Dachau Concentration Camp, Dachau, Germany

Miami Holocaust Memorial at sunset

My recent trip to The Miami Holocaust Monument inspired me to re visit my trip to Dachau Concentration Camp in Dachau, Bavaria, Germany. So a long post on Soulful Sunday.  My visit to Dachau enriched my life, and became a part of my story.

Dachau was the longest operating camp from 1933-1945. Located near Munich, Germany, where Hitler came to power and the S.S. Headquarters were held. It became a classroom for The Nazi S.S.  Other concentration camps were modeled after Dachau.

Ekhart Tolle, New Age Philosopher, taught me a “Collective Madness.” principle that has helped me to better understand our Mad Mad World. The Nazi era is a perfect example of how an idea can make sense to one person, the idea catches fire and is carried forward by a group of people and the momentum/madness seems to make sense and  grows.

On the path from The Visitor Center, there are helpful boards that explain the areas of the camp. Walking up to this famous gate was truly humbling.

“Arbeit Macht Frei” Work will set you free.

A close up of the entrance gate. “Arbeit Macht Frei-Work Will Set You Free” This philosophy took the camp from work to horror, and under this premise helped to hide the madness happening inside of these walls. Welcome to Hell on Earth.

Jourhaus

Jourhaus

This area held the main office of the S.S. camp personnel.  It was the gate for entrance and exits to and from Dachau.

After passing through the gate,  I walked into a large courtyard that is called “International Memorial;” Each part of this visitor experience is so very well thought out and full of symbolism.

Taking the same path that the prisoners once walked is pretty humbling.

Written in many languages; “May the example of those who were exterminated here between 1933 and 1945 because of their fight against National Socialism unite the living in their defense of peace and freedom and in reverence of human dignity.”

The granite courtyard s sloped downward to signify the hard  labor  of the prisoners in the quarries. The downward slope signifies death and suffering.  At this low point there is a place for memorial wreaths. Very interesting to read the ribbons on the wreaths.

Death and Humanity

While walking on the path, this next sculpture gets larger. I literally felt a certain heaviness.

The sculpture shows barbed wire, posts and a ditch, a symbol of the perimeter security. Human skeletons symbolize prisoners who jumped on the fence to commit suicide.

At the lowest point of this walk, a new sculpture unfolds.

Patch Symbolism Art and Sculpture

This sculpture is of triangles that are attached to a chain.  The chain showing the connectedness of the prisoners. This part of the monument recalls the triangle badges that marked every prisoner as of 1937. Political prisoners including the likes of Catholic Priests. Royalty form Bavaria, Russia and Prussia wore the red badge, professional criminals the green, emigrants the blue badge, race polluters had a black outline. the yellow badge was for Jewish prisoners.

This memorial does not show the long and mad list of prisoners called “The forgotten one’s.”  Some examples of these folks are; emigrants, Jehovah’s Witnesses wearing purple, moving on to German and Polish Jewish, Roma and Sinta.  Black badges were for people who were called asocial or “work shy; alcoholics, prostitutes, pacifists, anarchists, writers and scientists. And pink badges for homosexuals.

NEVER AGAIN

“Never Again”  written in five languages; Yiddish using Hebrew letters, and in French, English, German and Russian. An urn with the ashes of the unknown concentration camp prisoner lies before it.  On the side of the monument; “This monument was erected in honor of the tens of thousands of martyrs, who died here as victims of National Socialist tyranny and was dedicated on September 8, 1968 by the Comité International de Dachau.”

In the permanent exhibit building, I felt the prisoners/people personified.  I saw their story through personal belongings,biographies, family photos and letters. I followed the path from how they came to be at the camp, admission process and their ultimate journey to horror,death or liberation.

The exhibit does a fantastic job showing the progression of the madness. Broken down into three chapters.

1. 1933-1945 shows the movement of holding terror over people, from political opposers into  the work camp.
2. 1939-1941 work camp to killing fields. those no longer able to work were killed, executions, and medical experimentation.
3. 1942-1945 with liberation at the end.

Thought Provoking

Thought Provoking.

Back outside there is a site next to this building where the often long roll call happened in the outdoor elements.

Barracks

There were once 34 barracks meant to hold 6500 prisoners.  At the time of liberation, there were 30,000 people in the camp.  Gestapo Chief Heinrich Himmler ordered  “No prisoners shall be allowed to fall into the hands of the enemy alive.  Just before liberation on April 27, 1945, with the prisoners on the inside, the buildings were nailed shut and set on fire.

Two barracks have been reconstructed for a glimpse of how this camp looked.

bunks

bunks

lockers

toilets

I did feel a bit trapped, and stepping outside I walked along the road which had the 34 barracks. The stone footings for the buildings are still in place.  Each building was numbered to show it’s former purpose.

Surrounded by the towers that housed that guards.   I remember thinking how could such horror take place in this peaceful and beautiful place?

