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