The Last Day of My European Extravaganza

6/18/11

Susi and I travelled from Miesbach to Nurburg A.D. today.  She explained that on the highways in Germany there is no speed limit unless indicated.  Unfortunately, we encountered a traffic jam and the stop-and-go driving was enough to make me car sick (or perhaps it was my punishment from the previous evening’s Bavarian brew).  We finally arrived in Nurburg and dropped my bags to head for a quick tour of the old city.  The castle in the town was built during the Renaissance period and, therefore, was more decorative than defensive. After leaving the castle we went to the nearby church.  The church was built shortly after the Lutherans split from the Catholics and Susi explained that in an attempt to keep and gain new members many Catholic churches built during that time were very elaborate and contained a lot of gold in the decorations.  The church was absolutely amazing (sorry no pics, there was no sign this time, but it seemed sacrilegious).  Susi also explained that many of the churches in that area have switched back-and-forth from Catholic to Lutheran depending on who ruled the area.

While walking through the old city we stopped at one of Susi’s friend’s flat to see if he was home.  Fortunately, Andy was home and we walked to the local pub.  We had a great time- Andy and Susi have been friends since kindergarten and he is now a pilot and flies all over the world.

We headed back to Susi’s parent’s house- her mom had prepared schnitzel, potato salad, asparagus, and strawberry cake for dinner.  Susi headed to bed and I stayed up for a long time talking with her mom.  Her mom is a tour guide at the local castle and was showing me pictures of all of the artwork housed there (the castle wasn’t opened when we arrived).  They have works of Rubens and several other really famous painters whose names escape me.  I hope to return to the castle next year with Libby.

In the morning Susi drove me to the Munich airport.  It was hard to say goodbye, but I’m sure we’ll meet up again and this time it won’t take 6 years.  After flying to Amsterdam, arriving in NYC, taking the train to Milford, and walking a mile back to my apartment it was nice to take a shower and go to bed.

Arrivederci and auf wiedersehen!