At the end of this long field, there is are religious memorials and to the left there is a path to the Crematorium area.

The Mortal Agony of Christ Chapel

Mortal of Agony Christ Church

Interior

Polish priests who survived  the camp, dedicated a plaque on the back of the chapel to remember the suffering of Polish prisoners in the concentration camp. there were fresh flowers hung on the day that I visited.

The Jewish Memorial is made of a black volcanic stone and stands out against the other white buildings.

Full of symbolism, slopes downward and a noticeable light shines through from the ceiling.

Carmelite Convent

There is a working Carmelite Convent (above) and a Protestant Church of Reconciliation.

As I walked toward the Crematorium area, I was able to get a good view of ‘No Man’s Land.”   Suicide happened by people jumping on the fence or being shot by the Guards.

Walking towards the Crematorium, I stopped for a moment to catch my breath.

Thinking stop

This accidental snap made me remember that I felt  very heavy hearted and needed to put my boots on the ground so to speak.

curious

Walking along the camp road, I was curious about the spires of an Orthodox Church

After I crossed over the small bridge, the Russian-Orthodox Church came into focus.  There was a service taking place when I visited and I respectfully stayed back.  Apparently, there is an icon showing Christ leading the prisoners out of camp.

Russian Orthodox church

Before entering The Crematorium area, I took in this statue.

Statue

This statue is called “The Unknown Prisoner”  and the inscription reads; “To Honor The Death, To Warn the Living.”

Nothing can prepare you for entering into a human oven. In April, 1945, American soldiers found countless corpses piled up at the 24/7 busy crematorium. The photographs of this scene went around the world and showed the scale of Nazi horror, persecution and extermination.

Gas Chamber.

Because there were so many bodies being burned, another Crematorium had to be built.  This is the older one of the two.

41,500 deaths were documented.  It is known that thousands more died here. But the total murdered will never be known. (This number thanks to The Visitors Guide from The Bavarian Memorial Foundation)

In the beautiful woods nearby, you are able to stroll down a path.   I was jolted at the stops by how violence could have taken place in beauty.

There is the grave of thousands of unknown.

Execution Range with blood drainage ditch.

How to de stress autobahn style

ONE!

MEGASTARS ***** I give Dachau 5 MEGASTARS   This place is FREE minus the 3€ parking fee.   This amazing experience reminds me of why I travel.

1. Yes, Dachau is a depressing, sad, haunting, horrible place. However, everything about how Dachau shows itself to this strange side of our Universe is extremely well done. Honorable, Powerful, Tasteful and mind bending. VISIT. 

2. It is our responsibility to (ensure) that collective madness will STOP.  NEVER FORGET. Practice PEACE, work towards PEACE and IMAGINE!.  Start within yourself. Realize that we are all the same species.  It is simple. 

3. See further photos on my Instagram  https://instagram.com/kickingthebucketlistwithmeg/

4. There is a fantastic Visitor Center at the site.  A cafeteria is on sight.

5. Eating a lot of Bavarian food and beer? Check out the 45 minute walk along path from train station to Dachau.  Educational signs highlight important points.

6 .Miami, Florida, U.S.A.   has had the largest population of Holocaust Survivors. The Holocaust Memorial located on South Beach, Miami is a good stop.

Tickle Tongue Tuna Napoleon-City Grill, Montgomery, Alabama #5

Tuna Napoleon-City Grill in Montgomery #5 or #95 on the Countdown.

*100 Dishes to eat in Alabama before you die is a compilation of food to chow down on Bama style. Thanks to Tourism Alabama, www.alabama.travel my Alabama bucket list just became a little easier. I am going to have some fun while making my way like Ms. Pacman, in yet another state that I call home. Download the alphabetical brochure that begins in Abbertville and ends in York. From the little old diner to the white cloth joint, it is an opportunity to explore and experience pride in the food from restaurateurs who are dedicated to local food with some Alabama style.

This week marks the 50^th anniversary of the 50 mile march from Selma to Montgomery. I do not have a profound connection to my experiences on the “Alabama 100” list.  On this Tasty Tuesday, I highlight a Montgomery dish in honor of this historically significant event.

. While not a food critic, I I am Meg, I  know what turns my crank and this dish rocked my world.   I have been on a good streak of great food in Alabama.   Thus far, I would put this dish on the top of my list.  Well, I might have to start categories of favorites. That pecan and peach pie in Clanton were also on top of my list.

English Style-not your average strip mall

Low lighting, modern, clean – serious food!

The Tuna Napoleon is described as “diced sushi-grade tuna with avocado and miso vinaigrette –is enough to haunt any sushi lovers dream for days.”    I just don’t know how to best describe this dish;  A near religious experience, made my palette juice, haunting?  Why yes, all of those things.  Dedication to local food done right.

And the Angels Sang

Come to Mama

City Grill is described as $$$$ American, Steakhouse. It is one of Montgomery’s fine dining restaurants. It is modern, clean with professional service. The food menu is A la carte. I was able to have a fine dining experience, and check off a dish on my Alabama 100 list.

