"Oh, magic castle..."

...such is the most common translation of "O herrlich schlößchen," Hänsel and Gretel's initial reaction to the infamous cookie-studded centerpiece of Humperdinck's 1893 opera.  To anyone who visited New Jersey's Gingerbread Castle in Hamburg, "Oh magic castle" may very well sum up their response, too.  A place of magic and wonder, the castle played host to thousands of visitors and, dare I say, touched the heart of each and every person who passed through its confection-covered halls.  I look forward to readers sharing their memories and photos... so, that's my first blog post...welcome!