Christan Köhle, a dedicated Ludwigsburg resident, had worked out something very special for the BCI’s fall trip: The participants from Germany, Austria and Switzerland were transported to the time of the 18th century!

The “mistress of Duke Eberhard Ludwig, Countess von Graevenitz” together with her “private secretary August von Krippendorf” introduced the guests to the table manners at court during a delicious meal in the hotel restaurant of the Golden Plough. The dissolute life of the high nobility was not taboo. It kept some participants busy at the bar until after midnight.

But that was not enough. The next morning, everyone had to go to the baroque palace in Ludwigsburg – “on business,” so to speak! The maid Berta had been given the task of looking for staff for the castle to keep the court running. To do this, the BCI went behind the scenes where no one else would go. From the hot water supply to the management of the silverware to personal hygiene, even the bowel movements were not left out. However, only one of the ranks of the BCI received a prospect of employment: as a doorman and personal attendant to the lord of the castle.

Lunch at the home of our notable friend Andy was well deserved – but not before visiting the Holzmarkt and the Marktplatz with its colorful hustle and bustle of the weekly market.

In the evening we went on the Neckar to a special wine tasting. During a boat trip to Hessigheim, the home of the wine manufactory exNicrum, winemaker Fabian Alber not only explained and celebrated the wines, but also described the strenuous and labor-intensive viticulture in the steep slopes of the Neckar.

At the end of the picturesque weekend excursion, everyone agreed: It was a very special autumnal meeting for the Notables with their partners. Many thanks to Christian Köhle and his team!