Monday, February 04, 2008

What I Don't Know...

About Rothenburg am der Tauber

I don’t know that the little narrow path just beyond the bridge meanders behind the wall to the edge of town and eventually leads into a large garden with a big apple tree and a quaint little cottage. I don’t know that the man, who lives in this cottage, reminiscent of the gingerbread house in the tale Hansel and Gretel, is now retired, that he waits impatiently for Sunday afternoon when his curly haired granddaughter with her big blue eyes and cherry pursed lips and little scuffed black mary janes comes to visit.

I don’t know that she runs up and down the path along the side of the house chasing the mouser who in turn dives under the bushes searching for a quiet refuge. I don’t know that the little girl, once she’s had her fill of fun then flies breathless through the front door, dirt on her knees where Oma feeds her fresh baked cookies and a tall glass of milk. I don’t know that she gobbles it all up greedily and then peers into the china cabinet at grandma’s collection of knickknacks knowing that she mustn’t touch, but wanting to in the worst way.

I don’t know that later that afternoon she saunters lazily hand in hand with her mother down the cobblestone street. I don’t know that when they turn the third corner that there’s a little café that sells ice cream, their most popular flavour being a creamy hazelnut that would be perfect topped with melted chocolate. I don’t know that just a little ways further down this narrow street they reach the city walls where they take time to peer off into the forested countryside and then slowly pass through a gate into a large park with beautiful gardens.

I don’t know that many musicians hang out in this area serenading the lovers who laze about in the grass and on the park benches on sunny summer afternoons. I don’t know. There are many things I just don’t know.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm having vicarious curiosity. What a lovely looking village.
BTW (and totally off topic) have purchased Naomi Wolf's book and in the process discovered another unruly Canadian woman, Naomi Klein, who has written many things but whose book "The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism" looks very interesting. Just thought I'd pass that along to you and your readers. Thanks for blogging.

Randy

Carla said...

Randy, Oh yes, Naomi Klein is quite well known in these parts and has written many interesting things. I think you will enjoy. Thanks for bringing her to our attention.

Ed & Jeanne said...

You sure don't know much Carla! But what you don't know sounds like one of those Heidi-of-the-Mountain stories; very nice.

Carla said...

VE, Simply put, it's one of those vicious circles. The more I know, the more I realize how much I don't know.

Steffi said...

More pics of Germany ;O)!When you was there , Carla ?It looks like in summer!

The Fool said...

H'lo Nomad. Traveling without a frame of knowing makes for a more pleasurable journey. One becomes more receptive to the emotive side of experience. Nice reflection. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

You may not know...but I can see that you can imagine it. With your words, so can I. Did you take these pictures?

Carla said...

Steffi, It is true, I have been to Germany more than once ;-)

Fool, Traveling without any frame of reference undoubtedly leaves us wide open for whatever experience may happen.

Carla said...

Sirdar, Yes, I did take the pictures. So glad you can imagine the experience.

Rowena said...

All of the things that we don't know...which makes discovering them all the more delightful. Great post!!

Guilty Secret said...

So beautiful!

Carla said...

Rowena, Delightful, indeed. To many more happy discoveries.

Guilty, Thanks.

jillie said...

What a cute village that is. It looks like it's out of a fairy tale. I don't know a lot about that but I do know one thing...you have a knack for an amazing blog. I love to come here and read about your travels.

Have a great day ;o)

Carla said...

Jillie, So funny you should mention about fairy tales. This area is supposedly where the Grimm brothers come from...I can certainly tell where they got many of their ideas and I can almost imagine a wolf lurking out in the woods.

Anonymous said...

What awesome photos and such an interesting way of presenting them. I love looking at buildings especially quaint houses and wonder about the people who live there and walk the garden and the streets around.

Carla said...

Dawn, I too love looking at buildings, especially the architecture of old buildings. If the walls could only tell their tales...

Anonymous said...

You just took me to such a lovely place. What a phenomenal post.

Carla said...

Jeanine, Thanks for dropping by. You're welcome to come along for the ride anytime you wish.

yoo hoo said...

Oh I love Rothenburg, I have very fond memories of walking this wonderful little city. Thank you for sharing.

Carla said...

Carla, It really is a magical place, isn't it? Thanks for coming along.

Pamela said...

I don't know whether to smile, or drop a tear.

Carla said...

Pamela, Sometimes I do both at the very same time. It feels good. Perhaps you ought to try it.

TK Kerouac said...

Oh to a be a curious little girl again............
We knew more then!

Carla said...

Tracey, I think perhaps you are onto something. The world certainly was a far different place back then.

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Rothenburg is one of my favorite cities in Germany. I'd love to be a mouse living in those old walls.

Carla said...

Sandi, It's a fabulous city to be sure. I would love to go back to visit.