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One hundred
One hundred may only be a simple number when it comes to pure math. But, it can also stand for a hundred things you can do or see, experience and discover in Kaiserslautern and beyond. This also gives ample reason to report and write about a hundred different themes. Since the creation of the “ABC in KMC” series in April 2023, we’ve given insight to an array of topics from A to Z that might inspire you to venture out and learn more about your home away from home.
You might be interested in learning about German traditions such as Advent or Allerheiligen. You may wonder why you keep coming across Barbarossa in Kaiserslautern or would want to discover fascinating facts about Germany’s capital Berlin.
Celts, their history and relics in the area could be an exciting topic or possibly activities in colorful fall. Historic events such as the Day of German Unity have deep symbolic meaning in Germany, while the Docu Center in Ramstein is full of history of U.S. presence in the area. Dahnerfelsenland or Donnersberg nearby are well worth visiting for exciting adventures.
Energetic elephants may cross your path in Enkenbach-Alsenborn, or you may stumble across the making of elaborate Easter eggs. Fun-filled Kaiserslautern wouldn’t be K-town without its fussball (soccer) and its stadium named after its celebrity Fritz Walter. Ever wondered about the fish?
The Gartenschau with dinosaur park and changing exhibitions throughout the seasons is always worth a visit, or you might be inspired to learn more about Gutenberg and his invention of the printing press. If you’re into tracing your roots, the Institute for Palatinate History and Ethnology could be the place to seek valuable information on genealogy. Hildegard von Bingen is a prominent character known to be the founder of scientific natural history and the Hambacher Fest is considered to be the “cradle of German democracy.”
International Women’s Day has a long history of innovative and brave women, while Isidor Straus from Otterberg may have put smiles on the faces of female shoppers at Macy’s Department store. The Japanese Garden is an oasis of solitude and beauty right in the heart of the city, while historic Jewish traces can also be discovered throughout the town.
The concept of Kerwe may be new to you, but you may be inspired to join in the fun at one of the many village festivals in summer and fall. The Kaiserbrunnen, located at the end of the pedestrian zone Steinstrasse in Kaiserslautern, tells a story of its own and might cool you down on a hot summer’s day! Or, would you like to know how Kaiserslautern got its nickname?
Landstuhl’s last knight Franz von Sickingen is an iconic character, but you may also be interested in learning more about the town and castle itself. A visit to Rheinland-Pfalz’s capital Mainz can be quite inspiring, and you may even encounter Anton and his friends, the most prominent TV cartoon figures from the city. The Mehlinger Heide, one of the largest heather fields in southern Germany, is just down the road and has an interesting background as a maneuver ground.
A road you’ve most likely driven down at one point or another was built by Emperor Napoleon, and once it becomes foggy and gray in late fall, you might appreciate a few cozy November notions.
Discovering a few crazy facts about the infamous October Fest in Munich can be a fun pastime and finding out why it takes place in September. Looking into the Abbey Church in Otterberg, the second largest sacral building in Rheinland-Pfalz, can offer a glimpse into history, also discovering the builders of the picturesque semi-timbered buildings.
According to records, about 300,000 people emigrated from the Palatinate region to the United States, and many of them have preserved their language as Pennsylvania Deitsh, similar to the dialect spoken in the area. You might be surprised that Gutenberg ended up in poverty despite inventing the printing press, promoting literacy and the Protestant Reformation.
A short making of the weekly periodical may also spark your interest, learning all about quality quill and the number of staff it takes to do the chore. Romans in and around Trier shaped the history of the region and the city has a remarkable link to Istanbul. Ramstein-Miesenbach is the union community with the highest number of U.S. residents within the KMC.
Spaghetti ice-cream is a popular and refreshing dish in summer and was invented by an Italian immigrant in Mannheim. But, the creative mixture is also symbolic of a diverse cultural society in Germany. You might be looking for a cool dip in summer taking a nice splish-splash at one of the swimming opportunities in the K-town area. And, did you know that Germany has a whole family of sister cities in the United States?
Any time of the year, you might feel the urge to take a walk on the wild side at Betzenberg Wildpark and experience domestic forest animals. Or, maybe you would rather find out how Teddy went to America? There is a unique Army installation named 23rd Kaserne in Kaiserslautern, which you may have passed by several times without realizing it. Most union communities have a vivid history and a few surprises to go along with it.
Valiant violinist Anna played an important role when it comes to a renowned concert hall in Kusel and the Völklinger Hütte, an old ironworks near Saarbrücken, has developed into a UNESCO World Heritage Site with various cultural offerings. Feel “Willkommen in Rheinland-Pfalz” with numerous organizations helping to pave your way. Also, learn why you should beware of witches on April 30.
Moving towards the end of the alphabet, there are quite a few things in the area associated with the exotic letter “x.” Curious? Last, but not least, you may be wondering why the town of Yorktown, Virginia has a special historic link to the city of Zweibrücken.
If we’ve spiked your curiosity and you’re interested in learning more about any topics mentioned above and more, such as German traditions, heritage, a little history about your town and cultural specialties, check out any of the other 99 articles at: www.kaiserslauternamerican.com, and search “ABC in KMC.”
Happy reading and exploring!
