Expedition Eldredge

Last weekend, I went to an Ostermarkt (Easter Market) in Sankt Wendel (55 km away) with some friends that just moved here from Abilene. We had some trouble trying to find it at first (standard). Then we had some trouble trying to find parking (standard). Luckily, we found it, and despite the cold weather, we enjoyed walking around smelling the delicious food and looking at the different crafts for sale.  Upon arrival, we ordered s ome G lühwein weiß (white mulled wine) for the adults and a white hot chocolate for the kiddos. We paid the 1 Euro pfand (deposit) on our drinks. When you finish drinking, you return the glass to the counter and receive your Euro back. Apparently if you like the glass, it is fairly normal to pocket it for just a Euro. I had some delicious Currywurst and had fun watching the kids try different things. They both LOVED the sausages.  Half joking, I told him to get a snowflake painted on his face since it was so cold out. Not five minutes later...

On Saturday, we decided we would check out one of the Easter markets in the area. The weather wasn't great, so we found that one of the Easter markets took place inside. So, off we went to Maulbronn Monastery. Built in the 12th century, Maulbronn Monastery is the best preserved Cistercian monastery complex in Europe. In 1993, the monastery became a UNESCO World Heritage site. This was one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. The town itself was small and unassuming, until you reach the top of the hill and peer left into the monastery complex.  Close-up of the eggs from the fountain  Half-timbered buildings  After finding the gift shop, we purchased tickets to enter the monastery and audio guides in English. The tour wound us through the monastery, where we saw the beautiful Roman and Gothic architecture. As vegetarians, the Cistercians created canals from a series of over 20 fish ponds in to the monastery to feed the monks and laymen. T...