New Years Eve in Germany is a mix of traditions, old and new. Based partly on customs from the country's pagan past, a German "Silvester" celebration is planned to ensure the coming year will have the best chance possible of being a vintage one.

There are over 5,000 castles in Germany, and many of them are on the Castle Road. 745 miles of stunning landscapes, valleys, forests and rivers, filled with legacies of the past, medieval towns and villages and castles, castles and more castles.

Caroline Herschel, sister of William Herschel and pioneer in her own right, cataloged stars, nebula, and was the first woman to discover a comet. She was also the first woman astronomer to earn a salary, acquire honors, and be accepted into scientific organizations usually open only to men.

A festival is not a festival in Germany unless there is some type of favourite food involved, and for Karneval, Germany's Mardi Gras, it is Faschingskrapfen or Berliner, the Carnival Jelly Donut.

Karneval, chaos before Lent, especially in Germany's wine regions. Crazy, zany but not enjoyed by everyone, so "Karnevals-Fluechtige" avoid Carnival areas where strangers embrace, bars make 40 percent of their annual earnings, and "The Fifth and Foolish Season" takes over city streets.

Carnival in Germany began in ancient times with masked Teutons creating as much noise as possible to chase away the evil spirits of winter. In Cologne it now begins on 'Weiberfastnacht', when 'Wieber', women, cause chaos and no necktie is safe from their giant size scissors.

Chopped pancakes with fruit for Breakfast, Lunch or Dessert, at Oktoberfest or in a bar, might not be what Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria's chef had in mind when he devised what is now known as 'Kaiserschmarrn', but a century later it is a favorite throughout Bavaria and Austria.

Elderberry syrup is an "all rounder", which is fun to forage, harvest and easily made. It makes great drinks for summer and winter, is delicious with dishes savory and sweet, and in Germany is used as a popular natural remedy for all types of ailments.

It is not a good idea to wish any German "Geburtstagkind", Birthday Child, a "Happy Birthday" until the actual day, and someone celebrating their 90th needs a very large cake, perhaps even a fire extinguisher. Why? It's "Birthdays" the German way.

One of Israel's Righteous Among the Nations and recipient of Lev-Kopelev Prize for Peace and Justice, German Industrialist Berthold Beitz saved the lives of hundreds of Jewish adults and children during the Holocaust, and was a main contributor in the rebuilding of Germany's reputation.