According to this piece from Reuters, Frankfurt Airport is under threat of yet another strike from its employees. Ver.di, the union representing these employees has suggested that a strike is imminent and will take place on Thursday due to the lack of progress in negotiations with the airport operating authority. This comes on the heels of a strike last month when security screeners decided to walk off the job creating significant delays and cancellations for travelers transiting FRA.
I could not find any other details regarding this recent announcement, but no doubt that we will hear more as Thursday nears. This is the 4th or 5th strike that I can recall in this year alone that is affecting air travel in Europe. You would think that the EU would somehow figure out a way to intervene and prevent these antics from becoming habits. I guess this is what happens when the inmates run the asylum…….
And by the way, Italian Air Traffic controllers are still promising a strike on March 30th.
As part of an LSG Sky Chef event in New York last week, Lufthansa has unveiled an entirely revamp Menu strategy specifically designed for flights departing US Gateways. For those of you not familiar with LSG Sky Chefs, it is a Lufthansa Group subsidiary and the largest provider of inflight meals in the world. In fact, 1 in 4 meals served by any airline, on any flight is sourced from LSG Sky Chefs.
The new ‘Taste Of America’ program is designed to serve regionally inspired cuisine for passengers traveling in First or Business Class and is scheduled to begin in May. For the program, Lufthansa has taken the US and divided it into 4 regions:
Northeast/Midwest: New York, Boston, Chicago, Detroit, Newark, Philadelphia
Southeast/Mid-Atlantic: Atlanta, Miami, Orlando, Charlotte, Washington DC
Central: Dallas, Houston, Denver
West: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle
The new program looks to take advantage of regional traditions and ethnic influences to create unique dining experiences and move away from everyone having the same menu at the same time when flying from the USA. As part of the 5-star strategy, this is a major piece to the puzzle when it comes to improving the on-board experience from one of Lufthansa’s largest markets.
The program itself is a collaboration between Lufthansa food specialists and LSG Sky Chefs which undertook the daunting task of reviewing over 1,000 menu ideas before choosing the finalists. The vetting process went beyond just taste and flavor. The options chosen for the new menu had to pass a stringent review of the meal’s ability to maintain freshness and appeal when served in an airline environment, which includes preparation, temperature variations, altitude, etc. It was not as simple as the food tasting good on the ground, it had to perform while in flight as well. Additionally, ingredients used towards this menu are locally sourced so that authenticity to the region and ethnic inspiration can be maintained.
Here is the breakdown of the initial menu concept that will be on board beginning in May:
Northeast / Midwest: Italian inspired selections including Pasta stuffed with Artichoke.
Southeast / Mid-Atlantic: Cartoccio, a locally inspired seafood dish.
Central: Smoked and grilled Beef with a spicy chili sauce.
West: Cioppino – a seafood ragout with tomato and saffron.
Expect that these options will change on a monthly basis as is normal for Lufthansa’s dining menus. There will of course be other menu options available on board besides the options listed above.
To see what some of these options look like and the work that went into the program’s development, take a few minutes and watch the following video:
In another rare exception where I play the part of tourist while in Slovakia (the other was a visit to Cachticky Hrad), we took a day trip from our tiny village enclave to visit one of Slovakia’s UNESCO gems situated in the heart of the country.
Spiš Castle’s foundations date back to the 12th century when it served as a northern boundary Fort for the Hungarian state at the time. It would the become the seat of rulers of the Spiš region for centuries. In the 15th century the castle went through a major upgrade under owner Stefan Zapolsky who added a Chapel, Knight’s Hall and a Palace. His son Jan, would be born in the Castle and would become king of Hungary.
The Castle suffered extensive damage as a result of a major fire in 1780 and fell into ruins for much of the 19th and 20th centuries. It was only through the efforts of conservationists that began in 1970 that allowed Spiš to be rebuilt to what we find today. Visitors to the castle will find extremely well kept grounds with key areas of the castle restored to the point that much of it is accessible to the public. Within the castle’s museum, visitors can see recreations of dining areas, armories, a chapel and torture chamber.
Spiš is among the largest fortress-type castles in all of Europe and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993 along with Levoca, a nearby town nearly under the castle’s shadow. Access to the Castle is easy since their are major roadways that pass near the grounds. Aside from the Castle, the villages and towns nearby offer some of the best examples and insights in Slovakian heritage that you will find anywhere in the country. Should your travel plans take you to the area, please let me know and I can suggest how to enjoy the area as a ‘local’!
At this point I’ll put my keyboard on mute and let the photos tell more of the story on this wonderful place…….
A look at Spiš as we pass by to the west.
Approaching the main entrance to the Castle. The incline was worse than it appears!
This view shows a ‘rock formation’ depicting a deer at the base of the Castle. Speaking to locals about it, they said that it was a ‘gift’ from a few Britskej Alkoholici. I don’t doubt it.
At the entrance of the Castle visitors will find the ticket office, a souvenir shop, a small restaurant and restrooms.
Once inside the Castle grounds, its size really starts to play out. Massive walls and buttresses protect the Castle’s extensive footprint.
Looking down into the main Courtyard.
The Castle’s elevation allows for spectacular views to the horizon. No doubt a prerequisite for any Castle!
One of the towers displaying serious erosion to its foundation.
‘Keystones’ have kept this arch in place for hundreds of years…..
Though much of the Castle has been restored, some areas remain in ruin.
One of the towers overlooking the Castle’s grounds.
There’s definitely a certain beauty to a Castle as it show’s its age and resolve.
One of several Canon batteries on display
We found this thanks to some insider information. This relief of a young girl is supposedly a tribute to her after she committed suicide at the Castle.
Inside the Castle, several displays recreate what life was like within Castle walls. This shows a typical kitchen.
The Castle’s Chapel
A small display shows some of the arms and suit of armor that were used by Castle inhabitants.
A Knight’s suit of armor
The bath house suggests a variety of services on offer…..given the choice, I think the middle option would be the best value 🙂
The next stop was the Torture Chamber, apparently a wide variety of services are offered here as well.
Tools of the Trade…..
No Castle is complete without a ‘Rack’ that would help you find those extra few inches….
A less than comfortable Nail Chair. Look closely at the seat and seat back and you’ll see little stubs. Behind the seat back is a knob that you would turn to push the stubs into the back and butt of your guest.
They can’t just called this a squirrel? Why make it so difficult and funny!
After leaving the castle, we stopped by a restaurant for dinner and enjoyed this spectacular view of the Castle for a few minutes.
