We rang in Jackie's 32nd (gulp!) birthday with a surprise trip to one of the coolest little cities in Germany - Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Our plans to go to Strasbourg were stymied when suddenly every hotel in the city became booked in a matter of 24 hours. This proved to be a blessing in disguise as we got to discover this wonderful town only an hour and half from our front door.The city itself dates back to the early 1300's and is one of Europe's best preserved medieval Towns having been spared by the wars of last 500 years. According to legend, in 1661 Imperial Marshal Tilly was planning to burn the town and execute the town's officials. When urged for mercy, Tilly challenged any of the administrators to empty a huge pitcher given to him as a cup of welcome in one gulp. Mayor Nusch successfully stood up to the challenge and emptied the pitcher, containing almost one gallon of wine and so saved the town. My kind of guy!
We arrived at our beautiful hotel which dates back to the 1300's and were shown to the roof top suite which provided stunning views of the city below. After a glass of champagne we took to the streets to explore this town that time forgot. Littered with wonderful little hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops there were plenty of places to explore. We even toured the criminal museum which showed all the different ways people were made to confess after first denying they were witches. Yikes!
A huge wall surrounds the entire city and you can walk on top all the way around (total distance 2.7km). After a careful climb up some really steep stairs we walked the perimeter while enjoying full panoramic views of the old buildings and gardens. It was AMAZING!
In the evening we enjoyed a traditional Bavarian meal and a tasty mug of Ale in a cool little restaurant called Altes Keller (Old Cellar). This was just a warm up for the Night Watchman who walked us through the streets while telling tales of knights, kings, and the shady characters who prowled the streets after dark in search of mayhem and mischief. It was so much fun!
The next day we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in our hotel and took one last stroll before heading back home. That evening our friends Danny and Irina has us over to celebrate Jackie's birthday. She cooked a wonderful meal and we shared our stories from the weekend.
In the evening we enjoyed a traditional Bavarian meal and a tasty mug of Ale in a cool little restaurant called Altes Keller (Old Cellar). This was just a warm up for the Night Watchman who walked us through the streets while telling tales of knights, kings, and the shady characters who prowled the streets after dark in search of mayhem and mischief. It was so much fun!
The next day we enjoyed a delicious breakfast in our hotel and took one last stroll before heading back home. That evening our friends Danny and Irina has us over to celebrate Jackie's birthday. She cooked a wonderful meal and we shared our stories from the weekend.
Jackie blew out the candle on a great 31st year with a wish for more of the same in her 32nd.
Take a look at the pictures from our weekend....
Put that trip on my list for my visit....looks amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteThose streets, the houses, the shops, the hills...they are all right out of a movie!!!!!!!!!!!! Stew is the STAR for sure. ;)Mr. Cutie Pie. Danny and Irina look like a darling couple, and so kind to have you celebrate your bday together with them. Todd, last year on Jackie's bday, did you ever in your wildest dreams expect to be taking her to this beatiful, quaint German town in the hills this year??? Great pick! Put it on the list for us - can you just imagine it in bloom!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you guys are having the best time! Don't worry about us...just dealing with snow, snow, and more snow! I have been trying to reach the birthday girl too. She is up-north with some friends. Her mailbox on her cell phone is of course, full! I got her message, which is actually Scott saying only "LOCKWOOD CELL PHONE!!!" really loud.
ReplyDeleteGlad Jackie had such a great 32nd birthday! Talk to you soon! Love, Wendy
Keep the posts coming! It sounds like you, Jackie and Stew are having such an incredible time! Looking forward to hearing about more of your adventures! Will check back soon.
ReplyDeleteMark and Katy