FWIW this was the infamous scene that got Sean Connery and crew banished from further filming at Himeji Castle in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice." The media jumped to the conclusion that the Ninja were throwing their Ninja Stars at the actual castle walkway wall. In fact a dummy wall had been erected in front to protect the actual wall, or so the producers claimed after the fact.
In comparing the above filmed shot with mine note all the new buildings in the distance that have mushroomed up in the past 50 some years.
And here below is the location of the scene filmed along the walkway entrance to Himeji Castle where Bond learns from Tiger that he will be marrying a Japanese girl to solidify his cover as Japanese.
In comparing the 1966 shots with my 2024 shot, the setting remains intact and the same.
(One can also see in the very first photo the scene of the Ninjas practicing in th Castle's courtyard with below it yours truly standing in the same location backed by stone made lower castle wall.)
Finally, my photos of Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) there on the Himeji Castle grounds as it appears to have also been present during the filming.
Quad coaxial .50 caliber BMG mounted on a fast turret.
Those were built for anti-aircraft cover.
But in ground combat they were called the "meat chopper".
I'd give a weeks pay to get a bologna/tomato sandwich from there 30
years ago. Top it off with a bottle of RC cola and you have a Michelin
3 star meal. I miss those days.
Suggestions for What to See in Frankfurt on a Short Stay
Frankfurt is more a commercial center than a tourist destination so if visiting that can be a plus since its main attractions can be seen in a short time.
Frankfurt’s Old Town would be the best area to visit and within that area the most scenic and historic is Romerberg, the historical Market Square of Frankfurt. It is a gathering place for locals and tourists with a feeling of being in old Germany. The square’s fountain is its focal point.
Within walking distance is the close by river Main and on a nice day a walk along the River Side Promenade is enjoyable. One can cross over the mostly pedestrian bridge to the other side where Frankfurt’s multiple museums are located along the promenade.
This is also a good area to enjoy an authentic German meal. One place that gets good reviews is within a block of the Romerberg Market Square and is named Zum Standesamtchen at Romerbereg 16, 60311 Frankfurt an Main. Popular menu items include Frankfurt style Schnitzel, Pork Knuckle and Appel Strudel. In Germany our beverage of choice is apfelsaft, a uniquely German apple juice. One popular brand is Schaumberg Apfelsaft. A favorite dessert is Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce.
Another location in Frankfurt’s Old Town worth visiting is the city’s largest religious building, the historic Cathedral of St. Bartholomew or as it is commonly called, Frankfurt Cathedral. Built in the 7th Century it was completed in 1550 and has been rebuilt and/or restored at least twice since then. We were told that during World War II the allies made a point to avoid bombing it since they used its tall structure as a sighting point much as the Hawaii Temple on the North Shore of Oahu was used as a sighting point for the Japanese planes that bombed Pearl Harbor. That said there was much internal damage from fire during the war and the interior had to be restored. Although historically Catholic, at one point the city of Frankfurt became the owner and both Catholic and Lutheran congregations used it for worship.
For a longer stay one might want to reserve additional time to enjoy the above referenced museums or even add a day cruise along the Main River into the Rhine. If I recall correctly we took the route from Frankfurt an (on) Main to Koblenz which was quite scenic with its varied castles and vineyards.
Three Interesting Places to Visit within Two Hours of Driving Time from Stuttgart Germany:
First is the French border town of Strasbourg. While we have driven from Germany to Strasbourg, we were headed further distant so am not able to offer any personal commentary regarding the city itself.
That said, one can take a boat ride to admire the city’s medieval covered bridges, take a bike tour of Alsace, or even climb to the top of the Cathedral to see views of the city and the Black Forest.
Strasbourg is a two hour drive from Stuttgart.
Second is Triberg Waterfalls along with a scenic drive on Clock Road, or Clock Route. These are the highest waterfalls in Germany and to fully see them a hike is recommended as their 524 feet drop from the Gutach river above them encompasses seven cascades.
An interesting historical note is that when one visits the waterfalls there is a plaque, which was still there when we hiked to the falls, commemorating Ernest Hemingway’s 1922 fishing trip to nearby Elz River, a tributary of the Rhine close to the city of Triberg. His trip was a success and he had the local Parkhotel Where cook up the catch.
FWIW Hemingway actually wrote a story about the fishing venture that was first published in a Toronto newspaper. The story is titled, “Once Over Permit Obstacle, Fishing in Baden is Perfect.” It was later included in a collection called, “Byline: Ernest Hemingway.” The village near Triberg that he stayed at was Oberprechtal which it, and the nearby Elz river in which he fished, reportedly look the same today.
