Rothenburg ob der Tauber

After a few lazy days of spring break at home left me itching to hit the trail again-- a road trip with Jill to an enchanting village-- Rothenburg, Germany.  We spent 2 quiet days walking cobblestone streets, eating delicious bread, finding treasures from Christmas shops, Criminal Museum, Churches, a Nightwatchman's tour, laughing, good chats, and moments where we felt like we had been transported back to another place and time--

This place is a photographer's dream....  We walked the streets, bundled up with coats and hats imagining what it would look like in spring and summer -  Images of Easter all around-- we appreciated how they beautifully celebrate with less commercial and more of an artists touch.  A favorite were all the newly planted growth-- 

This town is full of holiday celebrations and we found what I dream Santa's workshop would look like.  The talent and craftmanship left us in awe-- Less money in my pocket didn't bother me as my Christmas morning excitement and gifts I will share filled my own Santa sack.. 

An evening Nightwatchman's tour sealed the deal of our enchanted world...  We heard stories of life in Rothenburg...... I am a visual learner and history came a bit more alive to me that cool April eve..  I learned:  The name "Rothenburg ob der Tauber" means, in German, "Red fortress above the Tauber". This is so because the town is located on a plateau overlooking the Tauber River. As to the name "Rothenburg", some say it comes from the German words Rot (Red) and Burg (burgh, medieval fortified town), referring to the red colour of the roofs of the houses which overlook the river.

Our story teller for the night!  Stayed in character all night--  kind of freaky!

Cold enough for travel treats of hot chocolate and a favorite comfort food--- bread (brot)! 

Visiting churches-- I would love to have been able to go back in time and see how it was possible to construct such a structure---  And witnessing that the artists were believers--- in their details I saw their heart....

We debated the Criminal Museum..  We made it 2 floors before having enough..  I'm pretty sure now that their system of justice was insanity!   The shame masks were unbelievable, worn by women who were gossiping and telling untruths-- with a bell attached to tell others they were coming.  I would have laughed and not really believed it if I read it in a book but up close and personal left me stunned and disturbed--  graphic history/moral lesson--  Left me thinking how sin asks us to wear evil masks that we must shed!

I loved walking these streets.  These walls that have stood time and people who have fought for them and preserved them.  They say this is the most well preserved medieval town in Europe.  The Nightwatchman explained to us that it was almost destroyed right after World War II and he shared a miraculous story of how it was preserved and rebuild--- 

In March 1945 in World War II, German soldiers were stationed in Rothenburg to defend it. On March 31, bombs were dropped over Rothenburg by 16 planes, killing 39 people and destroying 306 houses, six public buildings, nine watchtowers, and over 2,000 feet (610 m) of the wall. The U.S Assistant Secretary of War John J. McCloy knew about the historic importance and beauty of Rothenburg, so he ordered US Army General Jacob L. Devers not use artillery in taking Rothenburg. The local military commander Major Thömmes ignored the order of Adolf Hitler for all towns to fight to the end and gave up the town, thereby saving it from total destruction by artillery. American troops of the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Division occupied the town on April 17, 1945, and in November 1948 McCloy was named Honorable Protectorate of Rothenburg. After the war, the residents of the city quickly repaired the bombing damage. Donations for the rebuilding were received from all over the world. The rebuilt walls feature commemorative bricks with donor names

 gotta love Wikipedia--

We spent an afternoon walking the wall and looking for the names--

 Walking and remembering a phrase my dad used to always say, "Are you building up or tearing down?"  I walk picturing what it would have been like to live here--  wondering long ago if they ever wondered that this place would be still filled with beauty.  Reminded me of being part of something that is building us up--- wondering if in the details of my life would others see this building going on --- and witness that I'm a believer--    I have learned that new places and people push my thinking...

Time goes by fast and soon we were making those last few purchases, gassing up, and getting that last bit of German Diet Coke before heading home...  Grateful for friendships in life that build me up and a conference weekend ahead to feed this traveler!