21 Adventerous Days in Europe on a
Rick Steves Tour
Europe Bound!
The wow moment for me was being able to “discover” Dinkelsbul. There is something really enchanting about discovering a city and it’s beautiful, remote places. Today taught me that the art of discovery is just pure joy.
Germany
Bacharach to Rothenberg to Dinkelsbul
May 9, 2013
Tour Day 5
Wow Moment
Food
Travel Tip
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Pack light, and pack less than you think you need because you will actually need less than you think. I know it’s hard but trust me - just do it. Do it. Seriously do it. Are you going to do it?
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I recommend bringing a suitcase that can be carried like a backpack and that has wheels. We had one that did not have wheels and always had to be carried. It got kind of old lugging that thing around. It’s true sometimes you have no choice but to carry your suitcase, but we found that most of the time we were able to roll it.
I felt pretty sad leaving Bacharach. I just felt there was still so much to explore. I guess I’ll have to come back! It’s been fun to travel to a variety of places because I learn more about myself as a traveler and a person. One thing Bacharach taught me was how much I enjoy seeing the natural side of Europe. I loved being in Bacharach because it was breathtaking and because it was a small town with lots to explore.
We left Bacharach this morning and headed to Rothenberg, Germany. Rothenberg is described as Germany’s best preserved medieval town, and it really felt just like that. When you walk through the city walls you feel like you stepped back in time. The only reminder are the tons of other tourists experiencing the same thing. While walking around Rothenberg you will see lots of shops with intricate window displays. Bakeries abound selling pretzels and the schneeballs. It is all so atmospheric.
Initially Mike and I visited St. Jacobs church where we got to see the best woodcarving in Germany (by Riemenschneider). It was of the last supper.
Afterwards we went to a museum about the history of Christmas. While there we learned how ornaments started and changed over time. We also learned about the history of Christmas trees, tree stands, cards, books, etc. It was fascinating and felt like a fitting thing to do in Rothenberg.
For the rest of our time we walked the wall surrounding the city. It was an excellent way to see the city from an elevated view. It was quite enjoyable and probably my favorite thing we did there. On our way back to the bus we saw someone had posted their claim to fame- a photo with Rick Steves.
After Rothenberg we headed to Dinkelsbul where we were going to stay. Our hotel was amazing. The exterior was very traditional, while the interior was very modern. It was awesome. Everyone’s rooms were unique and ours had a loft.
After we were done gawking at our hotel, Mike and I went to check out the town. We first visited their local church. It was big and beautiful. It’s pretty neat that most towns, even small ones, have beautiful cathedrals and churches. They had the remains of the patron saint - the first one I has seen. It was interesting.
We continued to explore the town. At the very end of a street we saw steps leading to a shrine. We headed that way and once we got there we saw the city wall and through it was a beautiful path in the forest. We walked along that for a bit and eventually came to a wide open field. It was majestic. We just stood there and soaked it all in. We kept walking and eventually found a pond surrounded by iconic German houses.
Afterwards we headed back through the city wall and found a place to eat. We then returned to our hotel and took it easy.
We enjoyed lunch in Rothenberg but no German food- we had another durum doner. It was good and made me reminisce of our first doner in Amsterdam. We also enjoyed some fruit and a pretzel in Dinkelsbul.
For dinner we ate at a restaurant in Dinkelsbul. Mike had pork medallions with bacon and I had a baked potato with pork neck. It might sound gross but it was delicious. The pork neck was kind of like little bacon chips. We also shared a side of sausage, pretzel, and mustard. For dessert we enjoyed an ice cream sundae and apple strudel. We kind of splurged and it was worth it.
