Rothenburg

By Tuesday, I think day 10, we had killed off our tour guide. Tera was so sweet to take us everywhere but by the time we returned from Florence, Tera had strep throat, and although she was still willing to take us sightseeing, we decided to go at it alone.

This is Rothenburg.

 It's a tiny town with a wall all the way around it. 

We were able to walk on the wall most of the way around the city.

 The story of Pinocchio was written based on this little town, also, some parts of "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" were filmed here. I think they called this town VULGARIA in the movie. I like to think this little cottage behind us was Gepetto's workshop, and the birthplace of Pinocchio. So cute!

 After seeing two sites where "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" was filmed, we decided we'd better watch that movie again, it's been a few years. We did watch it while in Germany, and I think I'd be happy to wait a few more years before watching it again.... silly movie.

 This is in the town square. There is a clock that chimes on the hour and the doors on each side of the clock open up to show two animated figures. My niece Joey told me the story of this town and the significance of the figures in the clock. I'm going to slaughter it, but here goes. The town was going to be completely destroyed by an army who had come and wiped out many of the other villages around. The mayor of the town stepped in and asked what he could do to save his little town. The leader of the army told him if he could drink a huge jug of beer without stopping, they would go on their way and spare the town.

He was able to drink all of the beer and save the town. Every hour the clock goes off and the mayor drinks his jug of beer.

 They have huge Christmas stores and this teddy bear store. 

Conner couldn't help giving this cute bear a little kiss.

 Lunch time!!

 Conner and I both tried sparkling water this time. We both were thirsty the rest of the day. 

It didn't taste very good.

On  the way home I decided to try driving the "Autobaun" I was incredibly nervous, but it ended up being great! I went the equivalent of 115 MPH. Truly the fastest I have ever driven, and in a minivan!!

 We did spend 1/2 hour parked on the Autobaun in this traffic. You can't park for more than 3 minutes with your engine running in Germany, it's illegal, so everyone had their cars turned off and got out and walked around. Eventually the traffic cleared and we made it home, no worse for wear.