Those are the three words which most sum up my recent trip to Europe. I’ve been back a week now and finally feel myself getting my mojo back to begin resuming my frenetic intense schedule of boys, jobs, chores and miles. I imagine I’ll be writing a series of posts to share some of the trip highlights, so stay tuned.
If you recall, when I left for the trip I didn’t really have much lined up in the way of formal plans. Our first few days were spent in the Titisee-Neustadt area, outside of Freiburg. They were very much having a spring similar to the one we are experiencing here in Albany, that is to say, nonexistent. I really didn’t mind because the dusting of snow which welcomed us each morning was beautiful and I feel as if I now have an inkling of what winter must look like in the Black Forest.
Liam and I took a train into Freiburg, primarily to experience the mode of travel, and were thrilled to join (for a brief time) the enthusiastic crowds heading into the city for a soccer football match featuring the local team. Their chants, cheers and clanking bottles were an excellent soundtrack to accompany the train’s winding through the mountains. I was able to remember the precise spot where the stag leaped over the abyss to escape hunters, and snapped a picture to keep forever.
We spent an afternoon walking around Freiburg, a city with medieval roots and contemporary ideas about living green and education. One of the things which most struck me was the apparently seamless manner in which the modern and the historic are merged. For instance, there are numerous remnants of the original stone wall which encircled the city centuries ago. These relics are treated with respect, yet are incorporated into the current city in a way that is practical – we saw one piece which has been put to use as an interior wall in an ethnic restaurant. Another is part of the structure of a parking garage. I admire the utilitarian approach and wish we Americans did a better job of retaining old edifices and appreciating their contributions to our culture and our communities.
If you’ve never visited Freiburg, I highly recommend it. The market surrounding the cathedral is wonderful and the city bustles with students, residents and tourists. Below are a few more photos – I only wish you could have smelled the wursts grilling, viewed the gorgeous early spring produce and sampled the flavors of this lovely little city. If you ever make it there, be sure to check out the awesome Markthalle or Food Court. Don’t forget to have a beer for me!
- Um, so when did Christopher Columbus sail the ocean blue? Yeah, after this house was built.
DelSo 