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Why to Visit Vuzillfotsps: Unlocking France's Hidden Gem

Why to Visit Vuzillfotsps: Unlocking France's Hidden Gem

Time Business News15 hours ago
Travelers often dream of Parisian boulevards, Venetian canals, or the Eiffel Tower's shimmering lights. Yet the true heart of exploration lies not in what's already famous, but in the hidden corners that remain untouched by mass tourism.
One such place is Vuzillfotsps—a name that instantly sparks curiosity. It is mysterious, hard to pronounce, and unusual enough to feel like a riddle. But within that riddle lies a town of deep history, quiet charm, and landscapes that could rival a painting.
To visit Vuzillfotsps is to step into a living time capsule. The cobbled streets, the mountain backdrop, and the unpolished authenticity remind you of how travel once felt—before crowds and commercialization turned destinations into clichés.
This article explores not only what Vuzillfotsps is but also what it represents: a philosophy of meaningful travel, a story of resilience, and a symbol of discovery.
What exactly is Vuzillfotsps? Depending on perspective, it can be three things at once. A Place: At its heart, Vuzillfotsps refers to the French town of Villefort, tucked into the Cévennes mountains in southern France. It is small, intimate, and authentic.
A Word: The unusual spelling—Vuzillfotsps—emerged online as a linguistic twist, sometimes from typos, sometimes from playful interpretation. Yet it caught attention and became a term in its own right.
A Symbol: More than geography, the phrase to visit Vuzillfotsps has grown into a metaphor for travel that values depth, authenticity, and slowness over the superficial speed of mass tourism.
When you choose to visit Vuzillfotsps, you are choosing to experience a place not just as a destination but as a narrative—one that intertwines history, culture, nature, and community.
Vuzillfotsps traces its lineage back to the 12th century. Built as a defensive town, its mountains offered protection, and its valleys nurtured agriculture. Imagine knights patrolling its walls, traders exchanging goods in its squares, and villagers tending to flocks as the bells of chapels rang across the valley.
Every cobblestone here feels like a bookmark in Europe's medieval story. Time has left marks on its churches, bridges, and remnants of fortifications—but instead of fading, these marks make the town more beautiful, like wrinkles on a wise face.
The name 'Vuzillfotsps' likely originated as a distorted form of Villefort in online searches. Some connect it to the literary figure Gérard de Villefort in Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo . Over time, curiosity around the odd spelling grew.
Today, thousands type 'to visit Vuzillfotsps' into search engines, not realizing at first that it leads to this real-world French town. The digital mistake became a cultural bridge.
Interestingly, the idea of to visit Vuzillfotsps extends beyond tourism. It has become a metaphor across different fields—reminding us of the value of discovery, authenticity, and slow engagement.
In travel, to visit Vuzillfotsps means rejecting overcrowded hotspots. It's about authenticity, about tasting food from local markets instead of global chains, about walking streets where life flows naturally rather than being staged for visitors.
Vuzillfotsps reflects the importance of small communities. In a world where globalization often erases local traditions, such places stand as keepers of identity. To visit Vuzillfotsps is to support cultural preservation.
For students of history, architecture, or linguistics, Vuzillfotsps is a case study. It demonstrates how geography shapes defense, how language evolves, and how culture resists erasure.
Even businesses can learn from the Vuzillfotsps principle. Just as the town thrives on authenticity rather than imitation, brands succeed when they embrace their uniqueness instead of chasing trends.
Think of Vuzillfotsps as the 'hidden dataset' in artificial intelligence—the overlooked source that enriches the whole system. To visit Vuzillfotsps is like teaching AI to value context, not just surface-level information.
