Germany

We finally ventured into Germany for some sightsighting. Somehow, since we are living in German-speaking CH, it hasn't seemed all that interesting to travel to Germany - we always opt for France or Italy instead (where we can enjoy different food!). But we had a nice time in Germany & I definitely gained a few pounds with all of the knödel and schnitzel I ate.

We first headed to Calw in the Black Forest. A sleepy little town with timbered houses and a nice pedestrian only town center.

Grootmoe, Grandpa, Lukas & Rob in town square (Rob looking like a giant - standing on a parking pillar.)

We did a small hike in the Black Forest, mainly just to say that we've "hiked" the Black Forest and also to be able to enjoy a beer & big lunch afterwards without (as much) guilt. But mostly we just wandered around the town which was a quaint little town to explore. It is fun and much easier for us also to explore with Grandpa & Grootmoe along with us. Lukas was such a happy camper - trading off between riding on Grandpa's shoulders and holding Grandma's hand.

Our next stop was Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This town is considered one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe. It is ridiculously charming and picturesque, to the point that it feels a bit like a movie set or historical Disneyland. Apparently, Rick Steves has also raved about this city which has added even more tourists to the mix. But I loved it. And when we ventured just one or 2 streets off of the main square, the tour groups were nowhere to be seen. About 40% of the town was destroyed in WWII, but it was quickly rebuilt in historical style. I liked that since then I didn't have to imagine what it would have looked like.


Main square of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

The entire town is enclosed by a city wall and you can walk on top of the wall for most of it - which of course, being with the Wiggers family - meant that we would walk all of it - about 1.5km. It was a nice vantage point to see the city. Also, one of my favorite memories of this trip is that Lukas thought that for some reason we should all be in a marching band whenever we came to dark sections of the wall - which was about every few minutes. So whenever we'd go into a tower, etc. Grandpa would pretend to play the trumpet, Lukas the trombone, Grootmoe the flute, etc. and we'd have a little marching band for about 20 seconds - any other tourist who we happened to pass must have thought we were nuts.



The Wiggers marching band takes a break

We also took an evening walking tour with the Night Watchman who told us little stories of what it would have been like to live in Rothenburg in medieval times - very entertaining. And mostly we just wandered around the town - stopping for coffee breaks with schneeballs (the local doughball specialty) and taking lots of pics.



Cute Lukas on a cute street

Our restaurant on our first night (Lukas would remember it as his "time out" spot when we'd pass it on later days ;-)

Rob, Lukas, Grandpa & Grootmoe in front of the castle garden gate

The other half of Rothenburg viewed from across the little valley.

Inga & Lukas on ANOTHER cute street/square.

Lukas takes aim from inside the city wall.


Grandpa, Lukas & Grootmoe enjoy a lunch break.

Unfortunately, at the end of the trip it was time for Grandpa & Grootmoe to hop on a train and continue their trip up to the Netherlands. Lukas was NOT happy with this plan. But we'll see them soon in CA and in the meantime Lukas is loving his "I love you" bear he got from them.

Miss you & love you Grandpa & Grootmoe!!