Amberg

No dogs were walking with us today as we explored the ancient walled city my middle child (MC) now calls home. 

 We walked the cobbled streets and noted the double walls and fortifications. We crossed the famous bridge and listened to our historian relate all he had learned so far. We wandered through the temporary shops (really just market stalls) selling sausages and ornaments, breads, cookies, candies and strong warm spirits. Holiday spirits of all kinds were present all around.

Then we hiked high up a hill to the monastery that watches over the town. Snow was still on the ground among the trees bordering our walkway.  I had to stop many times –my breath freezing and heart pounding. Assured there would be benches along the way so that we could rest, we laughed to discover they had been removed for the winter (or for the wooden parts to be replaced). I slowed the men, who were deep in conversation throughout the walk.

The path up to the monastery.

The woods

Apple orchard

The monastery

The path edged past neighborhoods as it rose at an unreasonable angle. Edged by apple orchards and woods crisscrossed with paths, the track continued to climb and finally tuned to disclose the church and a cafe only a few more yards ahead. 

I kept waiting for deer or other creatures to run past, but we saw only other walkers, many with their well behaved dogs. I missed mine. We stopped first at the cafe at the foot of the church steps to drink coffee among the other travelers. [Coffee here is always served with a cookie. It is a custom a dear friend used to follow as well. I will always think of it as the sign of a warm welcome and habit of a good host/hostess.]

Outside the cafe tiny birds visited the feeders placed along the walled porch. 

The church was one of those painted places of which this country boasts and has exported to towns near our home. Names and dates are mosaic parts of the cobblestone steps. Huge doors protect the gilded treasures within. Some enter for prayer and others visit to marvel at the workmanship and history. I am there for both.

The walk down was easier, but still a challenge on the steeper part of the track. Cinders had been scattered during the earlier snow and ice. Our child tells us that small children walk the path to school each day. He runs it. 

We plan to meet the next day at another walled city for another walk.