Monday, March 15:
Very early in the morning a call by Archbishop Haynald, whom I introduce to R.; then some purchases and saying goodbye to our charming friend, later to the excellent Standhartners. We left around 7 o'clock; in Regensburg at 6 in the morning, and since we have a wait of five hours ahead of us, we visit the cathedral and drive out to see the Valhalla. The cathedral makes a great impression on us, but the Valhalla a very trivial one. At Weiden another stop of two hours; poor Bayreuth is badly neglected (perhaps indeed persecuted?).
We reach Bayreuth at last, at 4 p.m. on the 16th, splendid, loving welcome from our children, all looking well; Fidi has grown, and, as if understanding the significance of all the laurel wreaths hung up everywhere, he looks at his father earnestly and thoughtfully and shows very profound emotion; the others all affectionate, good, cheerful, loving - a heartfelt joy and source of hope. Lunch at 5 o'clock. To bed early. Very unpleasant domestic scenes.