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Published: December 18th 2006
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Pedi-Cabs, Walking and Crowds
After breakfast in our hotel this morning we went in search of our new hotel. Due to the touristy nature of Rothenberg neither hotel we are staying in could offer us two nights, thus we had to move today - leaving our great room and nice dogs behind. After walking for about 20 minutes we found the new hotel and then got our car to park it closer to the new hotel.
By time we moved to the new hotel, the town had gotten crazy busy. Busses upon busses of tourists arrived by about 10am. There were tons of US military families in town along with our favorite: Japanese tour groups.
After checking out and checking in again, we started the day with a trip to the crime and punishment museum. It’s a local gem that features all sorts of history but focuses mostly on implements of torture and the history of criminal trials. There were tons of cool implements of torture but our favorites were the following ones:
Shame Masks: People who butted into other’s business or did other generally nasty, yet not truly criminal by our standards, things were
forced to wear masks that shamed them. For instance you may have to wear a mask that looks like a pig if you act like one. Kel really liked the shame flute, which was a metal flute with a neck ring and a place to clamp your fingers to the flute. Thus, you play your instrument badly you must wear the shame flute all day. That would reduce the bad musicians in the world.
The Drunk Tank: A barrel shaped object that one stuck over their head. They had to wear the heavy object around town for a specified time. If you were really bad they added more weight by hanging rocks off the barrel.
Proof of guilt prior to 1300: If a woman accused a man of a crime prior to 1300 then, if there was no concrete proof, a duel ensued. The man was stuck waist deep in a hole, had one hand tied behind his back and given a club for the other hand. The woman was allowed full movement and could put a rock in a kerchief or scarf so that she could swing it at the man. Whichever one of them won the
duel was the correct party. If the woman won the man was guilty, and if the man won then the woman wrongly accused him.
Glorious Pedi-Cabs Some history: Kel and I visited New York City two Christmases ago for a fun vacation. We came out of a play one night and were having difficulties getting a cab. After some coercing of me from Kel we took a pedi-cab instead. A pedi-cab is basically a three wheeled bike with the passengers in the back and a driver in the front. We have found that pedi-cabs are tons of fun because the pedi-cab drivers always have great personality and do a wonderful job of giving a tour. It also fits into Kel's love of all outdoor transportation.
After the Crime and Punishment Museum, Kel found the only pedi-cab tour in all of Rothenberg. It was a ton of fun, the driver was very knowledgeable and everyone in town stared at us as we drove past, making Kel feel like a princess and the center of attention.
During the 20 minute ride we learned about the 30 Years War, about the original castle that was in Rothenberg
(now long gone), about the clock in the main square and the meaning of it, we learned about the original city walls and the jail and about Rothenberg’s city-state status during medieval times. It was incredibly informative and was a ton of fun.
An interesting legend: The clock in town shows the catholic general who came to conquer Rothenberg on one side and the Mayor of the town at that time on the other. Legend states that the general challenged the mayor to a contest, the winner would get the city. The Mayor had to drink 3.5 liters of wine. If he accomplished his task, the Catholic general would spare the town. Legend has it the mayor accomplished his task and this saved the town. Thus every hour the wooden figures of the general and the mayor come out of the clock in the main square and the mayor tips his stein back and drinks his wine. Pretty cool!
Walking and Crowds After our ride, we went outside of the walls and took a walk around the city. We got to see some really beautiful countryside and a cool little town below the city. As
we walked it started to rain a little so we headed back to our hotel. On the way back we walked through the town square and found a band playing Christmas music so we stopped and listen to a few songs. After a few minutes of music and a cup of gluhwein we ducked back to the hotel and both took a nap.
This evening we will go in search of some dinner and maybe look at the Christmas shops and market again before we crash for the evening. Hope you’re all having a great Christmas season back home!
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Brad McNamara
non-member comment
Hey
hey guys, I'll be Zurich/Baden the week of January 29th if you're "in the neighbourhood". Have a great Xmas. Enjoy the ride. Brad