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The Island of Flowers, in the Bodensee

There’s just something about butterflies.

I had the opportunity to visit “Die Blumeninsel, Im Bodensee”(The Island of Flowers, in the Bodensee) near Lake Constance yesterday. Not only was there a lovely flower park, but an absolutely stunning butterfly house, but a Baroque style Mainau Castle with exhibitions, a Palm House, dozens of gardens, walks and towers scattered throughout the entire property. Each corner led to a new piece of the giant floral puzzle, and it was always an incredible surprise.

Though the flowers were past their best at this time, visiting the Blumeninsel in autumn gave one a unique look at the area. Trees were turning or turned, leaves covered the grounds, the cold air off the lake made you happy to duck into the warmth of the glass houses. It was also incredibly quiet and uncluttered—an experience you simply cannot have in summer. Besides, visiting the butterflies in their steamy, tropical home was like experiencing summer all over again!

I also got to walk through the village of Constance, which was busy dressing up in its Christmas finery. It was truly a magical experience to visit this little town and its local cathedral at twilight.

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