One of the best parts about our trip up North was the day spent in downtown Bremen.
As you can see we were quite a big group.
You can't tell, but these window displays were of fairytales. Such a good idea. And who would expect to find a windmill in the middle of a huge city. I certainly didn't, but I loved it instantly.
We paid a visit to the St. Peter's Cathedral in Bremen. It was gorgeous, of course.
I can't figure out if this is tomb or something. It was in the floor of the aisle between the pews. You can barely see the date, but it says 1043AD. I love these things that instantly take you back in time and blow you away with how old they are.
I have to admit the Christmas store that is open year-round was my favorite thing. Isn't it beautiful. My sweet Jared bought me a gorgeous, glittery snowflake. I can't wait to display it next Christmas. I also loved the dozens of bowls filled with ornaments of every color and shape.
That little man-hole looking thing is actually a donation box for some sort of animal preserve organization. When you put coins in it it would make animal sounds. So fun for the kids...and the adults. In the next picture you can see a very famous statue in Bremen. It is four animals standing on each other (they have products of every sort based on this statue). Apparantly you rub the statue and it brings good luck. The donkey is one the bottom and his snout and legs are quite shiny from all the rubbing it has gotten throughout the years.
This is the Schnoor District of Bremen. It is like stepping back in time. All these super old houses all crammed together along cobbled streets. The alley are only large enough for 1 person to walk through. It was amazing.
After our tour of Bremen we ended the night at a wonderful Brazillian restaruant. It was sooooo good!! Thanks Mirjam and Peter for having us over and for taking such good care of all of us.
2 comments:
OH boy, You were at a Brazilian Restaurant!! I could have shown off my Portuguese!!! Did you have some Feijoada? I love Brazilian Food! It is soo good! (provided you are no Vegetarian…) I love the faces of both Rike and Jacob in these Pictures…
I love the picture of you guys essentially blocking the little street for the group Picture! I wish I was there…
It looks like the City is a place with lots of fun in store for young and old! I am so sad I had to leave the day before you all went. Especially because of not seeing all the family!
About that old inscription on the floor: Bezelin +1043 a quick Wikipedia research shows that in that church there is indeed the Tomb of the royal chaplain and Bishop of the Archdiocese Hambur- Bremen Adalbrand von Bremen AKA Bezelin, who died that year on april 15th 1043 He did extensive building work to the Cathedral district in Bremen and substantially took part in making that area the monument it is today.
There you go now you know that little piece of Information too
And last not least:
Did Someone tell the story of the “Bremer Stadtmusikanten” as you were at that statue…
The Bremen Town Musicians.
In the story a donkey, a dog, a cat, and a rooster, all past their prime years in life and usefulness on their respective farms, were soon to be discarded or mistreated by their masters. One by one they leave their homes and set out together. They decide to go to Bremen, known for its freedom, to live without owners and become musicians there.
On the way to Bremen, they see a lighted cottage; they look inside and see four robbers enjoying their ill-gotten gains. Standing on each other's backs, they decide to perform for the men in hope of gaining food. Their 'music' has an unanticipated effect; the men run for their lives, not knowing what the strange sound is. The animals take possession of the house, eat a good meal, and settle in for the evening.
Later that night, the robbers return and send one of their members in to investigate. He sees the Cat's eyes shining in the darkness and thinks he is seeing the coals of the fire. He reaches over to light his candle. Things happen in quick succession; the Cat scratches his face with her claws, the Dog bites him on the leg, the Donkey kicks him and the Rooster crows and chases him out the door, screaming. He tells his companions that he was beset by a horrible witch who scratched him with her long fingers (the Cat), an ogre with a knife (the Dog), a giant who had hit him with his club (the Donkey), and worst of all, the judge who screamed in his voice from the rooftop (the Rooster). The robbers abandon the cottage to the strange creatures who have taken it, where the animals live happily for the rest of their days. (English version of the plot summary : WIKIPEDIA)
Now it all makes sense!!! Thanks for doing all that research. I may add it all to the blog post for others to read. you are awesome!!!
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