Wednesday, September 1, 2010

There is more to Germany then Beer..Get off the stool & go for a stroll

One of the things I hate hearing from people stationed in Germany is there is nothing to do but go to pubs and drink well that is not entirely true. Germany is full of history, culture and good food so be adventurous get off the stool and go for a stroll.  One of the first places we ventured to was Rothenburg ob der Tauber here is a little history lesson for you  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 (burg, medieval fortified town), referring to the red color of the roofs of the houses which overlook the river. The name may also refer to the process of retting ("rotten" in German) flax for linen production. Now my husband Pachenko was excited because it's old and surrounded by a wall (that you can walk on) from the wall you can look out over the town.

As you can see in this Photo the roofs are red and it is an impressive sight 
This photo shows  the walk way as you can see it is narrow in spots ...so watch your step
Once you are done walking the wall you can stroll through the cobble stone streets enjoying the little shops along the way I highly suggest a visit to the Teddy Bear shop which is exactly what it sounds like little teddy bears, medium teddy bears and huge teddy bears, teddy bear clothes, teddy bear ornaments there is something there for all your teddy bear needs...
http://www.teddyland.de/gesch_e.php
Another favorite place we stumbled across was  Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas shop yes I said it a store all about Christmas it was like walking into the North Pole ornaments, advents, villages, stockings, table runners and incense holders yes I was in heaven I highly suggest that you stop in and stroll through the shop it's like 3 stories so make sure you go upstairs the shop also house coo coo clocks like I said this shop is wonderful...maybe not the best place for little children lol
http://www.wohlfahrt.com/
   I know it's a little scary to go into a shop or cafe you might be scared of not being able to understand the sales people or server from my experience the touristy areas have lots of English speaking employees and we have never had a hard time purchasing items or ordering food. When in doubt when ordering food go with Schnitzel, spatzle or mashed potatoes and a cola you can't go wrong Jaeger Schnitzel is delicious too it's schnitzel covered in a amazing mushroom gravy :D it's so good we have learned to make this at home..

As most of you know I am adventurous so it makes life a little less scary for me I just charge in and blaze my own trail I love new experience, going to new places and meeting new people. I think it's important to make good friends and to be open to new things ....I think it will make families experiences in Germany more pleasant