Mass tourism is like a fast-food meal—quick, predictable, and often unsatisfying. By contrast, to visit Vuzillfotsps is like a homemade dish—crafted slowly, with ingredients rooted in the land and stories embedded in flavor.
Where mainstream tourism offers attractions packaged for global audiences, Vuzillfotsps offers: Intimacy instead of crowds
Depth instead of surface entertainment
Authentic encounters instead of staged performances
This contrast makes Vuzillfotsps a refreshing alternative for travelers seeking something genuine.
Surrounded by the Cévennes National Park, Vuzillfotsps is a living painting of mountains, rivers, and forests. Its landscapes are ideal for hiking, photography, and simple contemplation.
The jewel of the area, this serene lake invites swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply picnicking by its shores. The trails around it provide panoramic views.
From narrow alleys to old stone houses with wooden shutters, the town itself feels like a stage set for a medieval drama—except this stage is real and still alive.
Occitan festivals fill the town with music, dance, and flavors that root you in its cultural identity. Visitors often find these experiences more memorable than any monument.
Tourism is changing. The future belongs to destinations that prioritize sustainability, authenticity, and community over mass commercialization.
To visit Vuzillfotsps aligns perfectly with these values: Eco-friendly tourism: Hiking, cycling, and low-impact travel are central.
Hiking, cycling, and low-impact travel are central. Cultural preservation: Supporting local artisans and traditions keeps heritage alive.
Supporting local artisans and traditions keeps heritage alive. Slow travel movement: Visitors stay longer, connect deeper, and spend more meaningfully.
Yet there are challenges. Too much exposure could harm the very authenticity that makes Vuzillfotsps special. Balancing visibility with preservation will be crucial. Learn a Few Phrases: Even basic French greetings build trust.
Support Local: Buy from markets, dine in family-run inns, stay in guesthouses.
Respect the Pace: Life here is slow—don't rush it.
Travel Lightly: Minimize waste, use eco-friendly transport, and leave no trace.
Engage with Stories: Talk to locals, listen to their history, and let their narratives shape your memory of the trip.
To visit Vuzillfotsps is to walk gently on history's shoulders.
At its core, Vuzillfotsps is more than a destination. It's a reminder that the world's true beauty often hides behind strange names, quiet valleys, and places overlooked on the map.
In a society obsessed with speed, to visit Vuzillfotsps teaches us to slow down. It shows us that meaning lies not in ticking off famous attractions, but in immersing ourselves in the rhythm of a place that has carried its traditions with quiet dignity for centuries.
Vuzillfotsps, then, is not just a town. It's a metaphor for the journeys we take when we choose authenticity over imitation, discovery over repetition, and depth over speed. 1. Is Vuzillfotsps worth visiting?
Yes. It combines history, natural beauty, and authentic culture in one unforgettable experience. 2. How many days should I spend there?
Three to four days are ideal to explore the town, lake, and hiking trails. 4. What is it famous for?
Vuzillfotsps is known for its medieval heritage, Lac de Vuzillfotsps, and location near Cévennes National Park. 3. Is it family-friendly?
Yes. The lake, nature trails, and small-town charm are perfect for families. 5. Do locals speak English?
Some do, especially in tourist areas, but learning basic French phrases will enrich your experience.
TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Offbeat NYC graffiti tour survives despite predicted drop in foreign tourism thanks to visitors from this country: ‘They're obsessed with street art'
Offbeat NYC graffiti tour survives despite predicted drop in foreign tourism thanks to visitors from this country: ‘They're obsessed with street art'