Here are some other dishes that I tried and I would shove them in my face again.

Roasted Beet Salad-Small but mighty!

This Caesar Salad had magic dust in it..YUM!

Fresh baked bread-delish

Fried Eggplant topped with Jumbo Lump Crab Meat & Tarragon-Butter Sauce

Nightly Specials fresh seafood!

Great balls of ice cream, scotch , espresso and mint. RUKM?

Outstanding  I give this dish 5 MEGASTARS *****

MEGATIPS*****

1. Do NOT miss this dish.
2. The fried Eggplant topped with jumbo  lump crab was an appetizer deserving of more MEGASTARS
3. It is A la carte, and plan on choosing a side dish to compliment your entree.
4. City Grill has a great reputation. I went on a Tuesday evening and did not make a reservation. Be aware that you may need one.
5. Bring your wallet and have fun!

“Sauntering Selma” Selma, Alabama

A monumental historical event is about to occur in Selma, Alabama. Selma is all the rage right now, Oprah does a movie and the world notices. One day, a few years back, luck took me to Selma and I had a few short hours to experience Selma.  Hate, courage, fear, triumph and hope. 

 This March, 2015 marks the 50th year anniversary of another time when Selma, Alabama was in the national spotlight.  Mass demonstrations were held for the purpose of voting rights for African-Americans.  A march from Selma to the Alabama capital, Montgomery on March,21,1965 was led by Dr. Martin Luther King.  The events which took place during this time led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.  

Check out the history and stories behind the culmination of events. Visit, saunter and change. 

-“Trouble with you is the trouble with meGot two good eyes but we just don’t see” Jerry Garcia

Selma’s song is both ugly and beautiful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The name Selma, means a throne or high seat. Taken from a collections of 13th century poems “The songs of Selma.”   On the banks of the Alabama River and located next to the Edmund Pettus Bridge, this park is a great spot to begin this tour.  

Plaque on Edmund Pettus Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

Before the historic March 21,1965 march led by Martin Luther King and on a sunny Sunday afternoon, 600 marchers, walked over the arch of the Edmund Pettus Bridge who were singing “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around.”  They were met by Alabama State Troopers and a Sheriff with his posse on horseback. They were given two minutes to return to their homes or church.  When they did not move, the troopers hit the marchers with nightclubs, whips, rubber tubes, kicking those who went down and then to add more horror to the scene, the posse rode full on into the crowd.  To mention, they were wearing gas masks and hit the crowd with a wave of teargas.   A news crew happened to be on the scene, and these images were shown in homes across the country. Outrage ensued. This was a huge and pivotal moment in the voting rights movement and  called “Bloody Sunday.”

For my USA friends who are non alien beings, most of us have seen photos. Great place to stand and think.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Tuesday March 9th, 2000 “Turnaround Tuesday,”  peaceful marchers marched over the bridge where the previous Sunday’s blood was shed. Leaders knelt down to pray and turned around. Later that evening, one of the leader’s  named Rev. James Reeb was killed by an attack on a Selma street. There is a park near the Voting Rights Museum that commemorates Rev. Reeb and others who died in this quest for basic rights under the 15th Amendment.     After Turnaround Tuesday, the injunction against the marchers  right to protest was lifted, leading the way for the historical march on March 21.  4000 people left Selma for the 54 mile march to Montgomery.  

 

Other things to see in Selma include; historical neighborhoods, architecture and more.   

Jesse James slept here.

 

 

 

 

Historical significant buildings. This is the only existing example of a river hotel left in the State of Alabama.

 

Architecture and shops

 

 

 

 

 

 

Art and Museums

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Live Oak Cemetery is on The National Register of Historic Sights.  Bucket list in a bucket list!  My pick for a must see.

“Quintessentially Southern Cemetery” PJ

 

 

 

 

 

Out of the earth comes a child

Eternal Sit

 

WTH? Missing the bust

WTH? Is it on someone’s mantle?

 In 1865, one of the last Civil War battles was fought in Selma.  One of my friends recently summed up her take on the cemetery as “A Quintessentially Southern Cemetery.”   Suffragettes, artists, soldiers and leaders.  This place has it all. 

I like to goof off. I like to make fun of things and have to admit that this subject has given me pause and a writer’s block.  Just today, the injunction against the back and forth struggle in Alabama for same sex marriage was lifted. There is absolutely nothing funny about human inequality and the continued inability to play in the same sandbox. I have my one usual word; ONE. The end.  I give this place 5 megastars *****

I have a thing for graves and took lots of pics. Check out my Instagram for more photos at; kickingthebucketlistwithmeg

Megatips- If you can get to Selma-Do it!

