The Romantic Road

Off to Germany!  We started off our German adventure by going on a tour called the "Romantic Road."  It stopped in the small, medieval towns that were out in the middle of nowhere (especially when you are traveling without a car).  It was so beautiful driving through the middle of Germany and seeing something other than a city.  I can't remember for the life of me where these first two pictures were taken, but it was so fun walking around the gorgeous grounds of this small castle estate.  I kept imagining hosting a huge party there...the weather was perfect and everything was manicured to the T!

Our next stop along the way was Rothenburg, where we stayed for two nights.  It was a tiny town that you could walk through in about 15 minutes, and they still have the original wall which surrounds it. It was absolutely beautiful! The old half-timbered houses were amazing, along with the skinny cobblestone streets, tiny pastry and sausage shops, fountains, and lots and lots of flowers.  We were lucky enough to have been there during their annual festival called, "The Master's Draught."  The whole town dawns traditional medieval garbs and there is a festival for three days.  It's really interesting because no ever left character.  They take their festival very seriously! 

Here is a photo below of the wall that encases the entire town.

    

This group of men went around the town for hours playing fiddles, trumpets, symbols,etc.  They stopped in front of every pub/bar and would perform for the people there, then the owner would invite them in for a brew.  Then, off to the next bar...

Rothenburg was beautiful. Such the quintessential German town.