My cousin Johanna was sent to a convent boarding school for 4 years -- the last part of her regular school time. It was the suggestion of a great aunt who lived in the region and thought it would be good for a young lady, perhaps even secretly hoping that she would choose to become a nun.
Well Johanna went, met some great teachers and friends, but did not take up the habit. But she has kept up contact with the convent, which since, is no longer a school but now a retreat centre and hotel. However, the Sisters still reside there and a number of the ones who Johanna had as teachers are still living and remember her. Back at the end of July, the class of 9 girls had a reunion at the Bonland Kloster. The building has changed, of course, but there are still gardens and the church as she remembers. How interesting to hear the details of a schooling so different to mine. We had coffee and cake at the Kloster and I met Sister Cecilia who was the head music teacher and played the organ in the church. Since her hearing started to have difficulties, she only plays in the Sisters' chapel.
My grandfather was buried in Rot an der Rot, and although the grave is gone (they are only kept for 20 years) we visited the cemetery and sat in the funeral church.
I need to put in a big MMM for food in Oberschwaben. They make wonderful roast, great schnitzel, lovely mixed salads, impressive tortes and superb spaetzle. They were a favourite when I was growing up, my kids loved them, and now the grandchildren in both Canada and Sweden choose them for their special meals. With a onion gravy, a mushroom cream sauce or cheese, they are fabulous!
And now I leave Germany and head for France, via Switzerland.
Seems quite wonderful
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