1. Check out Lemon Pie at Downtowner and New York Strip at Tally-Ho. Both places are on the list of 100 Dishes To Eat In Alabama Before You Die. I was not playing this game when I visited and can’t wait to try.
2. Do NOT miss the cemetery. *****
3. Make sure to make your first stop at The Visitors Center on Selma Avenue. The Park Contact Station at 816 Selma Avenue can help guide you and answer questions. Great walking maps and informational pamphlets.
4. Good to know; If you are a poet, the 13^th century poet who wrote Songs of Selma is called Ossian.
5. Many upcoming activities are planned including a visit by President Obama to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of the historic 54 mile march from Selma to Montgomery.  http://www.nps.gov/semo/planyourvisit/calendar.htm

#3 Historic Hot Dogs-Chris’s-Montgomery Alabama-A Short Megabite

*100 Dishes to eat in Alabama before you die is a compilation of food to chow down on Bama style.  Thanks to Tourism Alabama,  www.alabama.travel  my Alabama bucket list just became a little easier. I am going to have some fun while making my way like Ms. Pacman, in yet another state that I call home.  Download the alphabetical brochure that begins in Abbertville and ends in York. From the little old diner to the white cloth joint, it is an opportunity to explore and experience pride in the food from restaurateurs who are dedicated to local food with some Alabama style. 

#3 or 98 “on the 100” This wiener is a hot mess

Hot Dogs, hard work, legends and hootch.  Chris’s Hot Dogs is located on historic Dexter Avenue in Montgomery Alabama. I would suppose this hot dog joint made it on the “100 list” due to a long run.  Having been in existence since 1917, a host of characters came through the doors during historical events, including prohibition. 

Historic Dexter Avenue

Crossing this off my 100 list was fun.   I had won a raffle that included 4 free meals at Chris’s. I had great company and then there are the wiener jokes.  My 12 year old inner self loved this visit.  Know that I held back my real thoughts; I tried to keep it clean but be forewarned.

Historic hot dog’s

The story goes that Chris came to the USA from his home country of Greece. He went through Coney Island and settled into Montgomery Alabama where he had family that operated a restaurant.   His experience with wiener stands at Coney Island gave him a great idea and he struck out on his own selling newspapers and hot dogs.   Over time, the window grew to a counter and in the 1940’s a dining room was added and wieners were at one time, sold 24/7.

So I walk in and immediately realized that I was in another dimension.  I saw a host of interesting characters sitting at stools who all glanced at us as if we were one of the third kind.  An uncomfortable moment as I caught a glimpse of the nasty filthy dirty sauce festering in an area where the food is put together.     On the upshot, I had to pause and realize that all it takes to make a legacy is a burner and a grill.   I admire that.

Because of this proximity to the Alabama Capital, many politicians sat at the counters alongside families.  It is reported that the likes of Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks, Elvis, George Wallace, FDR, Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah are among the patrons.  The walls are lined with articles and a few photos of politicians and some celebrities, as well as notes to the owners are on display.  The most famous patron was Hank Williams, who reportedly was kicked out late night many times.  There are no photos of that. As far as Whoopie and Oprah, I have to wonder if this is urban legend, and if not, what they might have thought.  Oprah was recently on this street shooting her next film “Selma,” so this visit is plausible although, the news reported where she ate and I did not see Chris’s mentioned.

The menu is basic greasy spoon food.  I ordered the Chris’s special hot dog which is your basic hot dog served on a basic bun with mustard, kraut and Chris’s special and legendary sauce. And, if size matters to you, there is a special with two dogs in one bun.   For $2.50 you get about 6 inches of goodness.   

Wiener, you are a hot mess!

I am going to go out on a limb and say that this one was not in the wieners circle. The many reviews were nearly as entertaining as the visit.       The reviews fell into two categories; nostalgic love and extreme disgust.  A few of the quotes;“Past its prime,” “depressing bygone relic,” “don’t use the bathroom before you eat,” “Hank peed here,” “run down and dirty but clean enough to apparently pass an inspection,”“tired décor and cleanliness not a priority.”   On the nostalgic front, I heard violins, singing angels, and aliens. For example, one reviewer wrote, “A magical experience.”     Yes, that is true, if you are a stoner.  More accurately would be, “hats off to skirting health codes and inspectors.”  Having said this, quite possibly, this could be a perfect place to go after bars.  Take note, they close at 7 p.m. folks. Better yet, if you love Budweiser, history and wieners,   make this your daytime go to place.

Or, drink where Hank actuall “is”

This is the second time that I have been disappointed while visiting places on my “100 list.” I can only imagine what this place could be with some TLC and pride. In fact, It would be such a fun place to have. I read some reviews from people who travel to Alabama from many places in the USA and from all over the world. IYIKES! Alabama has so much to offer. Check out my MEGatips. 

I sadly have to give this place only * MEGastars for Nostalgia and a good time. 

 My Wiener Buzz-

 MEGatips

1. Want a great hot dog at a fun place?  Try the food at The Montgomery Biscuits Stadium. There is some dog gone good wieners and biscuits there.  And DO NOT miss those biscuits!
2. What is considered a 7 course meal? A hot dog and a six pack.
3. What has 100 teeth and eats wieners? A zipper
4. Why were the hot dogs shivering? Because they were served with chili.

