Germany {Wurzburg}

 

Wurzburg was delightful for so many reasons. First, the drinking on the bridge. It was, in a word, intoxicating. For a small 10 Euro deposit, you could take a glass (or five) of some of the most crisp, refreshing, delicious Riesling wine and stroll, beverage in hand, as far as your feet (and whimsy) would wander. Sunset was the most popular time, not surprisingly, and the views were spectacular. Leaning on the stone bridge that predates most of the oldest structures in the US by hundreds more years, gazing above at the castle, watching the sun set over the sparkling river beneath - this was by far the most enchanting and truly European moments we had on this journey. And if the views ever failed to impress, the people watching surely did not. Travelers from all countries, all continents, all ages and genders and races, voices mixed in a cacophony of white noise, no one language more dominant or intelligible than another, relaxing on ancient statues, among ancient views, proved once and for all that the only necessary common ground for creating peace is alcohol (ok, and a breathtaking view).

 

Second, Wurzburg was delightful because of the drinking in the cafes. And bars. And restaurants. : ) OK, yes. But more than that - it was the time spent with friends. Our two nights were short, but this was the most well-toured of all the locations we visited, and enhanced because we met my long-time friend (more than 16 years running) Canci and her husband Ronald (and their new addition Tristan). And together we played tourist to the max. We walked the entire city several times over, checked out the market, hauled the stroller up the steep, long, winding road to the castle at the top where the views (and the wine) were amazing, visited the restructured political residence, strolled the gardens that were in full fall splendor, and deliriously enjoyed the rare sunshine and crisp weather. And we ate. I wouldn't be lying if I told you that every time I post a picture of a pretzel from this trip, I long for just one more taste. Warm, doughy on the inside, crisp and salty on the outside, and better than any other pretzel I've ever had. Ever. And I've had a lot of pretzels (coming from Pennsylvania Dutch country as I do). All told it was a most excellent stop on a most phenomenal trip!