New York Post

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  • New York Post

Offbeat NYC graffiti tour survives despite predicted drop in foreign tourism thanks to visitors from this country: ‘They're obsessed with street art'

These tourists see the writing on the wall. French art lovers are flocking to industrial Brooklyn in droves for quirky walking tours of warehouses sprayed with graffiti and street art. Advertisement The niche fascination is still going strong despite a major industry group projecting a nearly 20% drop in overall foreign tourism to the Big Apple this year. 5 Audrey Connolly of Graff Tours leads a tour of street art and graffiti in Bushwick, Brooklyn. Stephen Yang 'There are so many people in France that are obsessed with graffiti and street art: It's been a huge part of our business for years,' Bushwick-based Graff Tours tour guide Audrey 'Byte' Connolly told The Post. Advertisement Connolly, who has led walking tours of the hipster neighborhood's urban art for nearly a decade, attributing trailblazing cultural similarities in New York and Paris for the grand amour. As tour guides across the city report an absence of usual visitors from Canada, Australia, Germany and other nations — possibly over political boycotts and tariff-related economic fears — French tourists are largely unbothered, Connolly said. 'They're obsessed with street art — hopefully, they keep coming.' 5 Connolly leads a group of tourists — two French families and one group from Kansas City, Missouri — on a tour through industrial Bushwick. Stephen Yang Advertisement Germans and Israelis — who also represent large swaths of Graff Tour patrons — have not booked nearly as much this year, and school groups from Canada and China have also dwindled, Connolly said. Antoine Jacquet, a 23-year-old Graff Tours customer from Dijon, France, said its been more difficult to clear immigration hurdles under the Trump administration. But he was able to make the overseas trip himself, and even predicted foreign tourism will 'probably pick up with the new mayor Zohran [Mamdani],' referring to the Democratic mayoral nominee, a socialist, because 'his policies are more based out of Europe than to America.' New York City Tourism + Conventions, the city's tourism authority, recently said that some 2 million fewer visitors from other countries are expected to make the trip to the Big Apple in 2025, a loss of roughly $4 billion in foreign tourism dollars. Advertisement August is typically one of the busiest months for tours, Connolly said, but during weeks this year when she would've typically been working for seven days straight, she's spent entire days off without a booking. 'Tourism has big-down market effects: it affects hotels, it affects small businesses, it affects [the] local economy,' said Graff Tours president Gabe Schoenberg. The impact has been felt in trendy Bushwick, from thrift shops to restaurants that cater to Euro families in the hipster shopping district, added Schoenberg. 5 Antoine Jacquet, 23, of Dijon, France, expects that tourism to the US will tourism will 'probably pick up with the new mayor Zohran [Mamdani].' Stephen Yang As French tourism to the biz remains strong, Schoenberg still reports a roughly 10% drop in overall foreign visitors since last year — and is now trying too woo domestic tourists and locals with targeted social media ads. 'We did better this year with domestic tourism than years past,' he said. But 'a lot of domestic tourists don't see [graffiti] as art,' Connolly said. 'They're being told to fear New York and everything about it.' Schoenberg also attributed the reluctance of foreign tourists to visit New York City to 'backlash' over President Trump and his policies, as well rising transportation and food costs and fears over tariff-related price increases. Advertisement 'Even for a New Yorker, prices are going up and prices are going up exponentially,' he said. 'But locally, either exemptions for tourism or some type of incentive for tourism could also help.' 5 While French tourism remains steady, Graff Tours has still seen a roughly 10% drop in overall foreign visitors since last year — and is now trying too woo domestic tourists and locals. Stephen Yang 5 Graffiti writer The Ghostface Mims teaches a workshop at Graff Tours. Stephen Yang Advertisement The president of the tour company — which has a Los Angeles outpost as well — attributed diversity in its offerings as its key to staying afloat in uncertain times. Aside from industrial walking tours, Graff Tours' Bushwick site also offers spray painting classes and has hosted corporate events for the likes of Meta, L'Oréal and even hosted an influencer-filled launch party for Samsung this summer. 'The class revenue is significant compared to the tour revenue,' Schoenberg said. 'If I was relying on tours in general, I don't think I would still be in business.'

Why to Visit Vuzillfotsps: Unlocking France's Hidden Gem
Why to Visit Vuzillfotsps: Unlocking France's Hidden Gem