Walk Like A Garrison Ghost Through A 260 Year Old Fortress

Suomenlinna, Finland

While trying to get to as many U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Sites as possible, I stumbled across this gem.  After eating and drinking my way across Helsinki like Ms. Pacman, it was time for this girl to take a walk, a long walk.  I went off by myself to “collect” a heritage site.   Perhaps I expected a boring museum walk, but I literally was blown away with the natural beauty of the fortress and Suomenlinna will always remain in my memory as one of my favorite visits.   I am not a photographer in any sense of the word but every once in a while, I get home from a trip and the photos seem to take on a life of their own.  I literally took hundreds of photos that take my breath away. Myself, a nature lover, one can see park like settings, migratory birds, sea, boats, ships, meadows and cliffs.

I know that there is Google and Wikipedia but here are a few quick helpful facts: Suomenlinna is technically in the district of the city of Helsinki located on a group of islands just off the shore of Helsinki.  Built on a cluster of six rocky skerries,historically and geographically, the place was extremely important as a sea fortress for defense of Helsinki and this city’s first “aquatic superhighway.” Like any hot property, it was fought over and became the property of three sovereign states.  Built by the Swedish in the 1700’s  and called Sveaborg, it fell to Russian Rule in the 19^th century lasting 110 years,  and finally in 1918, the Finnish era began.  The island was given to the Ministry of Culture and Education in 1973.

 A U.N.E.S.C.O world heritage site in 1991.  A truly unique monument of European military architecture of the times.

The only way to get to the island is by boat.   There is a public transit HSL ferry crossing leaving from Helsinki port and near the awesome market.  The trip in and of itself is a trip; an opportunity to see Helsinki from the sea.

A short 15 minutes and a visitor center is available when you get off of the boat. Suomenlinna Museum has interactive touch button exhibits that help give a quick overview.   You can do this at your pace and interest. A car free zone, with exception for work vehicles. I found it very safe and one finds guides and signage along the way. Maps are available.  Bikes are allowed but on roads only.  In my humble opinion, it is best seen by hoofing it.

The superb visitor website states that there is something for everyone, I completely agree.  From the; six well done museums, art, cafes, history, breweries, an interesting and operating Church,  submarine Vesko museum, tunnels, graves, buildings, dry dock and one picturesque natural landscape.  I also note that there are dozens of historical sites underwater.  Dive anyone?     The top three sites according to the Visitor website are; King’s Gate, The Great Courtyard and The Dock’s.

King’s Gate

So what if it was built for a King to walk through.  amazing place to hang and take in the gorgeous views

Just another view, no big deal!

Historic buildings and a museum surround this area, which were damaged in the Crimean War of 1855.

The Great Courtyard-grave of Augustin Ehrensvard. Historic buildings and a museum surround this area, which were damaged in the Crimean War of 1855.

Dry Dock

The Docks one of the oldest dry docks operating in Europe still used for repairing wooden ships.

Here are a few other things that I was interested in. I loved watching cruise ships sail through the Kustaanmiekka strait. On the day that I visited, there were many private boats and it was so interesting to watch. 

Yep, this is for real!

The Jetty Barracks has a recording studio, a post office and is operated by The Helsinki Arts Asociation. It holds high quality arts of the contemporary art exhibits. It also houses the Suomenlinna brewery and a café with some mighty fine smoked fish!   I did not go into The Suomenlinna Prison camp memorial 1918-1919 but if I return, I sure would. I was not there when an event was held but there is an open air theatre with plays, live music.  A Military Museum with weapons for you Ted Nugent fans.   A Custom’s Museum which one can learn about smuggling.  And since I lost a bottle of Salmiakki Koskenrkova at customs, clearly I should have checked out that exhibit.  

I like things that go boom!

Submarine Vesikko is also a museum-cool!

Suomenlinna Russian Orthodox Church. I was pretty well fascinated with the place. Built in 1854 as a military church per Russian Emperor Nicholas I.

Lions

   The church was originally Russian in style with five onion domes.  Later surrounded by stone walls, chains and cannons.  In the 1920’s the church was what I call “remuddled” and converted into an Evangelical-Lutheran church. Four of the domes were removed. 

 And yet, I understand the religious differences.  There is beauty in simplicity and it is history.   It is what it is. The church steeple doubled as a lighthouse for air and sea traffic.  Now, I read that it is popular for weddings and seats 400.

For me, the highlight was the picturesque views every which way my path turned.

From the collection of a UNESCO Heritage Site to the historic buildings

Great Architecture

To the beautiful ships, landscape and sea.

Sauntering about in this most picturesque place and pondering war and humanity, reminds me to spread peace for we are ONE!

Look-A Real Shire!

And I like things that make me laugh!