Out of curiosity I checked to see what would be entailed to obtain a visitors fishing license today in Germany. Apparently it is a much simpler matter than it was for Hemingway. Reportedly with a passport and passport photo one can get a 3-month visitor’s fishing license from any local town hall in Germany for a modest fee. (Not sure though if one needs an additional passport photo for the license but it would probably be wise to have an extra if so required.)
The above referenced German Clock Route/Road starts and ends at Villingen-Schwenningen, passing by Triberg Falls, St. Peter’s Abbey, and Lake Titisee.
The journey can also include a visit to the “Black Forest Open Air Museum” which preserves a farmhouse built in 1612 and a number of other Black Forest buildings that have been transported there. In addition there are farm animals, an herb garden, and exhibitions illustrating crafts and customs - sort of like a German Williamsburg. It is reportedly the most visited Open Air Museum in Germany.
Triberg is a one hour and 34 minute drive from Stuttgart using the Autobahn (A81) and a half hour longer by the scenic B27 route or a combination of A81 and scenic B294.
Third, is the walled city of Rothenburg ob Der Tauber. If at all possible one would want to time a visit here to include an overnight stay so that the “Night Watchman Tour” is not missed. It was well worth the experience in our view. The primary daytime activity for us was walking the medieval wall that remains standing surrounding the city.
There is no more picturesque and better preserved medieval city in Germany and a visit here is a step back in time. Rothenburg ob Der Tauber is to Germany what Venice is to Italy.
Given that Rothenburg ob Der Tauber is in Bavaria, I was surprised to learn that one can get to the city in only one hour and forty-one minutes via the Autobahn (A6) and almost as fast by the Autobahn (A81) from Stuttgart. When we visited we drove from the Bavarian city of Munich.
I can also add that an even closer place to visit to Stuttgart is the spa town of Baden-Baden. In the multiple times we have traveled to Baden-Baden it has been to stay at Schloss Buhlerhohe, a historic mountainside castle/spa hotel which closed the last time we wanted to visit, and may or may not have reopened. There are other spa options in Baden-Baden city itself but I cannot speak to them from personal experience. The quaint city of Baden-Baden is itself of some interest as a typical small German town.
A stop along Germany's "Clock Road:
Triberg Waterfalls, Germany's Tallest and its Hiking Trail:
Another place near Frankfurt to visit, Kronberg Castle (Schloss Friedrichshof):
Kronberg Castle
It is the site of the 1946 Hesse Jewel robbery committed by three American Army officers stationed in Germany, who got away with several million dollars worth of jewels and gold belonging to one of the royal families of Germany, the Hesse family.
The backstory regarding the above pictured Walking Sticks:
One has the option of purchasing special walkings sticks at the gift shop situated at the base of Mount Fuji. As one progresses up the mountain there are various stations where a wood burner is available at each to burn into the walking stick a charred stamping verifying one had reached the respective location level.
Having purchased the walking sticks (along with a pair of flashlights for the night climbing) we progressed up the mountain and dutifully had them marked at each upward station.
To make a long story short, after the climb on Mount Fuji we boarded the train headed for Okayama, our next destination in Japan. To get there we had to transfer trains at Tokyo Station where there was a time break. We took advantage of the coin lockers there at Tokyo Station leaving our luggage there for a brief period until our connecting train was ready to depart.
In our subsequent rush to board we forgot to take the walking sticks that we had placed in a corner of the room since they would not fit in the coin lockers.
Two weeks later we headed back by train to Tokyo to catch our returning flight to the United States. As we walked through Tokyo Station on the way to catch the Airport Express we passed by the coin locker location. Amazingly our two walking sticks were still there where they remained propped up in a corner of the room waiting for us after all that time!
Comments
Jane in the early '30s.
.
.
And all this time I thought the Hubble Telescope was really photographing outer space phenomenon.
Chicago skyline at night
Wisconsin Dells
Oahu North Shore
A Barber Quartet is made up of Nickels, Dimes, Quarters, and Halves.
Great trio! Fond memories at all three places.
Then (1966) and Now (2024):
FWIW this was the infamous scene that got Sean Connery and crew banished from further filming at Himeji Castle in the James Bond film "You Only Live Twice." The media jumped to the conclusion that the Ninja were throwing their Ninja Stars at the actual castle walkway wall. In fact a dummy wall had been erected in front to protect the actual wall, or so the producers claimed after the fact.
In comparing the above filmed shot with mine note all the new buildings in the distance that have mushroomed up in the past 50 some years.
And here below is the location of the scene filmed along the walkway entrance to Himeji Castle where Bond learns from Tiger that he will be marrying a Japanese girl to solidify his cover as Japanese.
