Nürnberg Old Town, Travel & Arrival in Prague

This is our last day in Germany before our trip takes us Eastwards to Prague. The apartment we have slept in the last two days was so nice, we all agreed we wouldn't mind being there longer. 

It was situated in a nice little apartment complex with many other families and tenants. You can totally tell these are German families from the door, because they take off their shoes and leave them outside the doorway of each apartment, like so:

And in the true German style, no screens, of course.

We packed up the belongings out of the apartment and set off to see more of Nürnberg before heading east.

The district we explored was the section of town that Hitler marched through in his rallies. It was picturesquely German, with cobblestone streets, red roofs, colorful buildings, and little churches on nearly every corner.

Our first order of business was to visit St. Sebald's church, the seventh (count 'em, seventh) amazing church I have been privileged to enter here in Europe. Originally constructed in 1230, it was rebuilt and refinished  after being badly damaged by bombing in WWII. 

(the post-war damage)

(the church today)

We also saw a lot of Medieval Nürnberg. After all, this was a huge part of the Holy Roman Empire back in the day. As such, there are little touches here and there that are a reminder of Rome's influence, such as "SPQR" written on the stones of the architecture. Some of the castle walls and fortifications from that era are still intact.

We ate lunch at an open air creperie across from another church in the Old Town square. Of course, Embla and I ran over and checked it out while our food was cookin'.

Yes, it's yet another church (number 8 to be exact) but of course, I never tire of walking in and breathing in the smell of old stone and the burning incense. Besides, what other Sunday do you get to spend time and pray in churches that are just centuries old? I'm aiming to see as many old churches as I can while I am in Europe. Let's go for 20. ;)

After lunch we ambled on up to the hill where the *very* old castle fortress of Nürnberg stands. In case any three year olds are reading this blog, Erla would like to tell you that what grown ups call a "Castle" is actually a "Princess House."

The view from the top of the castle was incredible! I wish I could post my panoramic pic I took here but the formatting won't work. if you are a local, ask me to see it when I get home. 

The German countryside as seen outside my window as we drive by is just gorgeous. We had to make a stop in Fredrichsburg for one of the kids to take a bathroom break. Here in Germany, you are more likely to find a castle sooner than you would a free bathroom (and yes, we did ride by a castle en route to find one!) but we finally found one at a gas station. Here, the bathrooms at a gas station that the average German would dub the "worst of the worst" are attractive and super clean. They sure know how to do bathrooms.

Definitely getting the Eastern European vibe going pretty good as we drive Eastwards for Prague. There is lots more variation in the trees and topography. It is more wilderness-like than what I've seen of Europe so far, not as many towns visible from the road. There are, however, plenty of birches and tall, skinny pine trees, and funky nótátįonš on the words of the exit signs, ya know.

It's funny how in such a short time, Germany has already become "home" in a way, since I feel as though I know the ropes and such. Here in Czech Republic, we have got a new language, new stores, new surroundings, etc. 

And now, we have a special report: Road Trip Food With Ellert. He shows us the German version of Pringles which are "Paprika flavored," and very tasty too. So tasty I ate the last ones when he wasn't looking. ;)

We drove through a rather run-down part of Prague before we popped out on a bridge and Old Town unfolded before us in all its glory and WOW! Talk about stunning.

After waiting in a hot car for about a half hour for the apartment to be ready, we checked in. But first, I walked out and saw this:

As for our apartment, it is AMAZING! Never dreamed it would be this huge (or this nice!) it's right in the middle of Old Town Prague and is very attractively furnished with free wifi to boot. I have zero cell coverage here so I was SO happy to have the wifi.

(looking out the window)

With it being so late, George and Arn decided to pick up a quick pizza for the kids and then go out for dinner  themselves after the kids got settled in. They needed a night out, and this was the perfect opportunity for them. 

This meant that I got to try my hand at getting Erla to sleep sans Mama, a feat that only a select few have attempted with any success. 

I got her in the bed and sat next to her. Having heard she likes to be sung to, I began singing any and every song I thought would sound good to her three -year-old ears. The apartment has huge echo-y ceilings so the acoustics are fantastic. I got in a little praise and worship time by singing some hymns and such, then I tried my hand at "Hush Little Baby, Don't Say A Word."

Bad idea. 

When you do not exactly remember all the lines and you are super sleepy yourself:

"Hush little baby, don't say a word,

Momma's gonna buy you a mockingbird,

And if that mocking bird doesn't sing 

Momma's gonna buy you.......a big rope swing,

And if that big rope swing gets broke

Momma's gonna buy you.......a big blue float

And if that big blue float goes flat

Momma's gonna buy you a baseball bat..."

And it just went downhill from there, I'll spare you the rest. Gotta work on my lullaby skills, that's for sure. ;) But she is fast asleep next to me right now, so I consider my mission successful.

But right now, I must sleep. Goodnight from Eastern Europe, y'all!