Coolest toilet EVER.  I have never felt so safe doing my busineess!

Megatips: Bring a camera, sit on the can in an underground toilet. Plan for a couple of hours it is a great walk and lots of photographic opportunities. Check out the museums.  Stop at the market before you catch your ride and pick up a lunch to eat at King’s Gate while watching ships pass by or check out the brewerey.  Leave no trace.  Contemplate peace! Go a bit off tourist season/times and have the whole place to yourself. Guided tours are June-Aug. Don’t miss the Ice Cellar a shops area for the arts in the basement of the Jetty and the arts and crafts shop located on Susisaari island portion (right by pier). Plan on spending the day.  Do visit the website to figure out what might interest you and then do that or not.

I put a few more pics on my instagragram-Amazing place to take pics

http://instagram.com/kickingthebucketlistwithmeg

Can;t visit in person? Check out the webcamhttp://www.suomenlinnaskyview.fi/

Visit Suomenlinna

http://www.suomenlinna.fi/en

Prepare To Meet Your Maker-Kentucky Bourbon Trail Maker’s Mark

I am really fortunate to drive through beautiful Kentucky frequently.   The Kentucky Distillers Association formed the Kentucky Bourbon Trail in 1999.   With eight distillers’ to visit, this trail is done right.   Just this December of 2013, the Association welcomed Wilderness Trace to the trail making eight in total.   The websites are loaded with great information.[i]  This visit to Maker’s Mark was by far my favorite tour.

Welcome to Historic Maker’s Mark-Master Distiller’s Cottage.

 My husband is highly interested in bourbon, whiskey, whisky, stills, distillation, and overall production process.  I have gone along with him on many a spirits tour in both the U.S. and Europe. It sometimes gets complicated for me to follow.  I am not the Bourbonista and I let my technically minded husband listen.  I like to look at the awesome barrels, the flowers outside, the distillery store with the pretty bottles, and in this case, the amazing Kentucky people and countryside.  However, visiting all of the distilleries is now on Meg’s Bucket List. So fun!

Check out the details. Color and shape of bottles-Perfecto!

I can’t remember Jack but here is some of what I learned and will probably forget.   There is whiskey and there is Bourbon. Then, there is whiskey and whisky (that is for another blog).  All whiskey isn’t Bourbon but all Bourbon is Whiskey.  Then there is Kentucky Bourbon. Got that? Now that is just this Kentucky visit.  Add in a million factors like water, climate, barrels and words like mash, rye and barrel time and my mind wanders, I just want to know one thing, what gets you from 0-101 real fast?

Bourbon is America’s only “native spirit”, and 95% of it comes from Kentucky where historically the iron-free water filters through the geographically unique limestone, which to sum it up, some say is the deal.  There are principles and Federal rules which must be followed to make this fire water Bourbon.  It has to be: distilled from at least 51% corn, It has to be aged at least two years in *AMERICAN NEW, charred oak barrels (*shout reasoning-this is differs from whiskey distilleries in say Ireland, which I have visited where they buy barrels from KY), it has to be at least 80 proof, no additives, no flavor or coloring.  So clearly it is a healthy beverage.

Even when my mind wanders, I learn something new and mind expanding at each stop.   On this tour, one is shown everything from the grain delivery to the finished product. The place is immaculate, very well preserved with loads of history.  It gained a well deserved spot as a National Landmark in 1980.

BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS AND SETTING!

I had to wonder if this may be partly due to funds that come with corporate ownership.   Maker’s Mark is corporate owned having been bought and sold a few times.  Currently owned by Beam, Inc., the award winning small batch production is still overseen by a member of the Samuels family, who bought the place for $35,000 in 1954.  Previously known as Burk’s Distillery, it is the oldest operating distillery in use and located in the state of Kentucky. It dates back to 1805.  Getting up there for this continent.

Visitors have come here since 1958.   The Quart House claims to be America’s oldest retail packaged liquor store and the grounds boasts the world’s only trapezoidal bridge*,

a fire house with a truck and The Distiller’s House. The original gristmill built in the 1800’s is still being used to house the roller mill which crushes the grains, huge cypress tubs full of sour mash and five story column still.     In 2002 when the production expanded it was done by replicating existing 19^th century equipment.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, I like that.  I like this saying that I saw on a sign: Maker’s Mark…“it is what it isn’t.” Simple.

The tour did a great job of highlighting the unique production of Maker’s Mark.  When Mr. Samuels bought the distillery, he threw out the recipe; and along with his wife, experimented with his recipe by baking bread made with barley corn and wheat combinations to get the exact recipe.  His only advice when he passed the distillery onto his son was; “Don’t screw up the whisky.”

I learned about the ingredients which start with pure limestone spring water that comes from an amazing spring fed lake on top of a hill located on the property giving calcium rich water important for the cooking grains and sour mash process.  Gentle winter wheat is used vs. rye.  The wheat is from farm’s that have been handpicked and have the same sort of limestone soil content as the springs at Maker’s Mark.   The red winter wheat allows the bourbon taste to sit forward on the palate of the tongue.