In comparing the 1966 shots with my 2024 shot, the setting remains intact and the same.
(One can also see in the very first photo the scene of the Ninjas practicing in th Castle's courtyard with below it yours truly standing in the same location backed by stone made lower castle wall.)
Finally, my photos of Sakura (Cherry Blossoms) there on the Himeji Castle grounds as it appears to have also been present during the filming.
Quad coaxial .50 caliber BMG mounted on a fast turret.
Those were built for anti-aircraft cover.
But in ground combat they were called the "meat chopper".
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
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USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
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Soap Box Derby, St. Johns MI. 2023
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
I'd give a weeks pay to get a bologna/tomato sandwich from there 30
years ago. Top it off with a bottle of RC cola and you have a Michelin
3 star meal. I miss those days.
Who?
Suggestions for What to See in Frankfurt on a Short Stay
Frankfurt is more a commercial center than a tourist destination so if visiting that can be a plus since its main attractions can be seen in a short time.
Frankfurt’s Old Town would be the best area to visit and within that area the most scenic and historic is Romerberg, the historical Market Square of Frankfurt. It is a gathering place for locals and tourists with a feeling of being in old Germany. The square’s fountain is its focal point.
Within walking distance is the close by river Main and on a nice day a walk along the River Side Promenade is enjoyable. One can cross over the mostly pedestrian bridge to the other side where Frankfurt’s multiple museums are located along the promenade.
This is also a good area to enjoy an authentic German meal. One place that gets good reviews is within a block of the Romerberg Market Square and is named Zum Standesamtchen at Romerbereg 16, 60311 Frankfurt an Main. Popular menu items include Frankfurt style Schnitzel, Pork Knuckle and Appel Strudel. In Germany our beverage of choice is apfelsaft, a uniquely German apple juice. One popular brand is Schaumberg Apfelsaft. A favorite dessert is Apple Strudel with vanilla sauce.
Another location in Frankfurt’s Old Town worth visiting is the city’s largest religious building, the historic Cathedral of St. Bartholomew or as it is commonly called, Frankfurt Cathedral. Built in the 7th Century it was completed in 1550 and has been rebuilt and/or restored at least twice since then. We were told that during World War II the allies made a point to avoid bombing it since they used its tall structure as a sighting point much as the Hawaii Temple on the North Shore of Oahu was used as a sighting point for the Japanese planes that bombed Pearl Harbor. That said there was much internal damage from fire during the war and the interior had to be restored. Although historically Catholic, at one point the city of Frankfurt became the owner and both Catholic and Lutheran congregations used it for worship.
For a longer stay one might want to reserve additional time to enjoy the above referenced museums or even add a day cruise along the Main River into the Rhine. If I recall correctly we took the route from Frankfurt an (on) Main to Koblenz which was quite scenic with its varied castles and vineyards.
Romerberg, Frankfurt's Historical Market Square:
St. Bartholomew's Cathedral in Frankfurt:
Three Interesting Places to Visit within Two Hours of Driving Time from Stuttgart Germany:
First is the French border town of Strasbourg. While we have driven from Germany to Strasbourg, we were headed further distant so am not able to offer any personal commentary regarding the city itself.
That said, one can take a boat ride to admire the city’s medieval covered bridges, take a bike tour of Alsace, or even climb to the top of the Cathedral to see views of the city and the Black Forest.
Strasbourg is a two hour drive from Stuttgart.
Second is Triberg Waterfalls along with a scenic drive on Clock Road, or Clock Route. These are the highest waterfalls in Germany and to fully see them a hike is recommended as their 524 feet drop from the Gutach river above them encompasses seven cascades.
An interesting historical note is that when one visits the waterfalls there is a plaque, which was still there when we hiked to the falls, commemorating Ernest Hemingway’s 1922 fishing trip to nearby Elz River, a tributary of the Rhine close to the city of Triberg. His trip was a success and he had the local Parkhotel Where cook up the catch.
FWIW Hemingway actually wrote a story about the fishing venture that was first published in a Toronto newspaper. The story is titled, “Once Over Permit Obstacle, Fishing in Baden is Perfect.” It was later included in a collection called, “Byline: Ernest Hemingway.” The village near Triberg that he stayed at was Oberprechtal which it, and the nearby Elz river in which he fished, reportedly look the same today.
Out of curiosity I checked to see what would be entailed to obtain a visitors fishing license today in Germany. Apparently it is a much simpler matter than it was for Hemingway. Reportedly with a passport and passport photo one can get a 3-month visitor’s fishing license from any local town hall in Germany for a modest fee. (Not sure though if one needs an additional passport photo for the license but it would probably be wise to have an extra if so required.)
