Scenic Starnberger See from the "unterhaus" (lower house), Landheim von Specht, 1963 |
Photo labeled "Chapel of Ludwig" Starnberg, Germany 1963 |
The walled city of Avila, Spain, 1963 or '64 |
Christmas display table, Merz Apothecary, Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, 2010 |
So much cool stuff at Merz |
Yesterday, some 47 years after my initial European immersion, I took a stroll through Chicago's charming Lincoln Square area, and in particular spent a long time browsing in Merz Apothecary, established in Chicago by a Swiss immigrant in 1875. In 2010 it still flourishes, with a small storefront in the Chicago Loop and a robust internet trade. But nothing beats its original location at 4716 N. Lincoln. Because of conscientious efforts to retain the original look and feel of an old-style European apothecary, I was whisked feet first back to Madrid and Munich, 1963. What a sensation, what a pleasure to know all that has not been lost! Even many of the product lines (along with their many modern counterparts) --Fa, Badedas, Nivea, 4711, Roger & Gallet, Maja -- new to me in 1963-64, are still available on their shelves, some even in packaging hearkening right back to those halcyon days.
Sieben und vierzig elf, my fave! |
Roger & Gallet, another old, old favorite |
I don't know what this is, but it's awfully appealing arrayed on display.
Addendum: For updates on this post, see http://veronicawaldsamusingmusings.blogspot.com/2011/02/musings-on-bloggings.html
|
Thank you Veronica, I had been wondering where I was going to get my next bottle of 4711 (Did you know that Napoleon supposedly wore that cologne?) and have been hoarding what little I had left. So many things to buy and so little money. I had a shopping bag full of almost $200 worth of stuff but have whittled it down to $127. I had some birthday money that was burning a hole in my pocket. Thanks to your wonderful post and link that is no longer a problem and I have something to look forward to.
ReplyDeleteWow, lovely story! Would love to hear more about your adventures!
ReplyDeleteJane
Jay, I know exactly how good you're going to smell - do you think I should ask Merz for a commission :-)?
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks, Jane - I had a culturally rich and adventuresome upbringing, and will share more tidbits as time goes on.
I really liked this nostalgic tour into your childhood. I often do that myself but never had such exotic experiences. More please!
ReplyDeleteI too enjoyed your account of your memories. You sure did have wonderful experiences.
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteI was zapping around Google Earth looking for places where I had been in my youth and tried to find Landheim von Specht, my German school from the summer of 1963. I could not quite place it so I Googled the name and your link came up. It appears we were there at the same time but I am sorry to say that I do not remember your mane, probably because I was 16 at the time and you were just 13, a huge difference then. Anyway, I enjoyed reading your blog and thought it was worth reaffirming what a small world we live in.
Regards from Greece,
Elias Vassiliades