200 yr. old cypress tanks-You are able to touch and taste.

Cypress tanks some have 200 year old cypress woods.  These were used in the fermentation process before metal tanks. You get to stick your hands in the bubbling cauldron and taste.  (photo)

The barrels are highlighted as unique to Maker’s Mark.  Oddly, I was really interested in this subject, so hang with me while my guitar gently weeps.  Like a baby, the barrel maker’s must store their wood outside for a timeframe of nine months and unlike a baby, inclusive of one summer. The belief being that the bitterness in the tannins of the wood is decreased, critical to the character and flavor of the unique taste.  The barrels are then charred for 40 seconds which opens the pores in the wood and caramelizes the natural wood sugars.  At Maker’s Mark they taste often and the barrel tops are crafted to make frequent tasting easier.

Maker’s46 Unique Staves

The very unique barrels used for aging the Makers46 use 10 French Oak Staves and are charred more slowly.  46 is aged to taste and not for a specific amount of time.    Creamy. Perfected  so that it does a soft dance on your tongue. It is created from the original Maker’s Mark.  (maybe a pic)

The tour highlights; a bit of the grounds, the distillery house, the printing press where the labels are handmade, the bottling center, one of the many rick houses, the beautiful tasting rooms and of course finishes in the gift shop.

In this room, the guide gave a great crash course on tasting, describing where each spirit will land on your tongue.  I was blown away by how accurate this was.   They present a flight of four.  You begin with 1. Maker’s White, a one day old and clear. It is called “white dog” and is only for sale at the distillery.  2. Maker’s Mark full matured.  3. Maker’s Mark over matured.  4. Maker’s46

Flight

To me, the Makers 46 with deep notes of chocolate, cinnamon, and berry like taste, was bourbonarific.   Enlightenment never tasted so good. My purist husband preferred the classic Makers Mark.   Leaving the tasting room, they have a barrel tray with bourbon covered chocolate.   Perfection.

Lastly, the amazing gift shop.  It would be easy to make fun of a gift shop but it was really great. For the collection, my husband bought his own signed bottle and got a free lesson where he was able to dip his bottle in the signature red wax.

Other unique facts; Maker’s Mark has the youngest Master Distiller in the industry.  The red wax took a long time to develop and is melted at a high point of 350 degrees so that it can shelf.  Maker’s Mark is Whisky not whiskey.  One can become and Ambassador which gets your name on a barrel. Follow your barrel from beginning to finish. When it has matured you are able to purchase hootch from your barrel. Ambassadorship comes with a few other perks, what genius marketing. The barrels used once in production are sold on the free market.  In Scotland, 95% of their barrels are bought from U.S. bourbon makers.  While researching on you tube (true that), I learned that the practice of using staves is banned in Scotland,[i] The U.K. and much of Europe.  Explaining perhaps why The U.K. was the number 1 importer for Maker’s Mark.  For you architecture enthusiasts, there is a trapezoidal bridge in Indiana that also boasts to be the only one in the US.[ii]

Megatips; Just go here!  Being a dip is cool here-dip your own bottle for fun.  Do not plan to go boozcrusin, these roads wind quickly and are already lined with crosses.   Go there at Christmas time when the place is dressed up.  Make sure you have looked at route on your GPS. Take in the Ky countryside.  I give this place 5 megastars*****

Thanks to P.F.Leahy once again for the clever title of the post.

References:

1. [i] http://kybourbontrail.com/

1.  http://www.connosr.com/distilled/issue-4/the-rules-and-regulations-that-helped-shape-scotch/

1. [ii] http://www.historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=truss/triplewhipple/

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“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”-A Packer Girl travels for New York Giants vs Green Bay Packers

I realize that every passionate sports fan has a story about a team that they adore.   Me, it is a bit like Nationalism, and fate sometimes puts you where you live.  But I am a proud Packer fan.  I especially like NFL history and the story of how it all began.  The Packers first met The Giants in New York in 1928.  I want to give you a quick background on Packer fans so that you can better understand my visit. The Green Bay Packers have one of the most loyal fan bases in the NFL.  It is a fact and not fiction.    The season ticket waiting list in Green Bay is approximately 81,000.   It is common practice to birth your baby and get them on the wait list.

Tile at Lambeau for my Father. Thanks to my sister.

The tickets are literally willed to family members. This is how I got mine. My Dad put his name on the list in 1964.  Sadly, my Dad died before the year 2000 when his number came up, so to speak. Lambeau field has been sold out since 1960.

Lambeau field can be fun for the hearty type!

It is an outdoor stadium and they call it “The Frozen Tundra” for a reason. The fans are able to sit out in subzero temperatures and the stadium is full.  So compare this little town of 104,868 to other teams and in this instance the New York area.  Win or lose, Packer fans support their home team and love their franchise. The only team in the NFL that is owned by the fans, myself included.   There is that unique relationship with the team and the players, the fans travel in large numbers and they always have.

