Schindler exhibitionIt was Steven Spielberg’s film “Schindler’s List” that brought to light the heroic efforts of German industrialist Oskar Schindler, who during World War II saved 1,200 Jews from deathat the hands of the Nazi regime.
Claiming his business was essential to the German war effort, he was able to exempt his Jewish employees from the Nazi roundups.
The Jewish Museum in Frankfurt is celebrating what would have been Schindler’s 100th birthday (April 28, 1908) with a special exhibition through Aug. 31. The title “Vater Courage — Oskar Schindler — Unerkannt in Frankfurt” (“Father Courage — Oskar Schindler — unknown in Frankfurt”) refers to the fact that Schlinder lived in the city from 1957 to 1974 in relative obscurity. It wasn’t until Spielberg’s 1993 film that the impact of his actions became well known.
Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday, except Wednesdays, when the museum is open until 8 p.m. Admission is 4 euros for adults, 2 euros for children.
Find more details on the Web at (there is an English version).
Children and war“Carrots help keep you healthy — and help you see in the blackout.” This World War II poster theme obviously isn’t directed at soldiers. But many forget that children also experienced these challenging times.
As a reminder, the Imperial War Museum in London has organized an exhibit that focuses on the younger perspective. “The Children’s War” looks at the lives of British children during World War II, both evacuees sent to the countryside and those who stayed in the cities and towns during the bombings. It will be on display until Jan. 1, 2009.
The show is divided into sections examining the evacuations, the threat of gas attacks, air-raid preparations, rationing, school and work, pastimes, entertainment and the V-E Day celebrations. Each illustrates the issues children faced during this time. The material is suitable for both children and adults.
The museum is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission is free. Details on the Web.
Women’s travel siteIf you’re a woman (or women) traveling on your own, you may find some help at www.hermail.net.
The free international directory of women travelers connects women through the Internet, enabling them to make contact with women in a place where they will be visiting and to get information on subjects such as weather, hotels, clothing and restaurants.
At this time, the Web site says it has 10,500 members from 35 countries registered.
Send items to be included in this column to travel@estripes.osd.mil, or mail them to “Let’s Go,” Travel section, Stars and Stripes,Unit 29480 APO AE 09211.
Best BetsDENMARK: Sambistas in glittering sequins and flashy feather headgear will shake to the beat of Brazilian music and dance between colorful floats and marching bands this weekend during Copenhagen’s annual Carnival in May celebration. At noon Saturday, the first parade will leave Amagertorv, a large square, and arrive at City Hall Square at 2 p.m. On Sunday, a parade beginning at 9 p.m. will light up the Faelledparken, a city park where a three-day party featuring 120 bands will be held from 4 p.m. to midnight Friday and 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday and Sunday. Finddetails here.
GERMANY: Harley Goes Mainz is the theme of the third annual Mainz Harley-Davidson festival that will run Thursday through Monday at the Zollhafen Mainz. In addition to daring stunt-riding spectacles, fashion shows, musical entertainment and demo rides, bikers and non-bikers will find a mile-long fair selling everything from motorbikes and bike parts to the newest in motorcycle glasses and jewelry. At 2 p.m. Saturday, a large parade of Harleys leaves the festival and makes a circular route through the city and along the Main River. Find details on the Web site (in German).
NETHERLANDS: Say “windmills” and most people immediately think “Dutch.” The windmill helped create the country in the 17th century, both literally, by pumping water from lakes and converting them to land, and economically by grinding wood, rags and grains into useful products. This weekend, a number of the more than 1,000 remaining windmills will be open free to the public. They will be identified by a flying blue pennant. For a map of windmills, go to www.nationalemolenengemalendag.nl (in Dutch) and click on “Molenkaart.”
SCOTLAND: According to the Mary King Ghost Festival Web site, the Edinburgh enclosure in which Mary King lived in the 17th century is considered one of the most haunted places in the country, attested to by several top media ghost programs. If you have an interest in the spirit world, you might want to join in some of the festival activities, among them overnight vigils in haunted vaults, tours of haunted areas, trance and medium evenings, lectures by ghost experts and paranormal investigations. The festival runs Friday through May 18.
SPAIN: Finding Cordova’s climate hot and dry, the Romans built their homes around a central patio filled with plants and water fountains to keep themselves cool. Today, many home builders still follow that tradition, adding their personal touch with mosaics and ceramics. Through May 18, you are invited to view these usually private areas as the owners compete for the most beautiful courtyard during the annual Patio Festival. In addition, a program of music and flamenco dancing has been planned, and a wine-tasting festival will be going on during the same time. Find more details at http://english.turismodecordoba.org.