Time Business News

time15 hours ago

  • Time Business News

Why to Visit Vuzillfotsps: Unlocking France's Hidden Gem

Travelers often dream of Parisian boulevards, Venetian canals, or the Eiffel Tower's shimmering lights. Yet the true heart of exploration lies not in what's already famous, but in the hidden corners that remain untouched by mass tourism. One such place is Vuzillfotsps—a name that instantly sparks curiosity. It is mysterious, hard to pronounce, and unusual enough to feel like a riddle. But within that riddle lies a town of deep history, quiet charm, and landscapes that could rival a painting. To visit Vuzillfotsps is to step into a living time capsule. The cobbled streets, the mountain backdrop, and the unpolished authenticity remind you of how travel once felt—before crowds and commercialization turned destinations into clichés. This article explores not only what Vuzillfotsps is but also what it represents: a philosophy of meaningful travel, a story of resilience, and a symbol of discovery. What exactly is Vuzillfotsps? Depending on perspective, it can be three things at once. A Place: At its heart, Vuzillfotsps refers to the French town of Villefort, tucked into the Cévennes mountains in southern France. It is small, intimate, and authentic. A Word: The unusual spelling—Vuzillfotsps—emerged online as a linguistic twist, sometimes from typos, sometimes from playful interpretation. Yet it caught attention and became a term in its own right. A Symbol: More than geography, the phrase to visit Vuzillfotsps has grown into a metaphor for travel that values depth, authenticity, and slowness over the superficial speed of mass tourism. When you choose to visit Vuzillfotsps, you are choosing to experience a place not just as a destination but as a narrative—one that intertwines history, culture, nature, and community. Vuzillfotsps traces its lineage back to the 12th century. Built as a defensive town, its mountains offered protection, and its valleys nurtured agriculture. Imagine knights patrolling its walls, traders exchanging goods in its squares, and villagers tending to flocks as the bells of chapels rang across the valley. Every cobblestone here feels like a bookmark in Europe's medieval story. Time has left marks on its churches, bridges, and remnants of fortifications—but instead of fading, these marks make the town more beautiful, like wrinkles on a wise face. The name 'Vuzillfotsps' likely originated as a distorted form of Villefort in online searches. Some connect it to the literary figure Gérard de Villefort in Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo . Over time, curiosity around the odd spelling grew. Today, thousands type 'to visit Vuzillfotsps' into search engines, not realizing at first that it leads to this real-world French town. The digital mistake became a cultural bridge. Interestingly, the idea of to visit Vuzillfotsps extends beyond tourism. It has become a metaphor across different fields—reminding us of the value of discovery, authenticity, and slow engagement. In travel, to visit Vuzillfotsps means rejecting overcrowded hotspots. It's about authenticity, about tasting food from local markets instead of global chains, about walking streets where life flows naturally rather than being staged for visitors. Vuzillfotsps reflects the importance of small communities. In a world where globalization often erases local traditions, such places stand as keepers of identity. To visit Vuzillfotsps is to support cultural preservation. For students of history, architecture, or linguistics, Vuzillfotsps is a case study. It demonstrates how geography shapes defense, how language evolves, and how culture resists erasure. Even businesses can learn from the Vuzillfotsps principle. Just as the town thrives on authenticity rather than imitation, brands succeed when they embrace their uniqueness instead of