Rothenberg & Tiergarten

So after our 2 week vacation we arrived in Germany July 21st. For our first 6 weeks or so we were living in the Krystall Inn on Vilseck Army Post so we were always looking for ways to get out of the hotel on the weekends. We checked out the Tiergarten (zoo) in Nurnberg which was very nice. Of course, the zoo is always a winner for the kids. They had a great dolphin show, all in German, so we couldn't understand what was being said but fun to watch. Unfortunately the only pictures I took were in the petting zoo where the kids could feed some sheep and goats. I was surprised how excited Evie was and not the least bit shy of touching the animals (she can be a little timid sometimes). We had a great day and were able to enjoy some beautiful weather before fall officially set in.

Probably the coolest city in Germany that we have visited so far is Rothenberg. It is the most well-preserved midevil city in the country. You really feel transported back in time. We took a lot of pictures here so I will only stick a few on the blog but it is a must-see for anyone who comes to visit. We took the train to get there which Owen loved. The whole city is surrounded by this huge stone wall that you can climb on top of and walk around (the wall dates back to the 13th century). You can even see where the original drawbridge was located (cars can drive in and out now) and it is also surrounded by a moat (empty of water). They also have a really neat Midevil Crime & Punishment museum- a little creepy but we enjoyed ourselves.

View from the top of one of the towers along the wall

The kids peeking out of the wall

Main street into the center of town

Marktplatz in the center of town

View from the Castle Park over the Tauber Valley

I don't know why but I just loved this house

Exit from the Castle Park

View from the top of the wall over the city