Then we were on our way to Rothenberg. On our way we saw many of these bright yellow fields, it truly was a beautiful countryside to drive through! Even if we were on the autobahn and driving fast!
Once we arrived in Rothenberg (and found parking, which wasn't easy) we walked into the mid-evil walled city. This city started in 950AD! It was my favorite town we visited. Very historic, very pretty! There was some sort of festival going on so they had lots of people playing the part of days gone by so it really felt like you stepped back in time. Like you can see in this picture. This town survived the 30 years war and both world wars. The WWII did damage a good portion of it, but they devised a clever way to rebuild. They petitioned people all over the world to help and if they helped their names, or organization, would be put on a brick and set into the newly constructed wall. But even the newer portion was built to blend in with the old, so you really cannot tell.
We did some shopping here. I bought this beautiful nativity from this lady in a tiny shop. She was sitting at her desk painting the pieces. She said her husband makes them and she paints. I like to buy from people who did the work with their own hands. She was very sweet. If anyone knows what this is called, please let me know! It is the kind that you light the candles and the heat makes the propellers rotate on top. They are really cool and I have always wanted one, but I have no idea what they are called!
We also bought food. Oh the food was so good! These delicacies are specific to Rothenberg and they are called "Schneeballen" or snowballs! Yummmm! We bought a tin can of seven to bring home to the kids and grandma and grandpa to try. They assured us that they would stay fresh, and they were.
We founds a meat shop and Nathan bought a bratwurst. He was a happy man! It was really tasty.
They are funny there, they serve their really long bratwurst on round hard rolls. Still good though!
Just walking in one of the streets. Nathan said that if he has to get people in the shot, I better be one of them.
We stayed at a place called "Hotel Spitzweg" and it was built in 1536! It was very beautiful. The breakfast was delicious too! This is the entry hall...
This is our room, looking off the foot of the bed...
Such a picturesque village!
Here we are on the outskirts of the village with the main part behind me. So pretty!
We walked around the wall. It is a walled city with a really rich history. Here Nathan is on the stairs leading up to the wall.
We took our friends' (Kevin and Marnie's) advice and went on the Night Watchman's Tour. It was very educational and very entertaining. The tour guide/actor has been doing the tour for over 20 years and it was like a traveling, educational comedy act of sorts. For example he showed us a restaurant, and while I cannot remember the name in German, it meant "The Hell" and was I think the third oldest building in Rothenberg. He said that it had great food and was open later than any other place. So if you meet someone at night and they tell you to "go to hell" they aren't being mean, it is simply a good recommendation. (But of course he is saying all this with his wonderful accent and funny way.) Anyway, of course Nathan and I had to eat there. The food was good. We sat at a table with a couple and their son and had a nice visit with them. And now we can say we have truly been to hell and back (and the food was good! Ha Ha!) That brings up another interesting part of Europe. You do not ask for a "table for two" you simple get sat where ever there is room. We sat with complete strangers at almost every restaurant we went to. Interesting...efficient! Here I am with the Night Watchman...
After the tour, and after our dinner in ...you know...we walked around the streets at night and enjoyed the quietness of the village after dark. Nathan took some neat pictures too. Here is one...
1 comment:
We loved seeing you and having you stay with us. I'm so glad that you were able to come over for a visit. It has been fun to see all the photos from your trip and read about the rest of your experiences. Hopefully we will be able to come out to Oregon to see you next. Love you guys!
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