Did you think there were only Seven Wonders in the world? Years of traveling have convinced me that there are at least a thousand times more. Quirky people, hilarious situations, breathtaking views and sites, inspiring ideas.

The pinnacle of those achievements was translating the Bible into German vernacular - a deed that gave millions access to the sacred texts, thus ending their dependence on the official Church's interpretations.

Unless steeped in Christian culture, one can hardly imagine just how revered, not to say "worshipped", the former mistress of the Wartburg castle is throughout Europe

In his case, the fire within created a scientist of humanity, not a revolutionary reformer like a certain German monk who had lived more than 300 years earlier