Via de la Rosa (Volkach, Germany Style)

(6.9.2009)



Today involved a trip to Saint Mary of the Vineyards. This trip gave me an appreciation for tradition of the church, especially the Catholic church. Carved stations of the cross along the way up the hill solemnly reminded the view to reflect on the story, pain, and suffering of our Lord on the way up to Calvary. The art was distinctly Riemenschneider, carved with grace and harmony. A inlaid wood cutout of Mary, Baby Jesus, small figures and angels stood above the altar. One thing in particular that I noted, possibly a medieval influence were the slightly distorted dimensions of the figures in comparison to the centerpiece of Mary and Jesus.
Wo ist die library I asked, trying to act out the motion of reading a book. If only I had remembered where exactly the library was. In time, I came across some strange German responses in return. I received everything from shrugs to mentions of “bahn” and “lynx” which did not do much for me. Finally I stumbled on some school children who remained overly humble about their understanding of English. They seemed slightly unsure of their pronunciation of words as though I was one of the few Americans they had ever tried speaking to. Sure enough, despite my awful memory, they correctly directed me to the library.
This experience, just like other similar ones on this trip, have given me a great appreciation for language, in particular the English sort. In a country where everyone (for the most part) speaks the same language, I became ignorant to how easy grammatical comprehension makes life. Here, often finding myself unable to communicate, read menus, and follow the directions of random signs, I feel illiterate.

W-Burg... Amerikanische Style

6.6.2009





Coming from the United States, my usual notion of a train is something that you ship coal in. This idea stands in stark contrast to European standard of trains as a primary means for transportation. Now that I have made two trips into the train station, I feel justified in saying that they tend to stay busy. While Americans tend to be accustomed to their own vehicles and then air travel over greater distances, the German side maintains an economical and environmentally friendly (to which they favor a great deal) mindset. In addition, this seems to in the end fittingly be an indication of mostly socialized governments, which institute socialized mass transit.

While in Wurzburg today, I spent much of my time looking for a simple, yet elegant “Deutschland” T-shirt. But did I find said apparel? Nien! When one travels in a new place it seems that it is not always easy to find the things that are most desired. As I searched through store after store, it seems that I could not find that sort of thing. Maybe in the middle of Wurzburg where one finds classier clothes is not such a place. One theory is that maybe after all national pride has not swung back into full force here in Germany.


- Foot Locker Ads -




One other thing that I have noticed in my brief time over here is that there seems to be a general Americanization of things. Stores offer cheap soda pop under the brand name “Alaska.” Today I noticed that most of the trendier, semi-casual clothes had English on them, after I had eaten my “Amerikanische” style white bread (complete with red, white and blue banner). I am even told that there is a store close by called “Cool Trendy Jeans.” Oi vei. For a country that has over the centuries stood its ground against foreigners, the 21st-century onslaught now appears to be in the realm of marketing.


KFC Ad


German Grate

Medieval ... Charm??

6.5.2009

View from the city tower

In addition to its medieval charm, permanently ingrained into my mind when I recollect on my time in Rotenberg will be some of the horrific figures I saw at the Medieval Crime Museum. Complete with the rack, thumb screws, shame masks, execution swords, and even a witch catcher this museum served as a reminder of abusive justice in a bi-gone age. From this experience, I realized that justice as I know it as a more modern, American idea. In Medieval European culture, the mentality of justice was not to enforce the law, but rule with an iron fist in order to scare potential perpetrators and inflict as much damage has had been done to society.




"The Rack"

In addition, the tourist trap that is Rotenberg made me question how I look as a tourist, especially with respect to my beloved camera. While snapping a few pictures of such a historically gem is acceptable, what about 300? Sure, some of them I retook because at first it was blurry, but I wonder if I also hit the overkill button when I pressed shoot. During those brief few moments that I restrained myself, I found that I seemed to have a much greater appreciation for the sights that I was seeing. In response, I found myself buying a tourist booklet with pictures in it—pictures admittedly better than my own. I guess the take-home lesson is not to be the like the hordes of travelling masses, but instead to take time to savor and enjoy the moment.


Inside Rothenburg Cathedral

Finally, the most exhilarating and artistically relevant part of my day’s journey was the Rotenberg Cathedral. In stunning late Baroque style the cathedral seems long and very open with few arches, impressive stained glass windows, and high vaulted ceilings. In addition, like similar Northern European cathedrals built during this time, a great number of decorations including realistic statues, spectacular altar carvings, and high vaulted ceilings are spread throughout.