The above referenced German Clock Route/Road starts and ends at Villingen-Schwenningen, passing by Triberg Falls, St. Peter’s Abbey, and Lake Titisee.
The journey can also include a visit to the “Black Forest Open Air Museum” which preserves a farmhouse built in 1612 and a number of other Black Forest buildings that have been transported there. In addition there are farm animals, an herb garden, and exhibitions illustrating crafts and customs - sort of like a German Williamsburg. It is reportedly the most visited Open Air Museum in Germany.
Triberg is a one hour and 34 minute drive from Stuttgart using the Autobahn (A81) and a half hour longer by the scenic B27 route or a combination of A81 and scenic B294.
Third, is the walled city of Rothenburg ob Der Tauber. If at all possible one would want to time a visit here to include an overnight stay so that the “Night Watchman Tour” is not missed. It was well worth the experience in our view. The primary daytime activity for us was walking the medieval wall that remains standing surrounding the city.
There is no more picturesque and better preserved medieval city in Germany and a visit here is a step back in time. Rothenburg ob Der Tauber is to Germany what Venice is to Italy.
Given that Rothenburg ob Der Tauber is in Bavaria, I was surprised to learn that one can get to the city in only one hour and forty-one minutes via the Autobahn (A6) and almost as fast by the Autobahn (A81) from Stuttgart. When we visited we drove from the Bavarian city of Munich.
I can also add that an even closer place to visit to Stuttgart is the spa town of Baden-Baden. In the multiple times we have traveled to Baden-Baden it has been to stay at Schloss Buhlerhohe, a historic mountainside castle/spa hotel which closed the last time we wanted to visit, and may or may not have reopened. There are other spa options in Baden-Baden city itself but I cannot speak to them from personal experience. The quaint city of Baden-Baden is itself of some interest as a typical small German town.
A stop along Germany's "Clock Road:
Triberg Waterfalls, Germany's Tallest and its Hiking Trail:
Rothenburg ob Der Tauber:
Maureen O'Sullivan
Worry is the interest you pay on a debt you may not owe.
@PerryHall Thank you. I'll have to Google her.
INYNWHWeTrust-TexasNationals,ajaan,blu62vette
coinJP, Outhaul ,illini420,MICHAELDIXON, Fade to Black,epcjimi1,19Lyds,SNMAN,JerseyJoe, bigjpst, DMWJR , lordmarcovan, Weiss,Mfriday4962,UtahCoin,Downtown1974,pitboss,RichieURich,Bullsitter,JDsCoins,toyz4geo,jshaulis, mustanggt, SNMAN
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USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
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Another place near Frankfurt to visit, Kronberg Castle (Schloss Friedrichshof):
Kronberg Castle
It is the site of the 1946 Hesse Jewel robbery committed by three American Army officers stationed in Germany, who got away with several million dollars worth of jewels and gold belonging to one of the royal families of Germany, the Hesse family.
https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/803295/germany-10-marks-frederick-iii-durant-nash-hesse-jewel-heist
The Mysterious Egyptian Magic Coin
Coins in Movies
Coins on Television
Views from this morning:
Pineapple inside and carrots on top added nice touches.
And this was the referenced "reader's car":
Kid's Meal Japan style.
Sunrise from the 7th Station on Mount Fuji:
The Walking Sticks used to climb Mount Fuji:
The backstory regarding the above pictured Walking Sticks:
One has the option of purchasing special walkings sticks at the gift shop situated at the base of Mount Fuji. As one progresses up the mountain there are various stations where a wood burner is available at each to burn into the walking stick a charred stamping verifying one had reached the respective location level.
Having purchased the walking sticks (along with a pair of flashlights for the night climbing) we progressed up the mountain and dutifully had them marked at each upward station.
To make a long story short, after the climb on Mount Fuji we boarded the train headed for Okayama, our next destination in Japan. To get there we had to transfer trains at Tokyo Station where there was a time break. We took advantage of the coin lockers there at Tokyo Station leaving our luggage there for a brief period until our connecting train was ready to depart.
In our subsequent rush to board we forgot to take the walking sticks that we had placed in a corner of the room since they would not fit in the coin lockers.
Two weeks later we headed back by train to Tokyo to catch our returning flight to the United States. As we walked through Tokyo Station on the way to catch the Airport Express we passed by the coin locker location. Amazingly our two walking sticks were still there where they remained propped up in a corner of the room waiting for us after all that time!
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
Duplicate
Duplicate
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members
USN & USAF retired 1971-1993
Successful Transactions with more than 100 Members