Anecdotes, Antidotes, and Anodes

Holy ¢r@p Batman (Hansman), Someone Stole Our Kitchen

According to the previous posts, it appears we have been some place other than home.

During that time away, we did however, receive word from our dog/house sitter, Stephen,  there had been a 'water leak.'

One of our neighbors, Trent, is a plumber, and he came over immediately to do what he could to help out.

There's no need for detail here, other than when speaking with the insurance gal, she said that on a scale of 1 t0 10, our damage was a 1.

OK. That doesn't sound too bad. 

We did message back-and-forth with Stephen who mentioned that the water had  made it's way to the downstairs and several of the ceiling tiles were now floor tiles.  And . . . that a suspended speaker was no longer in suspension.

He did mention there was water on the kitchen floor, so I asked him to take the rug outside so the wooden floor could dry out.   He did.

Once we landed in Grand Junction yesterday, I let him know we were home. 

He texted back to say, "OK !  Glad you're back ! Hope you had a great time.  Hope the kitchen isn't too much of a shock."

It was at this point, I began trying to visualize our kitchen.  Not much had been said about the kitchen other than a pipe started leaking under the sink and water ran down into the basement and the rug in the kitchen was wet.

My visualization was something like this:  Everything under the sink had been pulled out.  The rug was in the garage drying or possibly freezing.  And maybe, the table that sits in the middle of the kitchen had been moved.

That's about what I imagined.

Not in my wildest dreams did I visualize this !

Please notice that the flooring is missing.
The cabinets are missing.
The granite counter tops are missing.
The bar is missing.
The boxes to the left contain what was in those missing cabinets.

 

From another perspective !
Please, also notice the sink is sitting on the floor.
(They took everything BUT the kitchen sink.)
The faucet is the larger upside-down-U-looking-thing.
The smaller upside-down-U-looking-thing was the culprit.
It wasn't a frozen pipe that thawed.  We're still waiting for that to happen as soon as our temps rise above 32 degrees.

 

This thing.

The most favorite thing in my kitchen other than my microwave and refrigerator.

(Notice I did not mention my stove.)

THE HOT SPOT.

Instant hot water.

For tea.  For dog food. For anything that you need to use with boiling water.

It was great until it flooded our house.

So, if you have one of these miniature hot water heaters under YOUR sink, BEWARE !

THESE PEOPLE

Here's where we are in the process of putting our kitchen back together.

I never did like those cabinets too much  at all, so my conversation with theHansMan last night did cover maybe getting new ones.   He wasn't in favor of that until today when he learned the clean up crew threw them away.  (TeeHeeHee)   There are other cabinets that did survive.  The ones above the counter top.  The pantry doors.  And the cabinets around and above the wet bar.  Which brings up this question ?  Do they ALL go and we get ALL new ones ?  OR, do we replace with the exact-same-thing and then maybe paint them for a new look  ?

Remember I mentioned the clean up crew tossed the cabinets ?  They did the same with the wooden floor.  (That could be a problem if one is concerned about matching the rest of the wooden floor that's still in tact.)  (I'm not.)

YUP. That's what our floor looks like now.

And yes, those are more boxes.  At some point, it will be like Christmas when we open them.

And no, that's not a yellow rubber chicken in that box.

All that to ask this:

If you were redesigning your kitchen, what would you include ?

Please give me your suggestions and any sites with ideas.

P.S.  One thing I don't like is a cluttered countertop with toasters, coffee makers, juicers, mixers, etc.  Any ideas how to design a counter top with a cabinet that allows these to sit hidden when not being used ?  In other words, instead of having a 'back-splash,' is to have a built-in for small appliances.

Part 2: Akumal, Mexico

Just before . . .


. . . the sun peeked through.


A dinosaur . . . dragon . . . iguana  !

I know of a good plastic surgeon for your turkey wattle and wrinkles.

Mrs. Beav and Beav Jr. in front of a Mayan Temple.

Do you see what they see ?


How many times have we seen this pose ?

Pretty good camo.  See it ?

Now ?

