Rothenburg ob der tauber

It took a couple of train connections, 2.5 hours ( Munich to Ansbach, Ansbach to Steinach, Steinach to Rothenburg) and in the rain, with no cabs to be found, to then find one taxi that is driving a guest, back for a second guest, and will be back in 10 (he actually uses his digits on both hands to tell us) for us.  but as he does return, and takes us to the walled city,  there is no question it will be worth it.  

Rothenburg seems to be a web of cobbled streets, little brightly colored houses , and towered walls, and is impossibly charming.  This town is the king of medieval german cuteness.   

We check in to and meet equally charming Hotel am Sieberstrum and Oktay.  He asks our names, we ask if he needs copies of our passports.   His response, "why, I have your money, why do I care if you are miss warnken"?  Fair enough.  He gives us a bit of advice for the evening and weekend.  

Tonight - 

"Walk up to the square, the christmas markets will be closing soon.  Enjoy our city tonight, walk around see the shops and the meet the people.  Tonight you must take the Night Watchman's tour, tomorrow it will be sold out.  

Tomorrow, breakfast is served, then you must go immediately to the town.  Get your shopping done first thing then you must get out of the square.  You must not be there from 11 am - 4 pm.
 it will be crowded with the tourists, shoppers, tour buses.  go out, take a the walk on the wall,

get outside of the wall.  then you come back and enjoy the town again." 

Oktay is charming, the hotel is charming, the three flights of stairs, tiny hallways, stairways and low ceilings less charming.  Good thing the luggage is equipped as backpack. Top floor (room 13)! We unpack and get dressed for an evening at the market.  We shall take Oktays advice. 

We walk up to the square, our hotel could not be more perfect.  it is charming, convenient, small, and the owners are fantastic.  SCORE!

Gluewein for Trish, Bier for Chris, and a waffle to share.   We wander around, and get our barring then off to the tour.  We arrive, and chat with the Nebraska four.  The Alpha thinks our drinks for the tour are a great idea.  Trish lets them know that that has been her motto since arriving in Germany.  They think it sounds like a good motto.  She has a great story of how they traveled to a small town in Germany.  Her mother had received a postcard(s) from a cousin while visiting their grandmother in Germany.  She had the name of the town, and the post cards.  she went, found the exact area and buildings from the postcard, as well as some of the things mentioned in the message from her mothers cousin.  they went to inn, from the post card, and were the only ones there.  they were treated like royalty.  food and drink kept coming all evening.  what a great story.  we enjoy our night chatting with them, and waiting for the tour. 

The tour, although slightly cheesy, is well worth it.  a great way to hear some of the history of the city from the watchman (cross between gene wilder and robert plant), as he lights his lamp and takes us on his rounds.  he tells us gritty tales of the medievil Rothenburg  We learn some entertaining history, get a feel for what makes Rothenburg the city it is today, while enjoying wine, well worth 7euros.

We call it a night, and plan for an early morning Saturday.