Idyllic Day

September 23, 2016

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a fairy tale city in the central German countryside. Preserved from ruin in the wars that raged through the years, its medieval walls and gingerbread buildings, peppered with towers and steeples, stand intact. The cobble-stoned streets with running fountains beckon the traveler to explore. City platz (squares) with outdoor restaurants and flower-filled planters and window boxes bid the traveler to rest and stay awhile. With clear skies and 70 degree Fahrenheit temperature, the city was idyllic and wonder-filled.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is known for its charm and German character and for the Kathe Wohlfahrt Christmas store with its wooden hand-carved decorations and extensive Christmas collections. It is also famous for the Holy Blood altar piece in the St. Jakob Lutheran Church, with a vile of the blood of Christ (a relic) imbedded within.

Our hotel was located inside the city walls, and thus we could explore at leisure. We also could eat at some of the wonderful cafes and restaurants located there. We were delighted to eat German food in a wooden-beamed eatery–hare; sausages; pork knuckle; beef goulash; sauerkraut (to die for); hot potato salad; spaetzle and potato dumplings were the local delights chosen among our group. Of course, beer, both heffelweissen (wheat) and dunkel (dark), was enjoyed with the meal.

We are happy that Mike and Sandra and Sherlene have joined Allen and Rhonda, Kathy and me on this journey. They could not have started in a more idyllic place than Rothenburg ob der Tauber! WEG