I’ve written previously about some aspects of last year’s trip to Germany, such as the Berlin Wall, a fashion show in Berlin, and the BMW factory in Munich. But I have not yet covered one of the real pleasures of a trip to the “old world,” the peaceful beauty of the small towns.
Eichstätt is a small town in Bavaria. The population is around 14,000 and it’s history, like that of most places in Europe, extends much further back than Americans can even imagine. Eichstätt was founded on the site of an old Roman station in 741. The city was chartered in 908. It’s brewery, Hofmühl, was started in 1492. Amazing! While Columbus was sailing west looking for the East, residents of Eichstätt were enjoying a glass of their local brew!
The nice thing about visiting a small town is that you can take it in slowly while strolling the streets. You don’t need a bus with a tour guide, you just need your eyes, ears and feet. In Eichstätt the cobblestone streets don’t fit a grid pattern, the buildings are soft pastels, and sidewalk cafes tempt you to relax and enjoy a popular treat, Italian Eis.
When I travel around the United States I very rarely think about seeking out and touring churches. The ornate churches of Europe, however, are almost impossible to pass up. They invite you in to quietly contemplate life while you admire the stain-glass windows and art.
Finally, and this applies to no matter where you roam, don’t forget to look around for the little things and the different things.