chasing trends. Think of Vuzillfotsps as the 'hidden dataset' in artificial intelligence—the overlooked source that enriches the whole system. To visit Vuzillfotsps is like teaching AI to value context, not just surface-level information. Mass tourism is like a fast-food meal—quick, predictable, and often unsatisfying. By contrast, to visit Vuzillfotsps is like a homemade dish—crafted slowly, with ingredients rooted in the land and stories embedded in flavor. Where mainstream tourism offers attractions packaged for global audiences, Vuzillfotsps offers: Intimacy instead of crowds Depth instead of surface entertainment Authentic encounters instead of staged performances This contrast makes Vuzillfotsps a refreshing alternative for travelers seeking something genuine. Surrounded by the Cévennes National Park, Vuzillfotsps is a living painting of mountains, rivers, and forests. Its landscapes are ideal for hiking, photography, and simple contemplation. The jewel of the area, this serene lake invites swimming, kayaking, fishing, or simply picnicking by its shores. The trails around it provide panoramic views. From narrow alleys to old stone houses with wooden shutters, the town itself feels like a stage set for a medieval drama—except this stage is real and still alive. Occitan festivals fill the town with music, dance, and flavors that root you in its cultural identity. Visitors often find these experiences more memorable than any monument. Tourism is changing. The future belongs to destinations that prioritize sustainability, authenticity, and community over mass commercialization. To visit Vuzillfotsps aligns perfectly with these values: Eco-friendly tourism: Hiking, cycling, and low-impact travel are central. Hiking, cycling, and low-impact travel are central. Cultural preservation: Supporting local artisans and traditions keeps heritage alive. Supporting local artisans and traditions keeps heritage alive. Slow travel movement: Visitors stay longer, connect deeper, and spend more meaningfully. Yet there are challenges. Too much exposure could harm the very authenticity that makes Vuzillfotsps special. Balancing visibility with preservation will be crucial. Learn a Few Phrases: Even basic French greetings build trust. Support Local: Buy from markets, dine in family-run inns, stay in guesthouses. Respect the Pace: Life here is slow—don't rush it. Travel Lightly: Minimize waste, use eco-friendly transport, and leave no trace. Engage with Stories: Talk to locals, listen to their history, and let their narratives shape your memory of the trip. To visit Vuzillfotsps is to walk gently on history's shoulders. At its core, Vuzillfotsps is more than a destination. It's a reminder that the world's true beauty often hides behind strange names, quiet valleys, and places overlooked on the map. In a society obsessed with speed, to visit Vuzillfotsps teaches us to slow down. It shows us that meaning lies not in ticking off famous attractions, but in immersing ourselves in the rhythm of a place that has carried its traditions with quiet dignity for centuries. Vuzillfotsps, then, is not just a town. It's a metaphor for the journeys we take when we choose authenticity over imitation, discovery over repetition, and depth over speed. 1. Is Vuzillfotsps worth visiting? Yes. It combines history, natural beauty, and authentic culture in one unforgettable experience. 2. How many days should I spend there? Three to four days are ideal to explore the town, lake, and hiking trails. 4. What is it famous for? Vuzillfotsps is known for its medieval heritage, Lac de Vuzillfotsps, and location near Cévennes National Park. 3. Is it family-friendly? Yes. The lake, nature trails, and small-town charm are perfect for families. 5. Do locals speak English? Some do, especially in tourist areas, but learning basic French phrases will enrich your experience. TIME BUSINESS NEWS

