Rod & I traveled by train 3 hours north out of Milan to Switzerland to a little town off the side of Lake Lucerne where Theo picked us up and smuggled us over the German border. It was a beautiful drive and we even saw the Bern Temple off of the freeway. We traveled up to the German/ France/ Swiss border towards the Black Forest area. I had really hoped that we would be able to visit a little town calle Staufen (pronounced Stow-fen) that Rick Steves loves, but Theo had invited us to stay with him at a good friend Lydia Pluhar who lived in Mullheim. As we traversed the little back roads weaving in and out of villages set in the vineyards, we passed Mullheim and drove into Staufen!! I was surprised because I hadn't said anything to Theo. Lydia lives right in the heart of Staufen00 and it is a wonderful charming little town! I highly recommend it. There is this magical castle on the hill and the town is full of multi colored houses with a little brook running through the streets.
I am grateful that there are plaques placed throughout Europe that reminds us of the resilience of the people. 
ISnt this amazing? Taken right out of my bedroom window at Lydia's House!
Lydia is amazing! She is nearly 80 years old and this woman is wonderful! About 38 years ago as a single divorced mother of 5 (?) she invited the missionaries over to teach one of her son's friends. The missionary was Rod and her son's friend was Theo. Now years later their friendship endures for eternity. We truly love Theo. Thank you Lydia for so very much.....
I love Lydia's simple kitchen. She has a dishwasher! I didnt see a clothes washer and I am sure there is no clothes drier, TV and she travels by train & bus to do geneology a couple of times a week at her LDS church.... but a dishwasher is very modern! 
We spent two nights and a day with Theo & Lydia. We traveled to the French border at the Rhine. Spring was in full bloom and it was beautiful! Then we travelled to Friberg and visited the Cathedral. The church has beautiful stained glass and exterior carvings. This door alone has hundreds of little figures carved in red sand stone. Because it is sandstone it is constantly being renovated.
When the stained glass windows were made each of the windows were sponsored by various entities of the town. This window was sponsored by the local barber (see the scissors). It was fun to find the window sponsored by the baker and tailor.... I love traveling with Rick Steves guidebooks. He sure makes a quick visit to a local landmark fun!!
