Trip To Trier

Before I jump right into what is on my mind I want to say one thing first. I just finished watching Rocky II for approximately 350th time (I really think that is accurate) with Jadon. Now Jadon’s attention span isn’t long enough to sustain an entire movie that was not made by Disney’s Pixar; however he did easily sit through 30 minutes and the final fight scene. When both Rocky and Apollo hit the mat together in the closing seconds of the final round Jadon gasped out, “OH NO!” It was the funniest and best moment of my morning thus far. One final closing note on Rocky II, regardless of how many times I watch that final scene I still get goose bumps. Since I enjoyed Rocky II so much I unintentionally have begun a Rocky Marathon this morning/afternoon while Celia is out doing Yoga.

Yesterday Celia and I had the opportunity to visit the oldest city in Germany, Trier. Since I had returned home from Iraq, we had not seen any historical sights and agreed that we would get on the road early and make a day out of exploring Germany. By the grace of God we were out the door and on the road by 9:30 a.m. and if anybody knows how we move in the morning with the kids knows that 9:30 is a time we were quite proud of. We saw from Google searches and from Rick Steve’s book on Germany that Trier had tourist info at the Porta Nigra (picture to left), which ended up being our starting location. We were also fortunate that Helen (our GPS) had the Porta Nigra listed under tourist information for Germany.

Now I understand there is only so much that I can tell about a family outing before what you are reading becomes increasingly redundant and boring. I also know that I am in fact not a tourist expert nor am I gifted in historical stories that accompany each ancient structure. What I really did enjoy about Trier was how the city incorporated the past with the present. It truly was fascinating seeing historical buildings that have been around for centuries and have withstood the test of time and war, so perfectly integrated with modern society. You know what else is funny, foreigners; and not Chinese in New York funny but Iowan’s in Germany funny. Celia and I were the absolute epitome of tourist from the west and we loved every second of it. I was walking around downtown Trier with a camera hanging from my neck, a video camera in one hand and a map in the other. The only thing I was missing was a fanny pack and visor to complete my tourist wardrobe. Has there ever been more of a poster boy for “mugging” than I yesterday?

If I can still use the Chinese in New York and Iowan’s in Germany from above it would be great in explaining my next story. I used to work at KFC when I was in high school and held various other food service jobs. Now if you have ever worked in one of these places there is a good chance that what I am about to explain you witnessed but if you never had the opportunity of holding such a job then there is a chance that you have seen what I am about to describe somewhere. How often have you ever been in an establishment where somebody who did not speak the native tongue was attempting to communicate with a local? It’s funny as hell to watch isn’t it? How often do you ridicule the individual who is trying with every creative bone in their body to articulate their point? Almost always right? These people are pointing things on the menu, talking with their hands and drawing pictures. They are trying so hard to communicate but all you can do is try your hardest not to laugh at them. It’s nothing personal, it’s just really funny to watch. I never once thought what it must be like for that person in a strange, foreign land, until yesterday.

Celia and I went into a very small restaurant (seating room for maybe 15) and attempted to order a Doner Kabob, which is homemade bread with lamb and various other condiments shoved inside. Ordering was extremely difficult and we were the ignorant foreigner’s in their restaurant. I was pointing at the menu and other various other things, saying the word bread very slow and asking Celia for help while she pointed at completely different things. The man behind the counter was confused, very confused. Thankfully, there was a woman ordering a pizza that looked at us after about 3 minutes and asked, “Do you need any help?” Gee, what gave away we needed help ordering? I personally think she milked the comedic aspect of it for as long as possible before asking us if we needed help, I think this because she stood one foot away from me the entire time. Generously this woman completed our order for us and saved us from further embarrassment.

The last thing before I stop is how great it is to see children at historical places. Hailey slept almost the entire day so there is nothing else to report from her end. Jadon had a blast walking around Trier checking out the ancient Roman architecture. What Jadon enjoyed most of all was the abundance of the rocks at the historical places. We visited the Amphitheatre and Roman Baths and the only thing Jadon cared about was how the groundskeepers kept a fresh batch of gravel out for him to play with. Never mind the fact that people once died in that theatre, there were good rocks that had to be played with. Jadon’s only two years old so it is hard to expect anything else but it was very funny and adorable of him.

All in all it was a very fun day and a place that we will most likely visit again in the near future. Below are a few of the pictures from yesterday, hope you all enjoy.

Below is the Cathedral (St. Peter's), which was absolutely beautiful. I took a lot of pictures but they do not do it justice.

To the left is St. George's Fountain and to the right is an ancient Roman Bridge.

Both of these are different ancient Roman Baths.

And of course I had to squeeze in a few family pics.