Walk In The Park: Nuremberg

Today’s adventure started with directions to the streetcar/tram (and how to buy tickets). We knew we could walk to the city center , but that the tram would save us some time and energy. I love public transport (perhaps because I feel so competent when I can navigate it successfully), but DH hates it. His least favorite words must be “Let’s take a bus.” And usually we do not, but our patience with driving unfamiliar and unmarked streets has been exhausted (and we have a long drive ahead of us in less than 24 hours).

Trip on the tram.

We met MC at the train station and walked the lighted, crowded, Christmassy streets in the morning as three (and the afternoon just DH and me). Tonight my feet felt every block of cobblestones, every step, every minute we stood - which was most of the day. But we did not want to miss anything, not the three churches with their stories of renovation after the war, not the expanse of castle, not the row upon row of market stalls with food and ornaments and gifts.

Walking to the market. I lag behind for photos (and because I cannot keep up).

One of many bridges

View of the city from the castle.

Gardens in the castle moat seen from the wall (The round things are bird feeders).

We heard many brass bands, some playing at the market and some entertaining along the walk ways. We succumbed to the four men from St. Petersburg (Their CDs will entertain us on our drive south tomorrow). Two Santas played for coins as did a schoolchild trio and the ubiquitous Peruvian pipers. Human statues in white face and sheets (and one all in gold) mesmerized some and frightened others. We laughed and tipped the first one we saw – who frightened one child into a shriek.

Stage below the church balcony with our first brass band of the season.

Living statue #1

Living Statue #2 (and Santa?)

Living statue #3

The morning market must have been one planned for children’s groups. They were everywhere. And every now and again one or two small voices would sing along - O Tannenbaum or Jingle Bells.

In the evening we found the church on the market plaza was allowing people to climb the tower and stand on the balcony. We did. I had to take photos of all the lights. I had to document my bravery (even though one man commented it was only about 10 meters up). I do not like heights and often cannot manage to enjoy the view.

See the balcony just above the arched door and below the arched windows? I was out there.

View from the church balcony. Christmas market at night is magical.

We lit candles and made our donations to musicians and church repair and UNICEF. We took photos of families who wanted a group shot and trusted a stranger with their camera. We ate sausages and crepes and found “cola light” as we headed home along the street where peep shows and other exotic entertainment could be found. It was a wrong turn, but no less a part of the town.

Creche with a sign asking for prayers for the families in Connecticut.

I will have to take at least a short walk tomorrow as my legs are so stiff and sore tonight that I worry about little stretching tomorrow. Our drive threatens to be long and rainy.