German Bowl Part 3-Whispers and Wiener Schnitzel

A quick note about our blog. Since we are now going to be traveling Europe, the blog is going to be geared more towards our travels and experiences. I will still talk about my thoughts, lessons, etc but a majority of what I will be talking about will be our travels across Europe.


We've made it to Germany! Today marks our 10th day here but it feels like it's been a month. So much has happened in the past 10 days that I'm not sure where to start. Our Friday flight to Frankfurt (take that English teacher!) was wonderful, we had no travel problems and arrived, somewhat delirious, to our room on base safely and on schedule. I do not remember much about our first couple days other than using every bit of endurance I have to stay up past 6pm to beat the jet lag. We spent the week getting registered, signing papers, and visiting each department on base for "in-process".

Our first travel experience was on Thursday when we visited the oldest city in Germany, Trier, dating back to Ancient Roman times somewhere around 70 BC or earlier. Not only is Trier full of history but has some amazing sights including the Cathedral (Dom). When we came into the cathedral, the sight of the huge ceilings, archways, and immaculate architecture was breathtaking. We walked up an ornate staircase to the front, center of the cathedral. There was an archway lined with figures, sculptures, and ornate details depicting angels and saints. A golden archway housing the doors showed a small glimpse of the glass case inside. Inside the case holds something that the German's have been preserving through the ages, something that they've only taken out for the public a handful of times. It is the robe that Jesus wore the day that he was crucified. To have something that precious that has been preserved for so long is amazing! We could only whisper when we were near this room in the cathedral because the thought of what Christ did for us became even more real. It took my breath away to be so close to something that my Savior wore.

Train Station to Trier

Buildings in Downtown Trier

Ancient Roman Gate

Traditional German Design

The Famous Fountain in Trier

Cathedral (Dom)

Beautiful Art within the Dom

The Dom Organ

Amazing!

And Finally, the room holding Jesus' Robe

Yesterday was our first German festival experience. I think James said it best when he said that the German's know how to work hard and get things done, and when it is quittin' time, they know how to throw a party! The Pig Fest went over about a half mile stretch of the cobblestone downtown area of Wittlich. There was beer, schnitzel, music, pork, beer, carnival games, rides, beer, and a parade. The pig fest came about in medieval times when the town was surrounded by a wall and had a gate for protection. The gatekeeper used a carrot to close the inside of the gate one night, it is said that a pig came and ate the carrot and the town was attacked by the enemy. So you can see why they roast pigs at the festival.

Concessions at the Wittlich Pig Fest!

View from the top of the swing ride