SEPTEMBER 1 - SEPTEMBER 7 , 2017 FREIBERG, GERMANY

     I celebrated my 72 nd birthday on September 1st.  I can't believe how the years have flown by.  Bill and I went to dinner with some missionary friends of ours, Kent and Marlis Freeman, from Aurora, Utah.

 Kent's birthday was August 30, so we decided to celebrate together.  We went to the Vivaldi Restaurant in Freiberg.  They serve German, Italian, Mexican and Grecian food.  We all tried something different.  I had Lasagna, and it was delicious.  The food was good enough that we decided we would try that restaurant again sometime.  For some reason, as we left, they asked us if we were from the Temple.  When we said, "yes," the daughter of the owner exclaimed, " are you Mormons?"  We told her that we were, and she was delighted.  She said she loved Mormons!  That made us all happy.  When I opened our apartment door the morning of my birthday, several gifts and cards were there.

BIRTHDAY WISHES OUTSIDE OUR DOOR!

 Throughout the day, I had many birthday wishes.  That evening, even warm cookies were left outside the door.  People were so kind and thoughtful.



     While the United States was celebrating Labor Day, September 4th, Bill and I were on our way with our friends, Larry and Ellen Bonner, from Midway, Utah, to visit the Koenigstein Fortress.  This fortress is located in the countryside not too far from Dresden, Germany.


 The Koenigstein Fortress is a hilltop fortress in Saxon Switzerland, Germany.

It is above the town of Koenigstein on the left bank of the River Elbe.  It is one of the largest hilltop fortifications in Europe and sits atop a table hill of the same name.

     This fortress has over 50 buildings, built on 9.5 hectares and has some buildings over 400 years old.  It has a well 152.5 meters deep, and is the second deepest  well  in Europe.  The fortress for centuries was used as a state prison.  When first constructed, the Saxon Dukes and Prince-Electors used the fortress as a secure refuge during times of war, as a hunting lodge ,and maison de plaisance.

VIEW OF LOCAL AREA FROM RAMPART - ELBE RIVER 

     During World War I, the castle was used as a prisoner of war camp for French and Russian Officers.  During World War II it again served as a prisoner of war camp for British, French, Polish, and other allied officers.  After the Second World War the Red Army used the fortress as a military hospital.  From 1949 to 1955 it was used as a  place to reeducate delinquent youths and those who did not fit the image of a socialist society.

THE CASTLE ENTRANCE WITH CANNON

     The beautiful Freiberg Wald, or Forest, has near it's edge a sweet little restaurant called, of course, "The Wald Cafe."  All of the temple missionaries, and other temple workers who live on site, took a walk through the forest, enjoying the beautiful scenery, and ending up at the Wald (pronounced "Vald" Cafe.




It is a small establishment, and was almost overwhelmed as 17 of us walked in for dinner.  We had called and let them know earlier in the day that we were all coming, but they still were almost overwhelmed.  Their food was absolutely delicious, but it honestly took about 4 hours for the outing by the time we walked and got our food.  Probably took at least two hours to feed all of us. I was the last served, and I had waited almost two hours.  Sure was fun though!!!!!!
 

THE WELL - BILL ALMOST FELL IN TAKING THE PIX!

     Temple visitors this past week have come from Germany and Austria.  Friday, 57 Sisters came from Fredricksdorf, Germany.

 Fredricksdorf is close to Frankfurt.  Since the Frankfurt Temple is closed for renovation, they hired a large bus and all came together the five hours from the Frankfurt area.  The Dresden Stake, which is our Stake, also had a temple day on Saturday.  Many Brothers and Sisters attended temple sessions throughout the day.  In the chapel next door, a dinner and dance were held for Stake members that evening.  Bill thoroughly enjoyed the food at the dinner.

LARRY & ELLEN BONNER & US AT FORTRESS ENTRANCE

   

THE WALDCAFE

OUR GROUP AT THE WALDCAFE

 The temple is now closed for two weeks for semi- annual cleaning.  Temple missionaries, and other temple workers have gone to their homes, or touring to different countries throughout Europe.