Fate did not keep me in Wisconsin. I love getting to Green Bay for the games.  I have a love-hate relationship with wanting to see the Packers play in every NFL stadium.  I think that much like travel it is enriching to see fans of other teams at their home stadiums.  However, some stadiums are friendlier than others.  I don’t think my skin is thick enough for some of the stadium visits so I have chosen a few which I hope to be fun. Hanging for a few days in New York City and seeing “The Pack” play on the field where the Super Bowl will be held was one fun bucket list adventure.

I LOVE flying into NY

I caught a cab from the airport to my hotel on 44^th Street, and got caught up in a death threat that was clearly a foreseeable omen of the tight coverage that was going to happen in the game.   Apparently the professional cabbie knows how to cut people off, but this time irritated the wrong person.  An enraged man with a baby in a car seat wedged the cab into a spot, got out and made death threats.  Punches were thrown and the dude kicked the snot out of the cab; it was a bit frightening but also fairly comical.

By the time my shock wore off, I missed taking video. Nobody puts baby in the corner, and we made it to the hotel with a laugh and a story.

Welcome to the Big Apple Margaret!

Downtown New York is always a fun trip. A hotel with an amazing view of the city, great food, an Irish Pub and a walk in Central Park, I could have stayed downtown.

Now that is a room with a view!

But since this blog is about football, let’s get to the game. MetLife Stadium is located “out there” in Rutherford New Jersey, so it was best to move to a hotel near the stadium.  The view is more New Jersey with the city skyline and the stadium.  There is a busy road and no walkway so one should catch the shuttles that run to the stadium.

You can;t go wrong with this view either.

I went early to look around the stadium.

I love checking out food.   Everything from the famous Nathan’s Hot Dog, to the Food Network Stand, at MetLife, New York represented.  It was really fun to sit and eat in the cold outdoor stadium while the players warmed up.  I felt at home.   I kept thinking of Jimmy Hoffa under the field and call me morbid, I like that.   I guess a guy has to rest somewhere.  It just seems so New York.

There was an obvious Green Bay contingency watching the warm up.  I felt great about what was sure to be a Packer win. Both teams have a history of championships. Green Bay ranks #1 while the Giants rank #3.  The Packers met with the Giants during five Championships with the Packers winning four. The Packers had just won two straight games on the road but then there was an elite quarterback with a broken collarbone and a lot of talent sitting on the sidelines and the game moves off primetime. So that happened.

Packer Nation Represents

Off to a Big bang!

Let’s just say things went from bad to worse in the game. I had to listen to “Back in the New York Groove” a nauseating amount of times. The Packers played horribly and lost.  Crushed.  The Giants fans that I was with actually felt a bit bad that the game was so humiliating. Although it was the first in a series of shocking losses, that happens.  Someone always wins and someone loses.

“It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.”-Vince Lombardi

For me, there was a loss on the field and then a loss from being somewhat disappointed by the losers who sat nearby and felt that they must make their superiority very well known. That sucks.    So having the gift of kind gab, I was able to tell a story which helped for a more civil time, for the rest of the miserable game.  Or they thought I was weird, I made friends.  I must say that overall, the fans around me were pretty great and wanted to learn where I came from.   I know that there are a few stadiums that would be miserable for an away game fan. I felt lucky that way.  I had fun.

Waiting in a freezing parking lot for the stuffed cattle like shuttles, with drunken people in my face doing the discount double check on a continuous loop kinda sucked.   I am accustomed to going to a stadium in a neighborhood where one can hang out near local restaurants, cars, food, beer and music, and then lollygag to your car when you so desire.  So this suck fest made me fall more deeply in love with my home town NFL stadium, where the atmosphere is more like a college town with a feeling of connection.

I had to wonder about difference in cultures.  Big city vs small town.  Could the difference be in the fear of losing season tickets that one will never be able to replace in this lifetime? Or perhaps where tourism as the number 1 industry in Wisconsin spills over into the stadium?   I am not naïve and know that there are idiots in Green Bay.  I have met the third kind.  Friendly banter can add to the fun of the experience but the world is changing, fans are getting beaten, stabbed and shot.  No longer the family friendly stadiums where people feel comfortable bringing he younger fan.  I worry that football in the U.S. could go the way of other International teams that have separate entrances and seating areas for fan safety. There is something to experiencing a loss in another stadium that makes me want to be welcoming to fans of other teams when they visit Green Bay.   I wish everyone could experience this.  I have learned in my aging years to be passionate but reasonable.

Megatips: See your sport in another stadium. MetLife is a pretty friendly place, go visit New York and take in some football.  Don’t ruin the fan experience for visitors.  Be an ambassador for your locale and welcome visitors.   Learn to operate your phone in order to film award winning altercations. Relax a little, we are all one people.

Thank you Dad!