whatever!!!

Wednesday August 11.


here's the toilet video from the other day - nothing to be embarrassed about ...

sorry for the mix-up of information - I lost some archives, tried to recreate for memory; and really messed it up!  a great big oops!

left Leipzig and on to Eisenach. Eisenach is the city below the hill upon which the Wartburg Castle. Many steps to get there, but what a view – both as a vista and a site. The Castle dates back to the 12 century; has been added to many times. Some of the lower regions include knight's rooms, even though the Crusades were over, it's like nobody told them. Fancy and plain dining rooms; one called the ladies' room (not a bathroom – for ladies who were guests) is gilded with gold and mosaics which include the life story of St. Elizabeth – kind of patron saint to the hungry and poor. A few other room were as they were hundreds of years ago – Luther's study room was there – he was “kidnapped” by Frederich the Wise after the Diet at Worms and secluded off to this place. Was here (not because he wanted to be) for a year taking on the name of Squire George. Here he translated the New Testament into the vernacular – that's German … the top floor is a beautiful stateroom where the German Unification Documents were signed a few years ago.

http://picasaweb.google.com/HandyDandy1/EislebenWartburg?authkey=Gv1sRgCI6rxJmer7Os_AE#

came down the hill and went to Erfurt – another longer trip. At Erfurt saw the church/monestary where he served after becoming a monk. The cathedral is Evangelical Lutheran, part of the state church … an interesting side note state church – I tend to think that the countries with state church means the state establishes the church within the boundaries. No, No, nanette. The state collects a 7% tax from every city that is the church tax collection; the state then give back to the cities 4% of the money for facilities and 3% for clergy. If the CITY registers to pay the tax (since unification they may opt out) they also fail to receive their portion of the revenue - thus many churches are in great disrepair and the clergy are gone. The state church then consists of Catholics, protestants, new age – whoever registers to receive the proceeds. Thus, the state manages the finances of the church – it has nothing to do with the doctrine.

Back to Erfurt – sorry for the sidetrack … the building is under repair - the front stained glass windows are being re-leaded, so banners – perhaps 50-60 feet high hang where the windows normally are. 10 sisters still run the place – now a convent, rather than a cloister.

Delightful time in downtown erfurt. Had a beer or two before dinner, and were entertained by street musicians; after dinner walked down to the town square and just enjoyed the ambiance

http://picasaweb.google.com/HandyDandy1/ErfurtMunich?authkey=Gv1sRgCJLfy_7y6YuHnQE#

Highlight: the Wartburg and Erfurt Cathedral. Another couple WOWS

August 12

to Nuremburg …

old city - hopefully the pics will tell the story; but so much sadness, more than 90% of Nuremburg was lost in WWII. Spent time looking at cathedrals and shopping and lunching in the town square. Rainy day! Though we didn't get drenched while out of the bus.

From Nuremburg on to Munich. Did a drive by tour of the city - “don't get out of the bus, you can see the pictures when you get home” kind of tour. We were all so tired. Had a marvelous dinner at a Hofbrauhaus – I had schwerinhaxe – (sp? - pig knuckles!) FANTASTIC!!!. plus the biggest beer I've seen yet. Boy was that good! Puts A & W to shame!

From Munich then we head tomorrow to Oberannergau.

Guten nacht.

d.

NEXT

onto Oberammergau and the Passion Play. How cool is the scenery coming into the Bavarian Alps? The pictures won't do it justice, I'm sure, but it's a memory indelibly etched in my mind. I felt like singing “this hills are alive...” but I wasn't wearing an apron. - so I kept my notes to myself. Were put up at the Blaue Gams in Ettal, maybe 5-6 km from Oberammergau. Bus drivers are phenomenal people! Thanks Frank! Have a full lunch here – salad, veal and spaetzel, appel struddel. Very heavy! Then to the play site.

The play starts at 2:30.

now the next day and time to reflect. Last night's play was phenomenal. arrived in the city at 2:00 – play starts at 2:30. We had seats in the eighth row right of center. The theater holds 5000 people, excellent acoustics. Problem? It's all auf DEUTSCH! So one must follow the libretto to know what's happening word for word. The play takes a break around 4:30 – 5:00 and everyone goes to dinner. Our group walked several blocks to LaMontenterrei (or some Italian named restauramt for tomato soup, pork steak and ice cream. And beer, of course. Had a 3 hour break and the play resumes at 8. Goes until 11:00! the actors are all locals – this is the 41^st anniversary presentation this summer – but remember it only occurs every 10 years – began in 1632! the black plague was devastating the area and the folks at Oberammergau promised to give God glory for sparing them but putting on the “play” honoring God's Son. It is awesome. Hard to sit – very uncomfortable chairs, even though padded; very cool (it's open air, even though there's now a roof on the place. And chilly – blankets are also offered to make it through. I was most impressed with the “Judas” actor – he really got one involved in his part; Jesus, less so to me. Music beyond belief! The orchestra, the singers – WOW! I hear there's a YouTube trailer at Oberammergau 2010 … you can see a bit; no pictures allowed during the performance. From that opening to the ending resurrection appearance and the “alleluias” it is amazing. It truly is a glorious way to appreciates one's faith. Got home about midnight, and had a wonderful sunrise this morning.

Later start for the morning – bus left at 9:00 – had 3.5 hours in Oberammergau – those expecting presents can be sure you will or will not get them – depending on your current relationship with your own respective families. Had a great time walking the streets. Talked to one shopowner – Manfred Eich – a woodcarver who is part of the “crowd” scene. The play lasts from May 15 to October 3, so the people are busy! As Eich said, “I've got my own play right here.” We bought a book at the Play office, asked the young man if he was in the play and he opened the book and showed us the pic of the scene he was in. then had lunch before leaving and sat next to the actor who plays Peter. What a hoot – the conversation with Manfred – told us that the woodcarvers are trained in their specific carving area – small, medium, large, nativity, etc. and anyone who tries to sell work that he's not trained for can be banned from the “guild” So when I asked if I could have a picture of Karina and him and a carving of his - “well, of course!” he also has a picture of himself in costume in his shop.


after Oberammergau off to King Ludwig (1860s) castles - the Linderhof - where he lived - again no pics on the inside;  then to "view" Neuschwanstein - the castle Walt Disney made famous for his magic castle.  we got within a mile, maybe.  got a great picture of a picture - almost a Christmas card.  he lived at Linderhof, and never was at Neuschwanstein - although every body recognizes that.  Linderhof was completely (interior) gold laden.  so gawdy - yet so ornate.  the gardens and surrounding areas were beautiful.  No pics of Neus. - they're still in my camera, and I don't have it with me.


I think that's about it for now ...


Guten Nacht


d.


http://picasaweb.google.com/HandyDandy1/ToOberammergauLinderhofCastleWeisKirche?authkey=Gv1sRgCMDAl4Gho_G1lgE#