Rothenburg Day 2

It’s Saturday, May 19^th, and it’s a beautiful cool day of 16 degrees Celsius, about 60. We have nothing on our agenda for the day except for the Meistertrunk play at 5:30p so we sleep in and squeak into breakfast at 9:45 before the 10am close. The buffet has everything you could possibly imagine. I like that they have tomatoes, cucumbers, cold cuts and cheese every morning. I think I’ll try that at home.

We gather our things and head back out to the Old Town for a day of shopping and exploring as the Festival is now in full swing. Oh! I forgot to tell you that they had a weekend pass for the 4-day festival that saved us money and allowed us into EVERY venue and activity.  22 euro for a pass or $26 instead of 10 euro for the next three days and it’s a beautiful pass I will be able to put on my travel tree when I return.

Our path takes us past our friendly Hessions “singing for their bier” at a local establishment and the innkeeper was happy to oblige. Unfortunately, one of the horses left a gift before they departed.

Reaching the Rodertor Gate, our entry was no longer on the side since they were checking for passes as you entered the main arch.

Reaching the Market Square, we were greeted with a variety of tradesmen set up for the day and a banquet underway in front of the Imperial Hall where the play will take place.

Following the crowds through an arched tunnel, we emerge into the Grunen Markt (Green Market) where games, rides, and handmade crafts abound! We were pleasantly entertained by a trio and enjoyed learning about three different hawks. The European hawk KNEW we were taking photos and would spread her wings to show off her beautiful plumage.

Next stop was St. Jakob’s Lutheran Church with 2.50 euro entry fee and the gorgeous Gothic architecture. 

Upstairs is the Altar of the Holy Blood with an intricately carved depiction of the Last Supper. John has his head in Jesus’ lap and Jesus is handing Judas a piece of bread to denote his betrayer. This alter piece is fashioned in such a way that Judas can be removed from the piece as is the tradition during the four days leading up to Easter.  Here is a photo to show the with and without Judas.

The Christmas Boat was made of ebony by the Lutheran partner deanery of Hia/Kilaminjaro Tanzania and depicts the Angel with a trumpet on Judgment Day escorting the faithful to Heaven.

Can’t tell you about my shopping as it would spoil the presents that I bought for my family but suffice to say I had a great time adding to their economy! We walked the streets and followed a “walking tour” from Rick Steves’ tour book. This is a wonderful item to consider when planning a European vacation. He has researched and takes you into back alleyways that most tourists don’t know exist.  AND he gives you historical information about various building, roads and small unnoticed items.

 

Kobolzeller Kirche is actually St. Mary's Catholic Church. More about it tomorrow.

The Convent Garden grows herbs and plants used in the Middle Ages for medicinal purposes. The warnings on the more poisonous plants carried a single to a triple cross on the sign denoting the strength of the poison.

Walking along the wall, we can see that a cliff adds to the fortifications and didn’t need thick walls at all in this location. The views from the wall give an overview of the city.

We plan on dinner around 4p since we are in the habit of eating only breakfast and dinner each day. We again forget to share a meal and end up with a huge dinner of two sausages, pork, lentils and noodles while I have the grilled sausages with potatoes and sauerkraut. We always taste each other’s meals so we know if that is something to order in the future.

And now Die Meistertrunk!  Warning! It’s all in German with no translation or subtitles so be sure you know the gist of the story and it’s always a plus if you have some German words in your databank to help follow along. It is a dramatic production with the added bonus of the instrumentalists’ fanfares and marching drums. The actors are intense and there is a great servant who adds a lot of comic relief to an otherwise heavy subject. But remember! It’s a LEGEND! This never really happened.

As the story goes, Rothenburg was besieged by invaders. They tried in vain to hold them off but the Council was forced to surrender. In order to save the town, the invading General said that if someone from the town could drink a gallon a wine without taking a breath, he would leave and return the town to its people. The Burgermeister stepped up, downed the wine and the town was saved!

 As they all marched out to the trumpets and drums, the children threw their bouquets of flowers into the audience and I was fortunate enough to get one.  No, I'm not getting married any time soon...or ever!

Until tomorrow!