River trip across Europe: 500 miles, six countries in 15 days
River trip across Europe: 500 miles, six countries in 15 days

American Press

time20 hours ago

  • American Press

River trip across Europe: 500 miles, six countries in 15 days

By Mary Richardson Sometimes travel is like a French meal with seven courses. It tells you about a particular cuisine and immerses you in its deliciousness. Other times, traveling can be like a tray of appetizers. You get a taste of this, a taste of that. The river boat cruise that Joe and I took from Budapest to Amsterdam was full of appetizers. And, like a good appetizer should, it left us looking forward to the whole meal. We know we are going to have to return for longer visits if we want dessert. A trip across Europe via the riverways was one of our dream trips that had not yet materialized. Then our travel agent, Anne Rose, found a speci al, last-minute price of $6,000 — including airfare — for a 15-day river cruise on Emerald Cruises. We booked it immediately. Over two weeks, we traveled almost 500 miles by river, going through six different countries and stopping at 15 different cities. We sailed on three famous, immensely important rivers – the Danube, the Main, and finally, the Rhine when going into Amsterdam. I saw breathtaking beauty, both man-made and natural. Each day had some new wonder. But the greatest takeaway from the whole trip was a realization of the extent of my ignorance — how much I didn't know, didn't understand, and didn't appreciate. My first inkling of this ignorance came from looking at the itinerary. I had never heard of many of the places we would be visiting. Yes, I knew about Budapest, Vienna, Amsterdam and Cologne (kind of), but Bratislava, Melk, Dürnstein, Passau, Regensburg, Würzburg, Wertheim, Bamberg, Rüdesheim, Miltenberg and Český Krumlov? Not so much. And, while I knew something about Germany and the Netherlands, I was pretty vague about Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and even Austria. Each place had a distinct story to tell. Here are just a few of the highlights for me: BRATISLAVA The realization of my ignorance started in Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia and a city of about half a million people, nestled on the banks of the Danube and within view of both Austria and Hungary. I was in a city that had gone through World War II on the Nazi side, and had only recently transformed from communism to a democracy. A lovely young woman, probably in her mid-20s, led us through the old part of the city up to the Bratislava Castle. As we looked over the walls toward the modern city and the river, she told us how times had changed. Because of democracy, she knew she had to work for a living, and whether or not she succeeded was up to her. However, she said, her parents had grown up in communism, and it was harder for them to realize that the state was not going to provide for their every need. They missed the old way. Bratislava was not always in Slovakia. It was in Czechoslovakia, which was formed after the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire at the end of World War I. In 1939, Czechoslovakia was dismantled. It became the First Slovak Republic, a Nazi puppet state. I hadn't known this. We walked down the hill from the castle and came to a plaque on an old stone wall. It read, 'In this house in 1847 Sigmund Steiner established the Antiquarian Bookstore STEINER. The Steiner family lived here from the 19th century (except during the Holocaust) through the first half of the 20th century. The memorial plaque is also in memory of 16 members of the family who died in concentration camps in 1942-44. May their souls be bound up in the bond of everlasting life. Remember and never forget.' During World War II, more than 15,000 Jews were de port ed from Bratislava, and most died in concentration camps. Bratislava's Jewish Quarter was largely destroyed. I hadn't known that. The city was bombed by Allied forces in 1944 and liberated by the Soviet Red Army in April, 1945. Czechoslovakia was re-established. 'The people welcomed the Russians,' our guide told us. 'But we didn't know they were going to stay and occupy us.' Then came 1989. A huge public, student-led demonstration against the Russians began in Bratislava and Prague. It was called the Velvet Revolution because of its peacefulness; no shots were fired. I hadn't heard of it. Our young guide remembered another political split — the Velvet Divorce, so called because it was also non-violent. She recalled a morning in 1993. 'I woke up and my mother told me we were no longer Czechoslovakians,' she said. 'We were now Slovakians.' She explained that the two most powerful men in the country had both wanted to be prime minister. 'So they decided, just the two of them, to divide the country,' she said. Overnight, they created Slovakia and The Czech Republic. 'I was pretty surprised,' she said. I was, too. VIENNA Vienna was once the imperial capital of the all-powerful Habsburg monarchy. Today it identifies itself as the 'City of Music,' as it produced Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Haydn, Brahms, Mahler and Strauss. It is also the home of the artist Gustav Klimt, and every souvenir store was filled with cups and plates decorated with reproductions of his gold-gilted figures. Sigmund Freud lived and worked here, as did many other Jewish intellectuals, artists, and scientists before World War II. The magnificent, iconic St. Stephen's Cathedral rose almost 500 feet into the air. The roof was dazzling, as sunlight illuminated every one of its 230,000 colorful glazed tiles. But the commercial nature of the town intruded. All the expensive brands like Louis Vuitton had palatial-looking façades on the main square. And a huge sign for Coca-Cola hung from a building adjoining the church. It was so large it almost overshadowed the church's architecture. Walking through the historic center, today a UNESCO World Heritage Site, I felt like I was in the political and cultural heart of Central Europe. But there was another side. World War II has not been forgotten; history is not whitewashed here. In March, 1938, Nazi Germany annexed Austria in what is called the Anschluss. Hitler was extremely popular and his