Rothenburg

Jil had the fabulous idea to go and visit Rothenburg, which is usually visited around Christmas for its wonderful markets.  Instead we went on a bright and sunny day in May.  The town was protected during World War II by the Nazis and only a few public buildings and several homes were destroyed.  The town itself dates back to before the turn of the first century, therefore the buildings that remain are quite historical.  We, Jil, her boyfriend Sebastian, and a uni friend, Karoline, spent the day wandering the streets in the sunshine.  First, we enjoyed a round ball-like cookie (Kugeln) which are known to originate in Rothenburg.  Whilst enjoying a refreshment at one of the outdoor cafes in the city square, I noticed a small tower above city hall with about 4 people huddled around the bell.  Jil and I were ambitious enough to climb up to the tower.  It was an amazing climb; the steps started out like any other wooden steps, then they became smaller and smaller until we had to turn our feet sideways.  Eventually, when we made it to the top, we had to crawl out a trap door at the top of a ladder to reach the bell tower.  Full capacity of the area must have been about 6 people.  The views were incredible!  I could follow the grand wall that surrounds the entire town and see where all the knights and Nazis must have stood guard at all the towers.  After we cautiously climbed down the stairs and continued through the town with Seb and Karoline to check out the various towers.  It was unbelievable to imagine how old some of the buildings are.  It was a perfect day which I spent entirely conversing in German!