ROTHENBURG, GERMANY

If you never visit any other city in Germany, you must, must visit Rothenburg!!! Totally surrounded by their medieval wall, you are transferred back in time. Streets tilting, rolling up and down, narrow and one way, buildings that are reminiscent of olden times…and surprises at every turn. It’s just beautiful.

I climbed the wall several times; walking along it, never smooth, darkness engulfing the tunnels, and with little portals to see out, you can see home gardens, farms out in the distance, and more wall…you can feel the spirits that walked the same path. The steps are very steep and narrow. We past several wells, still in their original positions.

Notice I didn’t mention the weather…the city was so beautiful I didn’t even complain about the rain, wind, hail (yes, hail) and more rain.

We had a typical Bavarian lunch of gravy, spaetzel, gravy, pork, gravy at Ratsstube Restaurant and, of course, dessert was apple strudel.

We also tried the local sweet…schneeballen…pastry pieces formed into a ball and then deep-fried and topped with various toppings, including Cointreau.

Anna and I roamed around the streets, losing our guide at one point, but it was definitely worth it. I love the fixtures that are outside of establishments. They are so ornate and every one is different.

We stopped in Kathe Wohlfahrt, a Christmas store/museum beyond belief. Now I know that I’m coming back in December for their Christmas Market river cruise, but I just couldn’t help buying today. I was checking out the schwibbogen (German candle arches) when I was in Germany the last time, so I just couldn’t resist this time.

We spent most of the day at Rothenburg; Anna kept saying …’the next time we’re here’…she must know something I don’t.