Trip to Germany: Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Day 4)

I'm really glad that Rachel suggested that we visit Rothenburg ob der Tauber on our trip, because I probably wouldn't have thought to come her on my own. This is Germany's best preserved walled town, and it gives off a sense of what medieval Germany was like. Rachel had ancestors which came from this town, and she even let me know (while talking in her sleep!) that she had an ancestor who preached a sermon in the church next to our hotel. The next morning I confirmed that her sleep talking was actually based in fact, and we could even see the church from our hotel window (see above). Rachel also told me that her ancestors had a disagreement with their neighbors and challenged them to a drinking contest. Her ancestors won the contest, and the disgraced neighbors moved away.

Meka and June came up to Rothenburg with us and we all stayed in the Hotel Eisenhut (although our two rooms were in different buildings across the street). The location was fantastic; it was right next to the main square by the Rathaus. After we arrived Meka tried to put down for a nap, so Rachel and I went to the Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum (Medieval Crime and Punishment Museum) on our own. I was particularly fascinated by the Iron Maiden, chastity belts, and shame masks on display there. Then we went sightseeing to a few other places with Meka and June:

Rachel shopping at the Kathe Wöhlfahrt Christmas shop.

Parts of this town were used in the filming of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - such as when the toymaker in "Vulgaria" is trying to kidnap the children.

View of the city from the Rathausturm (Town Hall Tower)

Schneeball pastries are a specialty in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. I have to admit, they don't taste as good as they look! They are a little dry. And Rachel said they taste like lard - ha ha!

One of my favorite drinks in Germany was Johannisbeerschorle, which is currant juice soda. This meal was kind of like a omelet pancake, but I can't remember what it is called.

In the evening I went on the famous Night Watchman tour. It was really fun to hear this sarcastic and entertaining guide give his account of the history of the city. He pointed out different structures that had historical significance and talked about a certain time when the town was under siege but the walls kept the enemy at bay. He also talked about how the city was bombed during WWII, but how the city was ultimately saved from destruction because of a German (Major Thömmes) and an American (John J. McCloy) who both wanted to preserve the town and stop the bombing. McCloy knew of the city's importance and was fond of it: his mother had once visited Rothenburg and a painting of the town had hung in his family's home.

In the morning with Meka and June. We were just about to say goodbye to them - they took a ride with us to Nuremberg, but we split up there so Meka and June could return home to Munich on the train. 

What a charming place! The faux Bavarian town of Leavenworth in Washington seems very contrived in comparison. I'm glad I got to spend a day here.