In the Museo at Puerta Aventuras


Gypsy. . . the reason theHansMan has been coming here since he was 15.


Back to iguana hunting.  See it ?


Urdhva Mukha Svanasana    ऊर्ध्वमुखश्वानासन    (Up  Dog)


Plank . . . about the way I do one.

Stonehenge with a little bit of sea weed.

Part 1: Akumal, Mexico

When we left home, it was -2 degrees. 

A few hours later, we arrived here.

It was 85 degrees.

Buenos Días

Come on along for a walk on the playa.

My new best friend plans to go with us.

Snipe tracks.

Snipe hunter.

B-R-E-A-T-H-E.

Is that a snipe ?

My favorite tree on the beach.

Buenas Noches

We sleep here.

Part 4: Rothenburg ob der Tauber

 Not sure which 'part' we're on.  It really doesn't matter.  Does it ?

These are just random photos from Rothenburg.  Of the cities we visited in Germany, if given the choice to go back to any of them, Rothenburg would be mine.

Some of the photos have a caption . . . most don't need one. 

Remember the tower we climbed yesterday !  That's it up there.

Even if you don't speak German, "Biergarten" is fairly easy to translate.

"Prost"

He was in Germany, too ! 
That man does get round !

Magical !

|That little red truck is the same little red truck you saw yesterday from the tower.

Just one more hot mulled wine.   It's called ____________.
By the way, this does come in the child's version. (non-alcoholic)

Plans are to send him to try out for Cirque du Soleil.

Him, too.
Yes.
The carousel is spinning.

She follows the rules and doesn't get thrown off the rides like her brothers.

Test:
1)  Name the men in both windows.
2)  What is one man drinking ?
3)  How much is he drinking?
4)  Why is he drinking ?
5)  How long did he sleep ?
6)  What time is it ?

The wall.
A man (theHansMan) looking at the wall.

One of many gates leading into the city.

View from a Hole in the Wall

The River Tauber

Georgsbrunnen (St. George's Fountain)

Due to the town's plateau location, the digging of wells was both essential and time-consumng, because the water had to be piped over long distances from the neighbouring mountain ranges.  Moreoever, the location of these pipilines was kept secret, in order to prevent the water supply from being cut off in case of siege. 

It's almost impossible not to shudder at the numerous instruments of torture and execution in the Crime  Museum, but at the same time, giggle at the masks of disgrace and throat devices used for Civil Punishment.

Hotel Reichs Kuchenmeister  (Flair Hotel)
Our home away from home while visiting Rothenburg.

Ida and Madison !

Part 2: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

1, 3, 2 . . . I never said I could count !

Today's post starts with a test.

What is the name of this building ? 
Yes, you can look back at a previous post if you don't remember.

Today's post doesn't have much to do with that building  except for its tower.
See that middle tower ?

Yes, this one.
The one with those people standing looking down . . . way down ?

Well, take a deep breath because we are going up there.
Yup. 
We are going to climb the narrow, steep entrance to the fifty-two+ meter high Tower Gallery.

Believe me, it's worth it because once up there, you will see a wonderful view of this medieval town with its gabled skyline and the surrounding area.

The stairway starts out fairly normal, but it becomes narrower and steeper and narrower and steeper until you come to a place, a very small place,  to pay your 2 Euro and then you get to climb a ladder.

Yes.  I said a ladder.

The ladder takes you STRAIGHT up and through a tiny hole.

This bell is up there.  It's so far up there, you can't see it.  But, here it is, and that means only one thing:  We are at the top !

Once you catch your breath, you enjoy breath-taking views like this:

Several shots of a church mentioned in an earlier post.
Do you remember the name of this church ?

This is the back of St. Jakob's Church, other buildings and the pastoral setting in the background.

 

 

What ?!?  How'd he get up here ?

See the river ?

See the Christmas tree down there ? 
Way down there ! 
That's where I was standing when I took the first two photographs.

You are now leaning over the rail, looking straight down to the street below.
That little red truck is the Käthe Wohlfahrt’s wagon parked in front of the Christmas store.