Tillman Remenschneider Altar Sculpture

Those Naive, Ignorant Americans

6.4.2009
While I had heard of lingering post-war negative sentiments towards Americans, an interview with a local German taught me otherwise. This time with Juregen provided myself with a further understanding of German culture.
While inquiring about German attitudes towards President Obama, the kind Franconian simply responded in just a few short words, “He’s an American.” As I soon came to find out, most Americans are seen as being self-centered, ignorant and stupid. For a continent which the United States has invested so much in, it would seem intuitive that they would be grateful. And yet this is not so. While they are relatively quick to point our triumph in the Second World War, they just as easily point to Vietnam as an event of hypocrisy and wrong-doing. In addition, this man claimed to have experienced American blunder first hand. When he was just eight years old, he lived near a military base and out of nowhere heard “get down, get down,” as military exercises were being performed. Unfortunately—if true this reflects very poorly on Americans and is a sign of possible racism on the Yankee side.
In addition to Jurgen’s input, I had one other experience which in retrospect made clear Germans thoughts of Americans as being stupid. While crossing the foot bridge in Wurzburg, my bike pedal came off. Futilely, I attempted to kick it back on. During the course of this, I overheard numerous passing snickers. I strongly believe if I could have read their thoughts, it would have been along the lines of “that stupid American, he got gyped and had no idea.” In the eyes of most Europeans, I realized that I am nothing more than dumb and know nothing of the real world.


Our kind, biased--and yet also suspicious impromptu host in Wurzburg (and Megan too)

Closer to God

6.3.2009


As I usher my astonished body into the cathedral, the piousness seems to emanate deeply. Whether my prayer has recently been good or sauntered, I instantly feel much closer to God. With such intent in mind, Bamberg Cathedral was designed ages ago. Like a painter that cannot make up his mind on his genre, the architecture sits oddly.
The strong, powerful fortress of a church is surrounded by thick, heavy stone walls reminiscent of the Romanesque style displaying the church’s might. In addition, statues of the church fathers and Biblical characters remind one of the long, rich history of Christianity. Transitioning to Baroque architecture the cathedral’s ceiling consists of a high and pointed vaulted arch.
By observing this sight, my mind begins to question my pre-conceived notions of the Catholic church as being fallible. Rather, I find myself better able to appreciate such a church that has withstood for over millennia and appears to be fairly doctrinally sound as seen in the artwork. In addition, the ornamental decorations lead me to comprehend such lavish furnishing as an offering unto to God. I soon find myself comparing this to my rather plain, drab home church complete with retro 1970s pews and floor. Whether or not it is theologically sound to such expensive embellishments as the ones that I am looking at, it is very evident that the body of church put forth a great deal of effort in making the house of God a work of innate beauty.



Wurzburg Dom -- Another fine Cathedral

Vorsich Electrozaun

I haven't added anything in a while so...
6.2.2009
In preparation for the trip it was brought up how open, or lack thereof Germans really are. As I walked about today, German people seemed to not even notice my existence. Thus, while passing through a street here in Margetsocheim hearing a simple “abend” seemed like a relative oddity.
From the vantage point of German history, this should come as no surprise. Over the course of centuries Germans have experienced life on the outer edge and not only tended to value personal space but appear to even take objection if one threatens it, as in the time of the Roman Empire.
This in particular stood out to me as I took a walk this evening. Unlike in America where individuals tend to flaunt their front yard, Germans have little or even none such visible space. I noticed that a majority of the homes have a gated-off courtyard, preventing passersby from observing their front door. On top of this, outside telecom systems allow home owners to screen who may even reach their door. For houses that are not accompanied by such a courtyard, the yard or space in front of the house is usually fenced off. At the fence to the garden of one house in particular an ominous sign read “Vorsicht Electrozaun” implying that stepping foot onto their yard would be a painful mistake.

Journal Entries

It has been brought to my attention that because several people liked my journal entries (which served as part of my Global Studies coursework in Germany), I should disseminate them to the public. So, I will start day by with an entry and a few relevant photos (if I can get them to work)


5.31.2009
International travel affords one the opportunity literally “rub shoulders” with people of diverse nationalities and backgrounds. Upon the awkward accommodation to complete strangers on the flight over from Dallas, I experienced such an interaction. Seated next to me was a clean-cut gentleman who shared that he was returning to active duty in Kosovo. On the other side of him sat a German couple who were very curious about what exactly drove him to such heights of patriotism.
My immediate reaction was one of humility and gratefulness, realizing that the service of countless individuals just like this one allotted me the freedom to travel abroad. While I do not at all intend to be disloyal to my America roots, I soon questioned whether or not my own upbringing had led to me to feel this way.
In contrast to this American patriot, was the experience of our German row-mates. In order prevent any further nationalistic Nazi build-up, post-war policies deemed any show of patriotism distasteful. Thus, according to my own observations, built into the German psyche for some has been reluctance to display any signs of national pride. That is, until the World Cup in 2006. According to this particular couple, nationalism became acceptable as stadiums proudly displayed the colors of the German flag.
In conclusion, this has led me to understand just how one’s thinking can be heavily influenced by time and nationality. I had always thought pride in one’s own country was the proper duty of any citizen.. This deep-seated experience began my trip by opening up mind to customs, politics, and culture other than my own.




Our (weary) crew upon arrival to the Frankfurt Airport.