Nürnberg Hbf

The little birthday weekend in Mittenwald was beautiful and I felt like coming home to my mountains. I’m already reflecting and there have been a few firsts as well as things I will never forget.

Friday was my birthday and it was my first time on a bullet train. Also the first time on a train period since decades. I can’t wait to do it again and overall I loved it, despite having to watch like a hawk for changes and trains leaving from different stations. Almost missed the train twice.

Friday night was also when the trouble started and I got bit by something in the face just past midnight, which made my left eye swell nearly shut. It’s been an uncomfortable weekend as far as that goes, and this morning the swelling is finally going down. I have a ways to go yet, but thank goodness. All not that easy and definitely a scare with no health insurance now that my job and company is no longer in business. Puts things into perspective and definitely something to consider should I be here longer. I’ve been pretty fortunate that nothing drastic has happened, but there is always that possibility. Not that I want to put that energy out in the universe….I will be fine.

I made my step goal for the past three days and doubled it on Saturday and Sunday. Boy did I walk a lot and pictures will follow soon.

Returning last night and sitting at the Nürnberger Hauptbahnhof (the main train station in Nürnberg), I was reflecting how easy it is to take the train anywhere. I have a dear friend and WordPress blogger to visit in Nürnberg and will have to schedule a visit when he isn’t traveling to my part of the country in the states. 😉

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Wood carvings

Mittenwald is famous for all kinds of woodcarvings. You will find houses adorned with a root that was carved into a face or some other art indigenous of the Bavarian mountains. It is also a place where violins are still handmade and you can visit the violin museum. It was cool to see this giant wood carving of a violin in the middle of town and Mittenwald has been amazing. I have been here years and years ago, but have fallen in love with this charming place all over again.

Leutasch Klamm

It’s a few years back that I got to visit the Leutasch Klamm, a gorge cut through the mountains near Mittenwald. Today I got to visit the turquoise waters once more, this time from the other end which was much shorter and ended at a waterfall.

I always get a bit vertigo, walking across the wet wooden planks or the see through metal grids that allow you to witness the power of the rushing water beneath your feet. Honestly I’m not sure which one is worse, but to experience this beautiful sight is well worth the effort. Returning to the Klamm today was a bit like coming home, revisiting old memories and seeing a different, never before seen angle. Have I mentioned how much I love to explore new places?

Bullet Train to Mittenwald

Mom’s birthday was a success yesterday and today the celebration continues with my own birthday and a trip to Mittenwald. I can’t remember riding a train last, let alone a bullet train that already reached 300km/h. Wow, I’m smoothly flying over the ground in record time and I’m amazed with with how fast one can go from point A – B. Cars and the autobahn are a fast means to get around, but this direct line at this speed is on a whole different level. I’m excited, although I know Mom is missing to spend the day with me.

A touch of medieval

Part of my soul will always be at home within those romantic, medieval, cobblestone settings.

😳😳😳

We saw the medieval executioner during a tour on the town in Rothenburg, and it looks like some heads are gonna roll.

It is pretty neat to take various tours, with the executioner, or the night watchman to learn a little more history. It’s educational and fun, what a way of life it must have been back then.

Market Square Rothenburg

A few years back, I squeezed on top of the white tower in the background. Climbing a narrowing staircase that pretty much allowed for one way traffic only, I felt more and more claustrophobic. At the very top is a tiny square opening to crawl out on top of the round enclosure encasing the tower. I honestly wished I could have gone backwards. Onwards I went, hoping not to get stuck in the small opening. Standing on the top with just a waist high railing is not for the faint of heart and although the view was breathtaking, for me this will rest as “I did it, but don’t have to do it again”. Ever, lol…

Marcus Turm

Marcus Turm is the name of one of the towers in Rothenburg, my favorite city close to my home. It is touristy, but you can’t beat the medieval flair and feel of this place. It never gets old, and neither does it for the Storks who frequently build their nest on top of the towers overseeing the travelers from near and far.

Rothenburg in the mist

This place will always have a special place in my heart ♥️

Fern and the antique door

Walking through the cobble stone alleys in Rothenburg, this old antique door caught my eye. I wonder about the stories and the people who lived behind these doors, and who live there now. What their life must have been like and what memories were made. Have you ever thought about the memories you are making behind your own doors? What would they be, would they be happy or sad and would you smile about them?

Doors like these can be found all over the city, and I love their historic charm. I think “Fern” did as well. I have been taking several pictures of old doors recently and I wonder if there is a sign all together in that meaning. I have always appreciated them, but never felt compelled to photograph them. I wonder….