London to Rothenburg ob der Tauber Christmas Market

Very Modern Tree in Terminal 5

Tree in Front of Harrods

After a very large, plentiful buffet at the Radisson, we board the bus and arrive back at the infamous Terminal 5.  We only had to check-in our luggage and get through security.  While waiting for our flight, we make a few purchases at Harrods.  The lines were manageable and our flight on British Air went well.  Steve had arranged with AutoEurope to change our rental car pick up to Munich.  EuropCar was fast and we hit the autobahn in a large, but compact, automatic, diesel Opel with a built-in GPS.  Yeah, we're off to Rothenburg in a snow storm.  Melissa has now graduated from passenger on the autobahn to a driver on the autobahn.  We hit patches of heavy snow here and there but we were able to get to Rothenburg by late afternoon.

Pension Elke on the Left

Pension Elke is located within the walls of the town so we park the car at a parkplatz down the street.  Slipping and sliding on the ice covered cobblestone streets, we eventually arrive at our pension.  We have a lovely, large room on the second floor.  This pension is in a 400 year old restored building.  The owners have a small market on the street level. 

Enjoying First Mug of Gluhwein

After enjoying our first mug of gluhwein at the closing of the Christmas market, we have our first Schnitzel dinner. 

Nightwatchman Tour

Following dinner, we take an 8 p.m. Night Watchman's tour of the town.  We follow him through the streets in the snow and listen to his stories and tales of Rothenburg thru the Ages.  From the town's origin as a stronghold at the crossroads of important trade routes, to its growth into a wealthy and important town within the Empire, to its time of glory and its downfall during the 30 Year[+]s War.  He's always fun and fascinating to listen to.  

Love the simple, basic Christmas Trees

With very large snowflakes starting to fall and cover our hats, we make our way back to our pension. Truly a winter wonderland evening.  For me, it doesn't get better than this.  It will be interesting to drive on the snow packed roads tomorrow.  Guten Nacht!