Dizzy yet !

We have now walked completely around the tower and had a bird's eye view of the town.

 

Part 3: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

St. Jakob's Church

According to legend, the south tower was erected by the master himself, and the more slender north tower by his apprentice.  Enraged that his apprentice's work was better than his own, the master is said to have thrown himself from his tower and was killed. 

The church was built during the height of the Gothic era and took more than 150 years to complete.   (1311-1484)

We were lucky enough to attend an organ concert one chilly, rainy-snowy evening.  The organ is located in the west gallery where it was dedicated in 1968.  It has 69 registers and 5,500 pipes which are operated from 2 consoles with a total of 6 keyboards.

The most precious work of art in the church is the Holy Blood Altar.  It was produced between 1499 and 1505 in the workshops of the Rothenburg cabinet maker, Erhard Harschner, and the sculptor Tilman Riemenschneider, who produced all the figures and the reliefs.  It is said that a capsule of rock crystal contains 3 drops of Christ's blood, and is embedded in the gold-plated cross above the shrine and which gave the unique work of art its name.

 

Part 1: Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany

 Rothenburg ob de Tauber is a town in the district of Ansback of Mittelfranken (Middle Franconia) region of Bavaria, Germany. It is the best preserved medieval town in Germany and is quite romantic.

It is pronounced Rote-en-bourk Obe Derr Taw-burr.  (Or something like that.)
Tr:  Rothenburg-on-the-Tauber (River)
Tr:  Red Fortress above the Tauber

Grab a cup of hot Glühwein and come on along as we stroll the streets of his fascinating walled-town. And, by the way, many travel reviews may tell you to avoid visiting here because it is "touristy."  I'm here to tell you that this is a place NOT to miss.

 Walk the wall that encircles Rothenburg to get various perspectives of architecture of the Middle Ages.  Be sure to wear comforable shoes and layer your clothing.

See, you've already had too much Glühwein, and the clock tower is leaning. 

Ratsherrntrinkstube (City Councillors' Tavern)

One legend of Rothenburg is that in 1631, during the 30 Years War, Catholics besieged the town. In order to save the town Mayor Nusch pleaded with the Catholic General that if he were able to drink a tankard containing three and a quarter litres of  Frankonican wine, in one gulp, that they would leave the town. The Catholic General agreed and Mayor Nusch stepped up to the challenge. He drank the tankard in one gulp, thus saving the town!  It is rumored that the mayor slept for three days.

The artistic clock is on the gable and in the center is the old town clock , circa 1683.  The two windows on either side of the old town clock is where Mayor Nusch and Tilley 'perform.'

 

 

The video above is of the "master draught" scene from the historical "Meistertrunk" as the mayor drains the tankard and the Emperor's General Tilly observes.

Rothenburg Town Hall (Rathaus)   (circa 1250-1400)

 

Imperial City Museum (Reichsstadtmuseum)

This museum contains a vast, eclectic collection of armament, weapons, dishware, glassware,
Jewish artifacts . . .and a cannon . . . complete with three kiddos.

Inside the town hall are "Historical Archways" . . .

. . . displaying exhibits and scenes from the Thiry Years War.

 

There is a staircase that leads down to . . .
You guessed it . . .
. . . a dungeon !
Many a prisoner was once made to talk in the torture chamber without their screams being heard.

These three kiddos didn't seem to be too concerned with the goings-on that happened here hundreds of years ago.

This gentleman seemed to be missing some fingers (on purpose). 
They didn't just happen to break off.

And, there's also a stretching machine.

No, we didn't leave him here.

 

Shopping for tools made of chocolate.  It's unbelieveable how real these tools look.

 

The view from the arcade porch of the Town Hall looking across the street to magnificent patrician buildings.

The tour will continue.  Stay tuned . . .

 

 

Trier, Germany

Trier is located on the banks of the Moselle River.  It is the oldest city in Germany, founded in or before 16 BC.  It is pronounced Tree-ah.

