Trier, Strasbourg, Luxembourg and other adventures

My travels this week have been in three different countries.  Sounds like a lot, but since Ramstein is in western Germany it is close to several other countries and of course, because this is my blog, I am counting Germany as one of the countries I visited…so sue me.

One of the cities I visited is Trier.  They are the oldest city in Germany, they claim. Founded before 16 BC, it was a charming town but the kicker was the Black Gate called the Porta Nigra.  When I hear black gate I think of Mordor.  However, this gate was phenomenal!  I stood in awe for a few minutes.  This stone goliath of a gate was incredible, did I mention that? It was originally grey sandstone that has blackened over time and was built between 186 and 200 AD.  My pictures cannot do it justice.  We then went to look at the Trier Cathedral also known as the Robe, because they say it contains the robe of  Jesus when he died.  The original cathedral was built in the 300’s and then rebuilt in the 800’s (yes, I do like saying that).  Built onto this cathedral is Church of our Lady.  The Liebfrauenkirche (German for Church of  Our Lady),  is an important early Gothic cathedrals in Germany . They were beautiful, open and airy.  The carvings are incredible with the white and blue and intricate details in the wood paneling.    On our way out we saw Roman baths.  Trier is a city worth visiting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We then decided to drive over to Luxembourg, because why not.  Luxembourg is a country.  Cool.  Small but important.  It has often been fought over because of its geography.  It is a Grand Duchy and the official language is Luxembourgish.  Who knew?  Not I!  Anyway, I cannot possible describe my love for what I saw here.   The gorges (230 feet deep) that divide the city were awe inspiring trees as taller than any I have seen before reaching up out of it.  It took my breath away.  The city was pretty interesting and it was fun seeing the Duke’s Palace and pictures of his son’s marriage, but unfortunately his guard was not in front, bummer.  Overall, that was a fun country to visit.

 

 

 

Jeanie and I then took a quick trip to the picturesque French town of Strasbourg.   It is the capital of Alsace region, which I have some family heritage.  The City centre is a world heritage site and absolutely charming!   In fact the whole region was charming!  I was charmed, but you couldn’t tell.   Yes, eating at a French bakery was charming (a vegetarian sandwich of sautéed eggplant, peppers, tomatoes and goat cheese on a baguette) was charming.  The narrow colorful streets were charming, the plants growing on roofs and buildings was charming, the river and bridge were charming and getting to see swans and storks was charming.  I need to come back and spend some time in Charming Strasbourg. 

 

 

 

 

 

Jeanie and Paul took me on a date for spaghetti ice (ice cream pushed through a sieve to look like spaghetti)  (have I mention that Europe has more ice cream shops per capita than I have ever seen?)  They then took me up the ruins of the castle Burg Nanstein.  Built in the 1100’s it stood high above the valley.  It was built directly on the red sandstone and still has an imposing presence.  It was lovely.  So next guy to ask me on a date...my last one had ice cream and a castle...sooooo...just saying.

 

Today I visited the German city of Heidelberg.  Heidelberg has been around a long time.  Its University was built in the 1300’s.   I loved the red sandstone of the cathedrals, walls and buildings.  The castle overlooking the city was stalwart and strong.  The city was full of many cultures and young college students.  It was a pleasure to be in that engaging atmosphere. 

 

Well, it is very late here, so I best be going to sleep.  I spent four hours wandering around the forest looking for birds and animals and found some wonderful ones.  Jeanie found another forest for me to explore tomorrow and promised me brats.  It has been a wonderful trip!  Good night!