News : \'Perfect team:\' Inge and German bus driver reunite with local tourists

John and Paula Hagenow wore clothing they bought in Europe to the tour reunion at Inge's home.

'Off the beaten path:' Those who travel with Inge Schminke say her tours are best for many reasons.

These people were part of Inge Schminke's most recent European tour; she plans another next year.

The Villa Comagena gift shop offers a variety of items with an European flavor.

Because of a beloved local tour guide, those who love European music have played a piano in a historic castle and a pipe organ in a European cathedral. Area residents walked where their Old World ancestors lived, and return with suitcases full of souvenirs, cameras full of unique photos and a lifetime of memories.

Nearly 100 groups of 30 to 48 people have gathered at the home of Oliver and Inge Schminke to discuss their upcoming journey. Then a few months after touring her native Austria, Germany and many other countries, they gather again to share their photos and memories.

Inge’s tours include famous attractions like the St. Michael’s Church in Mondsee, where the Von Trapp wedding scene from “The Sound of Music” was filmed. But the tours also include many unique and not-so-famous places – sites only a native would know about, buildings that only someone who has lived there would know where to find the key.

With virtually no advertising, Inge Schminke has been filling tour busses for more than a quarter century. And every one who accompanies Inge agrees: She’s the best.

“You'd be hard pressed to find someone who wasn't 110% satisfied with their trip with Inge,” says Ashley Hesson, who traveled with Inge this summer. “Everyone wants to go again...if we can just work up our endurance.”

On her first trip to Europe more than 25 years ago, Inge met Rudi Flor, who owns five tour busses. The two immediately became friends and partners. Rudi drives the group throughout the tour as he and Inge share ideas about favorite places.

Rudi joined the local tourists at Villa Comagena on Sunday afternoon. Inge and Oliver have lived there for many years, and Inge has converted a few rooms into gift shops. She also offers an authentic Austrian dining experience, in which she cooks a variety of items from her homeland and also shares her story.

Rudi says Inge is the only tour guide who merits a personal visit.

“Inge’s special,” he says.

“Rudi and Inge make a great team,” says Marlyn Duncan, who traveled there with his wife, Kathy. It was Kathy who had the opportunity to play that piano and organ.

Many of the tourists shared their memories of the tour, and offered reasons why they believe Inga is the best of all tour guides.

The travelers mention Inge’s humor, her personal touch, her familiarity with the places and the people every place the takes them.

When they gather after their trips, they share their favorite moments from Europe. Many brought items they bought there.

John and Paula Hagenow of Newhall were among a group of several Newhall area residents to join Inge this summer. On Sunday, John wore the lederhosen he bought in Germany; Paula, her Austrian blouse.

The Duncans brought a large framed photo of the NeuSchwanstein Castle in Suessen Germany – a photo they took with a tiny digital camera and had enlarged and framed.

“Traveling with Inge is something one might just have to experience for themselves. She absolutely makes the trip,” says Hesson. “Inge truly takes you on the ‘off beat tour’ because you see Europe for what it really is – not the westernized, tourist version you'd get by staying at fancy hotels in big cities. We stayed in quaint and perfectly wonderful hotels with amazing breakfast spreads. She took us on very personalized tours and we just happened to bump into some of her family and friends along the way. We could change the day's plan to accommodate what the group was most interested in seeing. She gave personal touches along the entire trip.”

Mark and Jana Bystricky of Reinbeck traveled with Inge during her first tour more than 25 years ago.

“It was our honeymoon trip,” says Jana.

The couple traveled again with Inge to celebrate their 25th anniversary.

Like many of Inge’s travelers, the Bystrickys became friends with Rudi, and have kept in touch with him and his family throughout the years.

And, say all of those who have traveled with Inge and Rudi, the two of them make the best possible team. Inge, born in Austria at the outbreak of World War II, still speaks fluent German, and she and Rudi often speak in private conversations totally heard but not understood by anyone else. Their tours are full of laughter and stories, both from the history books and from their own memories.

“Inge has an amazing passion for experiencing life and she pushes her travelers to get the most out of their trip,” says Hesson. “She also has an amazing level of endurance! I had a hard time keeping up with her, and that was after she'd been out for her 6 a.m. walk around whatever town we were in.”

Inge is planning her next trip – her 97th – next fall. She will also be hosting some tour groups from Country Travel Discoveries at Villa Comagena.

For more information about the tours or the gift shop and Inge’s Austrian dinner experience, call Inge at 319-436-2503.