Castle Veldenstein - with a Halloween twist
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Castle Veldenstein hasn't always been used for such benign purposes, however. Hermann Goring (yes, that guy) actually grew up at the castle, even constructing a bunker in the castle wall just prior to the start of WWII. You can read a full history about the castle by clicking HERE.
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When I was growing up, Halloween was one of the best holidays a kid could ask for. What? I get to hang out with my friends, dress like a vampire, and get to go beg for tons of free candy? Sign me up! Even when I'd far surpassed the dress up age, Halloween was always a good time. In high school, it was egg fights and after egg fight parties. In college, well, I don't remember those Halloweens too well. Must have had some fun!
While living in Japan, Halloween was almost non-existant. I do think I remember seeing a package of that fake spider web stuff, some silly string, and some Dracula teeth at a Circle K that was near my house - and fireworks. Lots of fireworks. It took some getting used to, but the Japanese seem to use fireworks for almost every occasion deemed important. Like, say, 'Tuesdays."
I never got too many trick-or-treaters at my cabin in Alaska. The first Halloween I spent in the great white north fell on a day that decided to be -30 Fahrenheit. Yes, that is a minus sign in front of the 30. In interior Alaska, trick-or-treating still does take place, regardless of the weather. For some reason, the most popular costumes seem to be those where you can dress as warm as you want. I mean, there is nothing cuter than seeing a 4 year old girl dressed up as, "north slope oil rig worker". Ah, doesn't she look precious?
Halloween is a holiday that is picking up in some European countries. Many of the bars, pubs, and clubs where I live in Germany host Halloween parties now. When I first arrived six years ago, perhaps only one or two establishments did so. Hey, nothing says Halloween like a little sauerkraut and some weisswurst. Bob for apples? Nah, bobbing for pre-formed balls of headcheese floating in a washtub full of Weißbeir is much more fun!
This year, Halloween should be taking on a brand new meaning for my wife and I. With our twins being nearly 9 months old when the holiday occurs, there isn't a lot we can do with them yet. I don't think they'd enjoy the techno music, nor the smell of hundreds of cheap colognes mixing together with the stench of alcohol sweat, at the Josefhaus. I've got a feeling, though, that my wife is going to have some fun playing dress up with them on that evening. I just hope she still lets me have my backyard pagan bonfire......
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Siena and Névé in their pumpkin hats |
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