofbrau Haus.

July 29, 1998
Iphofen

From: Mark R Basanda MARKB10@prodigy.net

My wife and I returned from Iphofen late Tuesday night and just wanted to let you know what a great time we had. You're "right on" with your descriptions of the village and the accommodations..

We planned solely from information obtained on your web site. I must say that staying in Iphofen and using it as a base for day trips was not only enjoyable, but also practical. We probably spent about half on our hotel that we would have spent in a larger city. And, we could leave the hustle and bustle of places like Wurzburg and Bamberg in the evening and return to the quiet confines
of this walled village.

Also, renting a car rather than riding the rails was less expensive, not to mention more convenient.

We had to make some adjustments in Iphofen that we weren't used to in the larger German cities, in particular the fact that no one there accepts credit cards. (We usually utilize our credit cards as much as possible when traveling, saving cash for emergencies and "small" items like tipping.) Luckily, I had checked with the hotel in advance on that issue and had brought plenty of cash.

The food in Iphofen was wonderful, as was the wine and the service. My wife was especially fond of the backchen at the Goldene Krone as well as the ample breakfasts; interesting, since her normal fare in the morning is toast and coffee. It was tough for her to resist the freshly baked bread, however.

We explored the town quite thoroughly, even went to Sunday mass at St. Veit's. I'm convinced that the pews in the middle ages were designed as a form of pennance,
since you can't sit back without considerable discomfort in the form of a board in the middle of your back. We found the same situation at the Dom in Bamberg on our
last visit.

You were also correct in stating that little English is spoken in Iphofen. I found the solution however, in
some interactive software called "German Now" by Transparent Language. It immerses you in the language and teaches you phrases and sentences instead of
grammar. When you think about it, that is the natural way to learn, and that's the way we learned language as children--no grammar until we went to school! Anyway,
I noticed a major difference in my ability and had a lot more confidence. My wife even was impressed in the difference. I would recommend the software
wholeheartedly! (Details on the software below.)

All in all, this was a very memorable trip and your web site was extremely helpful in planning a most enjoyable getaway. Really want to extend our appreciation to you for bringing Iphofen to our attention via your Web site. Many thanks!

Mark and Marsha Basanda

Language Software: "German Now"

Transparent Language, Inc.
22 Proctor Hill Road
P.O. Box 575
Hollis, NH 03049

Phone 603-465-2230
FAX 603-465-2779
E-Mail Info@transparent.com
Web site www.transparent.com

The tutorials show a video in one corner of the screen. On the other side is a printout of the video, with each sentence highlighted as it is spoken. At the bottom of the screen is the English translation. You can stop the video, repeat individual sentences, phrases, or words, or even slow it down for hard to follow sections. I bought my copy at Barnes and Noble, and I think I paid around $80.00. They produce a comprehensive series of language courses in about a dozen languages. I would recommend checking it out, since, like I said, it helped me tremendously.

October 15, 1998

From: Lynne de Sherbinin
Time: 1998-10-15 05:21:54
Comments: Hi I'm a transplanted US'er living in Koeln (Cologne) Germany for 3yrs. I was doing some research on Wurzburg and ran into your site..Iphofen has been one of my favorite places. I'm taking my parents there in Nov as well as Wurzburg and Munich.

But you failed to mention the Claussen-Winntzheimer Weingut & Pension where I have always stayed ... dopplezimmer (double rooms) are max. 50 DM with breakfast and a fair amount of wine tasting.

Address: Muhlenweg 1, phone: 09323/3477 Fax: 09323/6776.

The family has had a vineyard for 6 generations and will let you taste their wine willingly. The woman who runs the place is Frau Claussen and she speaks little English, but charades work well. I was there in '94 when they were just getting organized. I understand now they have a small apt. along with approx. 12 rooms of differing sizes. You must bring your own soap and washcloth like many of the othe places I've stayed in, but it is clean and she offers a nice breakfast.

[If you're worried about language problems booking a room here, the tourist office will help you.]

Iphofen

Mon, 21 Jul 1997 07:47:37 -0700
From: Jane Christensen Jane.Christensen@asu.edu

Just wanted to give a big THANK YOU for the Iphofen recommendation!

When my husband & I arrived at the train 'station' at Iphofen, I thought, 'This must be a mistake!' It was deserted and industrial looking. We walked along the pedestrian path and felt our way to the center of town, to the Goldene Krone (great food, nice people). What a pleasant surprise! We had an amazing time from the kindness of the tourist office person (Frau Krug, at the time) to the wonderful food and wine. Your recommendation was right on target.

Sadly though, some young people that we talked to did not appreciate the precious beauty of Iphofen and yearned to leave the small town.

Funny, because we wished that we never had to leave. Our time there was too short and unfortunately we did not go bike riding or go to a Wein Stube. So, there's reason enough to return!

Again, thanks so much for sharing this jewel with us!

[Good points -- thanks to Jane's observation future visitors to TWEnJ will find a more complete description of arrival at the train station.]

Jane Christensen

Iphofen - Part II

Tue, 29 Jul 1997 07:57:42 -0700
From: Jane Christensen Jane.Christensen@asu.edu

I would like to clarify one of my statements regarding German youth.

Kirk & I again took your advice ate at Weisses Ross. A low ceiling, working men at the bar, warm lights, very cozy. Our waitress did not speak English and was very patient with us. We ordered bratwurst for an appetizer and the 1/2 roasted chicken (get it, if you haven't!).

Somehow we communicated to her that we would like to share the bratwurst. Out came two neatly divided plates. We were shocked because in the States usually you get either a surly waitress or a surcharge for an extra plate. We leisurely enjoyed our meal and almost forgot about the chicken.

We were surprised when she served it to us. "You expect us to eat all this too?!" Well, we did. It was outstanding with crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. (The only possible 'problem' with this dish is that it takes 45 minutes.)

Now for the real story...Our waitress introduced her daughter to us at the end of the meal. Karina is 15 and studies English. She practiced some of her English with us. We told her how much we like Iphofen. Well, Karina jumped up, ran over to the bar and returned with an English version of the Iphofen tour book. She, then, paged through it, explaining the buildings and showing us where she & her mom live. What a little tour guide! It was so sweet of her.

Kirk and I were so touched by her kindness that we told the waitress-mom that we'd surprise Karina with a postcard. Yesterday, we mailed out an Arizona postcard to Karina c/o Weisses Ross.

Jane Christensen

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