The city lies in a valley between low vine-covered hills of ruddy sandstone in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate, near the border with Luxembourg and within the Mosel wine region.

Trier is the oldest seat of a Christian bishop north of the Alps. 

Trier is known for its well-preserved Roman and medieval buildings, which include:

1)

The Porta Nigra constructed in 160-180 A.D.

It is the best preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps.

A view from inside Porta Nigra.

Yes. The city is old.  According to the legendarium recorded in the 12th century, the city was founded by an eponymous, an Assyrian prince, placing the city's founding legend centuries before and independently of ancient Rome.

There is a medieval inscription on the facade of the Red House in the Trier market which reads,

ANTE ROMAM TREVIRIS STETIT ANNIS MILLE TRECENTIS.

PERSTET ET ÆTERNA PACE FRVATVR. AMEN.

Translation:  "Thirteen hundred years before Rome, Trier stood / may it stand on and enjoy eternal peace, amen."  This quotes reflects the proud city tradition.

These little Santas are looking at a building which I thought was the St. Matthias Benedictine Abbey.  But, I think it is some other famous building, and I'm not sure which one.
If you know, please tell me what it is in the comments.

2)

The Trier Cathedral (Trierer Dom or Dom St. Peter)

This Roman Catholic Church is the oldest cathedral in the country and dates back to Roman times. It is home to the Holy Tunic.  This garment with a recorded history back to the 12th Century is said to be the robe Jesus was wearing when he died.  It is only exhibited every few decades, at irregular intervals.

The edifice is notable for its extremely long life span under multiple different eras each contributing some elements to its design, including the center of the main chapel being made of Roman brick laid under the direction of Saint Helen, resulting in a cathedral added on to gradually rather than rebuilt in different eras. Its dimensions, 112.5 by 41 m, make it the largest church structure in Trier.

3)

 
The Church of our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche)

This is one of the most important early Gothic cathedrals in Germany and falls into the architectural tradition of the French Gothic cathedrals.

This star is on the floor inside the church, and when you stand on it and turn 360 degrees...

. . . beautiful stained glass windows tell a story.

4)

Constantine Basilica

This massive structure, in the original Roman sense, was the 67 m (219.82 ft) long throne hall of Roman Emperor Constantine. Today it is used as a Protestant Church.

5)

The Electoral Palace

This building sits directly next to the Basilika and  is considered one of the most beautiful rococo palaces in the world.

 
Concerts are performed in the Grand Chamber of the rococo wing or summer open-air concerts in the courtyard.  In both photos above, the Basilica can be seen looming behind the palace.

6)

Imperial Baths

Going to the baths was an important part of Roman life.  Over 1600 years ago, the Romans built one of the grandest and most impressive baths in the world:  The Imperial Baths. This was a gigantic bathing facility and descended into a subterranean labyrinth.

Men and women bathed naked, not always separately, and could engage in sports, sit in cold and hot baths, swim, get a massage, have their body hair removed by tweezers or wax, and be cleaned with the help of scrapers, pumice stone, or fermented urine. Yup. You read that correctly. Fermented Urine. They could relax, gamble, do business, go to the hairdresser's, libraries, reciting rooms, or pubs. 

And outside the entrance to the baths,we discovered Big Foot.  Imagine giving this person a pedicure !

7)

Roman Amphitheater

Near the Imperial Baths are the ruins of a Roman amphitheater, dating from the first century AD. The amphitheater was used in the Roman imperial era (until the 5th century) for gladiator fights and animal contests.

The person waving to you is  is theHansMan. He is going to enter that 'rectangle' and visit the basement underneath the arena.  This is  where gladiators, criminals, and exotic beasts were kept prior to their release into the arena.

The entire structure, consisting of an elliptical arena and a stepped auditorium, was surrounded by a high wall, divided into individual stories by colonnaded arcades. The complex could seat up to 25,000 people.

In the 5th century, the inhabitants of Trier used the amphitheater as a place of refuge from the increasingly frequent raids by Germanic tribes. The site was used as a quarry in the Middle Ages.