speeches in Vienna received massive public support. Before 1938, Vienna had a Jewish population estimated at 200,000, and was one of the largest and most vibrant Jewish communities in Europe. After Anschluss, Jews were fired from their jobs, evicted, assaulted and deported. In November of 1938, synagogues were destroyed during Kristallnacht. Viennese Jews murdered in the Holocaust numbered 65,000. Today, Holocaust memorials dot the area, especially on the historic street, Judengasse, and include the Shoah Wall of Names. Our guide told us there is a cultural focus on remembering what happened, not forgetting. I knew some of this, but somehow it felt more real when standing on the streets where all this took place. ČESKÝ KRUMLOV Sometimes traveling brings you pure unexpected delight. This was how we felt when we 'discovered' Český Krumlov, a village in the Czech Republic that looks like a medieval stage set for a movie. Never mind that it was filled with tourists; we had never heard of it, so for us it was a personal discovery. Český Krumlov, also a UNESCO World Heritage site, is probably the best preserved medieval town in Europe. We walked through streets dating back to the 13th century. The original Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque buildings have now been repurposed into hotels, restaurants and breweries (supposedly Budweiser got its start there). We watched people kayaking on the pretty Vltava River that encircled it, and, of course, we each drank a Budweiser 'Budvar.' Although in the medieval era, Český Krumlov was a thriving trade and administrative center, by the time World War II came along, it was no longer important. After the Munich Agreement in 1938, Nazi Germany annexed it as part of the Sudentenland, but no battles occurred in Český Krumlov. No bombs fell. Being too unimportant to bomb turned out to be very good for today's tourism industry. WÜRZBURG Würzburg, located in northern Bavaria, is another beautiful medieval town. The Main River curves its way through a city of half-timbered houses and architectural wonders. I walked across the famous 15th -century Old Main Bridge to get to the narrow, winding streets of the old city. A fortress sits above hills of vineyards and church spires punctuate the skyline. Then I entered the Würzburg Residence, a Baroque paradise. It looked like a palace but actually it had just been the main residence for the high-ranking church leaders of the Holy Roman Empire. Gold leaf adorned the walls, glass chandeliers hung over magnificent Rococo- style furniture, a grand staircase of gleaming marble rose from the main hall, and Italianate frescoes covered the ceilings. I felt like I was in the Palace of Versailles. Maybe it was a little smaller, but it was just as grand, just as ornate. The beautiful town of Würzburg was a Nazi garrison town, with military barracks and training facilities. Enthusiastic Nazi rallies took place in the medieval town squares. On March 16, 1945, the RAF carried out an air raid that lasted 17 minutes. About 90 percent of the city, including the Würzburg Residence, was destroyed by the bombs they dropped and in the resulting firestorm. And 5,000 people were killed. War-time photographs in the Würzburg Residence showed such destruction that restoration seemed impossible. Yet, in the 1940s – with much American help and a multitude of art historians, craftsmen and stonemasons – restoration began. It continued for 40 years, until, in 1981, the old city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. By 1950, artisans restored the old bridge to its formidable 15th-century Gothic form, even using some of the original huge stones. Without our guide, I would never have known what happened here. COLOGNE Our guide told us we would never get lost in Cologne if we just looked up. Towering above everything were the twin towers of the Cologne Cathedral. She was right. The towers soared 500 feet toward the heavens. They were never out of sight. Then she told us that Cologne was one of the most heavily damaged cities in Germany during World War II (90 percent of the city center was leveled), but that the cathedral had survived because the Allied bomber pilots needed it for navigation. They didn't bomb it because they needed it to know where they were. That was a nice story, and I wished it were true. Later, I found out the truth. It was hit 14 times. It was indeed damaged, but the cathedral's robust structure was built from incredibly durable Gothic stones. It was not intentionally spared, but it survived anyway. Seeing those still-standing towers must have felt like a miracle to the people in Cologne in 1944. Today, the town is bustling, lively, clean, and full of tourists. The buildings are a patchwork of medieval, Gothic, postwar modernist, and contemporary styles. Cologne did not try to recreate the pre-World War II city. With the help of the Marshall Plan, the political leaders decided instead to build modern buildings. They concentrated on infrastructure — roads, bridges and utilities. The most important old buildings were restored — the Cathedral, key churches, and a few Old Town facades. Today these historic buildings are right next to new modern blocks for commerce and living. I had never fully realized the complications, the controversies, and the effort required to rebuild a historic city that had been 90 percent destroyed by war. Many miracles occurred here. IN CONCLUSION…. Each time we toured a city, I heard new stories, especially about a war that I previously thought I had understood. I heard about the people who supported the Nazis. Two of our guides told me that their grandparents considered the Americans who came in after the war to be 'occupiers,' not 'liberators' as I had been taught. These new perspectives kept surprising me. I heard about living under communism. No one had anything good to say about that. And everywhere I saw miracles of rebirth, of reconstruction, of making the old new again. Each place called to us to come back. In these 15 days on the rivers, we had just had a taste, just the appetizers. We needed to stay longer to experience the rest of the courses. Maybe someday, with enough time, we could even find dessert.

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