Tour Leader’s Blog

Our days in Switzerland went by very quickly. We have had such magnificent weather. In Austria and Switzerland the farmers were very busy making hay. It was interesting to see whole families out in the fields working together. There were several young people dragging a rack, even after the machine went over the field, to pick up the last pieces of grass.

We were pleased to have Marta Frey join her parents for four days of the tour. She met them in Brunnen. Yesterday following our walk to the Anabaptist Cave near Bäretswil, we had lunch at the Reformed Church in Bäretswil. Peter and Kathie and several other persons extended warm hospitality. We enjoyed delicious food and fellowship. Some of our group met these persons when their Swiss choir toured North America in April.

Today in the Emmental we followed the Emme River and marveled at the beautiful valley and the homesteads that many of our ancestors left when moving to America. We saw familiar family names on businesses.

This afternoon our tour ends in Bern. Eight of the our members will fly home; the other 36 persons are having a one-week extension in Switzerland.

~ Wilmer Martin

We arrived in Oberammergau on Wilson Hershey’s 60th birthday. The group teased him that this was a great way to celebrate this milestone: Plan a TourMagination tour to Europe and invite your friends to join you!

We had a wonderful time on the Rhine River cruise and got great photos since the weather was overcast. In Bacharach we explored the Old Town. A number of persons walked up into the vineyard. Rumor has it that Marlene Kilheffer was caught with grapes in her hand. Dave, Greg and Carol were watching, but not stopping her. Wilmer took a photo to witness the apparent theft. Pastor Jean said that this is out of Marlene’s character. Peer pressure caused this action and she should be forgiven.

While Gary Waltner was talking to our group at the Weierhof, Dottie Martin got a fast ride back to our hotel in Alzey to pick up her forgotten camera. She was teased that she just wanted a fast ride on the Autobahn in a German car! Donna Hershey played the organ in the Weierhof meetinghouse (called “House of Prayer”) and we sang a hymn. What a wonderful experience!

In Steinsfurt we climbed the Steinsberg Tower to get a 360-degree view of the beautiful farmland and hofs. This is the region of Germany on the east side of the Rhine called the Kraichgau from where many Lancaster County Mennonites can trace their roots. More than 35 of our 44 persons climbed the tower. Some said if John Ruth can climb the Tower so can I. John’s energy is a great role model!

Today our group is enjoying the Passion Play in Oberammergau. They are also enjoying staying in beautiful Hotel Turmwirt and the delcious Bavarian food. Georg Glas, the hotel owner, said that there are only 47 days left to the end of the play season. He also said, “The villagers are not getting tired of performing or welcoming the world to their village.”

~ Wilmer Martin

Our Wilson Hershey & Friends European Heritage tour is off to a great start. We arrived in Amsterdam yesterday and have already toured a working windmill, observed wooden shoes being made and were surprised to learn that they are still worn as safety shoes in Holland.

At the Alida Hoeve Cheese Shop we enjoyed the interpretation given by the Dutch cheese maid who claimed to be 120 years old since she drinks the healthy whey! Others thought it was because she ate the Dynamite cheese!

At dinner Wilmer was recorded by Matt on video, under the direction of Kenton, going from table to table encouraging persons to eat the delicious Dutch potatoes. They claimed he sampled the potatoes from each table!

Today our 9:00 a.m. visit to the Anne Frank House was sobering. We were surprised that already at 8:45 a.m. there was a long line-up to enter the building. We were glad we had a scheduled appointment. Last year visitors came from 124 countries. It is a sad story but it is healthy that it is remembered and reflected upon daily by so many visitors from around the world.

Gerry Gleysteen welcomed our group to worship at the Singel Mennonite Church. Simon, their seminary student, gave a sermon on God’s Call to Leadership, using the examples of Moses and Jesus. Following coffee and fellowship, we enjoyed lunch and free time on the Kalverstraat.

Our Canal boat ride was very informative. Dennis, the woodworker, was making notes for future projects.

During the tour of the Rijksmuseum, we all enjoyed John Ruth’s helpful interpretation. Jean Eby said she learned a lot. Flo wanted to learn even more and left with three books. Many others bought books and cards.

At dinner tonight it was reported that Kara Mast did not eat her green beans even after her two brothers took her an extra serving. Perhaps Aunt Donna needs to talk to her sister Cindi.

Tomorrow we plan to visit the Aalsmeer Flower Auction and the Delft Pottery Factory before leaving for Germany.

~ Wilmer Martin

Our time in the Lake District went by very quickly. We enjoyed our two-night stay in Grasmere at the Red Lion Hotel in the heart of the town.

This is the country of poet William Wordsworth and author Beatrix Potter. Before walking to visit Dove Cottage, the home of Wordsworth, Janelle talked about the poet and read his famous poem “The Daffodils.” She also talked to us about author Beatrix Potter and her children’s stories using the animals she saw around her home. The most famous story was Peter Rabbit.

In the Dove Cottage gift shop many souvenirs were bought. Julia bought pencils for each child in her church.

Later while shopping in Grasmere, Eunice and other grandmas had fun reading and buying Beatrix Potter story books for their grandchildren. At dinner following the free afternoon in Grasmere, Norma and Bernice wore necklaces made of heather.

On Saturday in Edinburgh following the city tour we spent time walking on The Royal Mile. At the Castle the bleachers were already set up for the Military Tattoo which begins on August 2nd. Joe, George and Wilmer visited the John Knox House which is half way between the castle and the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Knox, the reformer, is the founder of the Presbyterian Church, the state church of Scotland.

Today we enjoyed a fabulous tour of the Scottish Highlands. Alex told us to watch out for the Haggis roaming the countryside as it is their mating season. Unfortunately, no one saw them although Gloria and Eunice challenged Alex on his theory.

On our way back to Glasgow, Janet gave the quiz, “Test your Knowledge of British English.” Everyone had fun trying to choose the correct phrase after listening to our guides speak. Ellen won the prize, an Edinburgh Castle fridge magnet. She had 25 out of 26 correct.

Tomorrow we will fly to Munich and then travel by coach to Oberammergau to see the Passion Play.

~ Wilmer Martin

Upon leaving London we drove to Epping Forest to visit Gilwell Park, the center for Scout training. Brian was pleased to collect a few Scout souvenirs. We all enjoyed lunch in their restaurant. What a lovely setting for the Scout program.

After arriving in Stratford Upon Avon we needed the fans in our rooms as it was unusually warm. Following dinner we enjoyed walking along the canal, the Avon River, the Festival Theatre and the old section of the city. There were many tourists. The swans came to the water’s edge but Betty told them we had no bread for them. They didn’t seem to understand and continued to wait.

Roger, our city guide the follow morning, had a wonderful sense of humor. We all enjoyed his puns. Bernice was sure he was,“pulling the wool over our eyes.”

Following the visit to Warwick Castle, we enjoyed the drive to Liverpool. This is our coach driver Alex’s home. His city tour was very informative. The Beatles Museum was closed when we walked to it at the Albert Dock following our evening meal. Gloria’s daughter is out of luck - No Tee shirt.

Following our visit to the Jorvik Viking Museum, we enjoyed fish & chips at Petersgate. During the free time in York, Ellen and George walked to the Yorkminster. It is too bad we had to leave before evensong at 4:00 p.m.

It was so much fun visiting the James Herriot Museum in Thirsk. Driving through Yorkshire many persons remembered different stories he wrote about in his series “All Creatures Great and Small.” To see his actual Surgery was a bonus.

Tomorrow we are off to the Lake District.

~ Wilmer Martin