Today, the amphitheater area is used for the Antiquity Festival and open-air concerts.

This is the basement. Good luck figuring out what you're looking at.  I was more concerned with staying on the narrow wooden walkway and not falling into the water than taking photographs.

It was a bit creepy, and I just couldn't help but think what had gone on down here years ago.

AACCHHKK !

You have just visited seven of the most important sites in Trier.

And yes, in Trier there are  . . .

Carousels and gluhwine . . .

 

Christmas pyramids . . .

 

Chocolate covered bananas . . .

 

Healthy food like this . . .

 

More gluhwine . . .

Tools made out of luscious chocolate . . .

Bouquets of fresh tulips . . .

Houses that look like this . . .

And then it was . . .

time to go home !

 

Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg is a city in southwest Germany. The fifth-largest city in the State of Baden-Württemberg. Heidelberg is part of the densely populated Rhine-Neckar Metropolitan Region.  In 2009, over 145,000 people lived in the city. Heidelberg lies on the River Neckar in a steep valley in the Odenwald.

It is at this point we must pause and address something that must be understood when traveling in Germany or points close by.  In the past few posts, you have probably seen me mispell places ending in -berg and -burg. 

So, is it:

-BERG  or -BURG ?

When spoken by most Americans, -burg and -berg sound the same (kind of like "burr g"), and incorrectly spoken, by the way. 

A fortified town was called a Burg (pr. bourk).

A mountain is a Berg (pr. beark).

When named, Salzburg and Rothenburg were fortified towns (Rothenburg still is). On the other hand Nürnberg was so named for the castle that sits on a hill.

This is important because much of the software for searches and train schedule won't come up with the right place if you spell it incorrectly. Put in Salzburg on the Bahn query site, and you'll get Mozart's birth town. Put in Salzberg, and you'll get a pulldown menu with bunch of choices. The first few will be towns in Baden-Württemberg or Hessen; the town in Austria will be well down the list.

Also, those two little dots over the vowel, called an umlaut, are important. Füssen is NOT Fussen! However, using "ue" for "ü" works (and is, technically, correct). So, if looking for a route to Neuschwanstein, use "Fuessen Bahnhof".

Got it?

Great.  We'll move on.

This is where the place Burgberg must be introduced.

Confused ? 

Good.

These signs prove to be equally confusing for non-German-speaking-Americans.

One of the first sights on our walk was this place. 
Does anyone remember thePannekoeken Huis in Bartlesville ? 
This was my first thought when I saw the windmill. 
My second thought was the fluffy cinnamon apple pancakes the restaurant served.

No stroll through the streets of Heidelberg can be endured without a hot drink.

This one has a bit more 'kick' to it.

Turbo Gluhwein ?  Is that gluhwein with Red Bull ?

Do you see what I see ?

Keeping up with three children in the crowd is no easy task. 
Especially when two of them make it a game to hide.

Boleslawiec Pottery can be found everywhere. 

 

So far we still have the three kiddos with us.

The streets look like this.

This scene is reminiscent of Venice Beach.

Heidelberg is not without its magnificent churches.

There are Chrismas Pyramids everywhere.

 

And it makes a beautiful backdrop for a family photos.

Pops is intrigued with the unique way food is prepared. 
Especially potatoes.

 

Heidelberger Schloss looms above the goings-on of the Christmas Market below.

Is this Flick or Charlie ?

I triple dog dare you . . .

Ice skating in Heidelberg probably requires very strong ankles just like anywhere else in the world.

Pops continues his quest to try all the foods.

The expressions on these faces . . .

. . . tell a story all their own.

In the meantime, Reese locates a pondering Polar Bear.

There is more history in this photo than my brain can possibly comprehend.

A German oom-pah-pah band.

Another church.

The  Germans have a unique way of keeping people from sitting or standing in particular places.

That little silver strip contains very sharp teeth that would gnarl a person's behind if one chose to sit there.

.

Moser Glassware that we recognized in this window.

And last but not least, yes these places can be found on many corners in Germany.

I have no idea what theses boxes are below OR how to get rid of them.