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Published: February 8th 2010
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My weekend in Freiburg was full of little coincidences that made the trip AMAZING. The train ride was about 5 hours long but not bad...although, it was quite tiring. I had my first Subway sandwich since I left home. It was magnifico! When we (Paola, Storm, and I) arrived in Freiburg, we went in search for Laura (who is currently studying there). After finding her, it was then time to head out to the Stadtmitte(city center).
Freiburg is glorious with its 13th Century architecture and cobbled-stone streets. There are street trains going every which way. Most importantly, the sun was shining on Saturday. All of this combined put me in a good mood. One of the most familiar parts of Freiburg is what I like to call the corner of Starbucks and Subway. It is in this general vacinity that one might also find Mcdonald's and Burger King. There is nothing I like more then American landmarks in Germany...ok that's a lie. 😊 Freiburg is old...much like all of the cities in Germany. To promote the old"ness" of the town the tour guides dress in capes and carry lanterns. Man, I wish I had a cape...Anyway, whilst walking around we
crossed a bridge which extended over a moat"ish" body of water. Inside the body of water lies the stone head of a Crocodile. It reminded me of Peter Pan.
The next stop was the hotel. We had to find it, of course. The hotel was very nice and roomy. Hotel Schiller. It even had a tv. I watched an episode of the Simpsons dubbed in Deutsch, the German equivalent to the Jenny Jones/Jerry Springer Show, and the Disney channel. We decided it was time to take a nap and then we would venture out for "night life" in Freiburg. We first stopped at a small Cafe and had hot chocolate. Next we walked around the city for a good place to eat. We decided on Martin's Brau (they brew their own beer of course). At first, I was turned off by the place. It was packed full of people and I didn't think there would be a place to sit down. In Germany, one doesn't wait to be seated you just find a place (even if it's with strangers). The waiters were a bit rude, as well. It was then that we saw three seats open up at the bar.
Flag with Freiburg's Coat of Arms
This was on top of what is left/part of King Ludwig's castle. We sat down and began to search through the menu. I ordered a Weiss Schorle, Wiener Schnitzel, and Spaetzle with Pfeffersauce. It was delectable. We soon found out the owner was standing next to us and she treated us with great care. She even got us extra silverware and an international menu. As soon as we walked out of Martin's Brau, I heard what sounded like a marching band. Of course, I had to follow the sound. Sure enough, on the sidewalk, stood an entire band playing great hits like Summer of 69. It made me smile; especially, since they were all dressed up as pirates. I posted a video of them playing.
After that, we decided to find the Muenster(which is a huge Cathedral). As we were approaching the Muenster (at night I remind you), we heard organ music playing inside. We tried all the doors but they were locked. Thus, we determined it was the phantom of the Muenster. As soon as I started to record it, it stopped but there is still a slight trace of the music. I posted the video.
We were all beginning to get tired so we decided to head back to Hotel
Schiller. On the way we saw Native American figurines in a shop window. Once again, I thought about home.
In the morning we went for breakfast. I had a fantastic piece of cake and hot chocolate..again. We went back to the hotel, paid, and then headed off to another castle in ruins. I believe this Castle belonged to King Ludwig. This castle was VERY MUCH up hill. It was a foggy morning so everything was slick. However, it felt like we were in a castle in the clouds. Laura and I took pictures and made jokes about being in Narnia or Hogwarts. It was a fantastic place to be.
It was time to walk down the slippery slope and head to the Muenster in the day time. On our way we past a window full of what I would like to call, "Gnaughty Gnomes." These gnomes were doing naughty things like flipping the bird and heiling Hitler. These are both things that I think are supposed to be pretty Taboo.
We finally arrived at the Muenster and visited part of a Catholic Mass. The inside is beautiful. Upon walking out something struck me about life. We have so little time
on earth. The church was built in the 13th Cent, parts of it possibly sooner. So me generations spent their time in that Church trying to figure out their lives and decide how well they've spent their alloted time on earth. How am I spending my alloted time on earth. Am I wasting it? What should I be doing? As all of these thoughts were running through my head I passed a beggar. He was on his knees with his arms folded and his cup sitting in front of him. I gazed inside the cup and saw only one Euro and some spit. Upon entering the church, someone had spit in the beggars cup. Who is anyone, to spit in a beggars cup?!
It is now that I challenge myself to spend every second wisely. There is no telling which second will be my last. I promise you I will not be spending my last second spitting in a beggars cup. But...what will I be doing?
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