Trier, Germany

Trier, Germany is about 40 minutes away by car. Boo and I decided that on this gloomy day, we would go check it out. For the past few days Boo has consistently told us that the same locations (left knee and ankle) are sore, but then runs everywhere and wants to do everything. I figured this trip would be low key but still keep her mentally stimulated while I call and set up an appointment with a rheumatologist and find some ibuprofen for her.

Trier is on the banks of the beautiful Moselle River, which we crossed going to the city. Founded by Celts in the late 4th century BC, Trier may be one of the oldest cities in Germany... And one that wasn't bombed to smithereens in WWII, meaning the architecture is breathtaking. I walked around with my head up most of the afternoon, staring at the buildings. We will definitely be returning with John for a longer exploration. Today, Boo and I only explored Hauptmarkt (Market Square or Main Market) and Spielzeugmuseum, a toy museum. 

Ugh, creepy doll room.

After the toy museum, we walked straight to Hauptmarkt and enjoyed the open-air farmer's market and got Boo a Ditsch butterbretzel (pretzel with butter in the middle, whoa) to snack on.

 

Taken from a tourist website: The Market Fountain from 1595 shows St. Peter, the patron saint of the Cathedral as well as the city, standing on top, surrounded by the four cardinal virtues of good city government, Justice, Strength, Temperance, and Wisdom (originals in the Municipal Museum), but also by monsters and frolicking monkeys. 

All of these buildings have modern clothing shops and restaurants in them. Pretty cool.

Boo loved this street performer and wanted to give her some money. She got really shy and I had to go with her. The kid fearlessly walks up to a spray painted, 6' statue dude on Pier 39 but not this sweet musician. Ha!

Just some street graffiti I liked. 

The outskirts of Trier are DEFINITELY gritty. Luxembourg is extremely clean, but here I saw a lot of graffiti and strung out-looking people who I suspect were homeless but couldn't say for sure. I saw a few people covering their purses but I felt safe with Boo. There was a park she wanted to play at but my gut instinct said no after I saw a few people hanging near the benches. Fortunately she listened and didn't cause a scene. I told her I didn't think the park was safe and she accepted that. That in and of itself is unusual for Boo, who now questions everything and wakes up asking me things like, "Why do people have eyes?" 

The High Cathedral of St. Peter is the oldest cathedral in Germany. The history is lengthy and interesting if anyone wanted to take a quick Google. The inside looks gorgeous from online pictures, so I look forward to seeing it soon. We didn't go in since it cost money and I wasn't sure how much cash I'd need later. Plus, I want to come with John.

One frustration I have come across each time we pass into a new country is the lack of Internet. I can make calls, but no texts or other data. Spoiled, sure, but being able to Google a tourist destination and then walking directions to said destination is pretty vital. For now, I have to write out everything beforehand or hope for a wifi somewhere. Going to see if there's anything I can do about this.

Tomorrow we are driving John to work in Fischbach and exploring Clervaux, Luxembourg. This weekend will be the fair and a cool pirate ship park with water features.