After sleeping in and making ourselves a hearty breakfast of waffles, bacon and eggs we made a quick stop in town to pick up a new fuse for one of our transformers and were on our way.
Coming highly recommended by our neighbors, Daniel and I recently purchased a few of Rick Steves' books, to include "Germany". His books are great for several reasons, but particularly for their self-guided walking tours. It's only our first use, but so far so good.
Taking Rick's recommendation, we started out at the city's most famous landmark, Porta Nigra (pictured below). The city of Trier was originally built as a Roman capital. Of the four-mile town's four large gates, only this northern gate survives and has become known as Porta Nigra.
Daniel was pretty impressed by the fact that it was built without mortar. For a few euros each, we were able to climb up and around the structure. Totally worth the price.
Next on the agenda - lunch. We walked over to one of the food trucks and ordered an original flammkuchen. Basically an extremely thin crusted pizza with a cheese sauce and small bits of ham. Pretty tasty if I do say so myself. Daniel gets credit for correctly ordering in German on this one. ...maybe next time we'll be bold enough to attempt our broken German past "Ein original flammkucken bitte." and add some more yummy toppings. So far I know that onions is "zwiebeln" and meat is "fleisch". It's a start.
After lunch we took a stroll through Hauptmarkt (Market Square). Because I was the weekend, there were all types of tents and food trucks with various treasures... cheese, sausage, pastries, flowers the whole nine yards.
From here we located the Basillica/ Imperial Throne Room. Our handy self-guided tour informed us that this building is the largest intact Roman structure outside of Rome. Sadly, the building was under construction so we weren't able to go inside.
The Rococo Wing was added to the Basilica in the 18th century to house the archbishop-elector.
Behind the vast grounds to the Basilica/ Imperial Thrown Room are the imperial baths. Built by Constantine, they are believed to have been the most intricate baths in the Roman world.
Our final stop, the oldest Christian church in Germany - the Cathedral (Dom). Our trusty self-guided tour informed us that that cathedral stands at the "center above a former palace from the era of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. The palace complex was supplanted in the 4th century by the largest Christian church complex from ancient times". From inside we were able to see the four basilicas and rather large baptistery at the front.
Overall, we are doing well with adjustments. Since my last post I have started volunteering at one of the schools here in hopes of getting my name in the door and building some connections. No word on a job yet. However, I can't even explain how great it has been to be in a classroom again. With students. Not the same {not at all really} as having my own class, but Lord willing, that day will come. For now, I do what I can. Daniel is plugging away at work, learning the ropes of the joint environment as he goes. Last Friday his office had a family Halloween party that I was able to attend. It was great to finally put some faces to all the names.
We have enjoyed getting back into a running routine together, are looking forward to our trip to Ireland over Thanksgiving, and have been busy working to plan some other trips and adventures. Next week, Rothenburg - the walled city.
Now I must go finish dinner.
What fun! Love you sister!
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