I found another sign that amused me "Ausfahrt", pronounce it how you like. It actually means departure or exit in German and is on every exit ramp of the motorway.
We headed to Bremen but had to make a brief detour to save our marriage. We were almost there, but not exactly sure where we were going, so when we saw a large electronics store Jason pulled in and bought a TomTom portable GPS system. It was soooo worth it and will make traveling Europe much easier since we can't read most of the signs!
Bremen has a beautiful market square that includes Town Hall, an enormous Statue of Roland and St. Peter's Cathedral. When we walked into the market square there was a group of men singing. It just set a good ambiance and the kids really liked it too.
We found a nice outdoor cafe on the market square and enjoyed lunch looking at Town Hall and beautiful St. Peter's Cathedral. I think this has been one of my favorite things about Europe so far, all of the sidewalk cafes and eating outside. It also helps because then we don't have to worry as much about Justin being loud inside a restaurant!
The Town Hall was built between 1405 and 1410 and is thought to be one of the most beautiful town halls in Germany.
Next to Town Hall is a statue of The Bremen Town Musicians. They are standing on one another's backs in order to look like a monster and frighten robbers out of a house, according to the children's story from the Brothers Grimm.
The Statue of Roland (Charlemagne's knight Roland) is the largest and most famous one in Germany(there are 26 Roland statues in Germany). The statue has been a symbol of trading rights and freedom since 1404.
St. Peters Cathedral was amazing. It is over 1200 years old and has a very large and beautiful organ.
Bottcherstrasse is a 100 meter long street that linked the market square to the river. It's entrance is adorned with this golden artwork called "Bringer of Light". It was actually meant as a tribute to Hitler representing "the victory of our Fuhrer over the powers of darkness".
The Schnoor Quarter is Bremen's oldest district with small maze like streets with 15th and 16th century houses.
The detail put into all the architecture is amazing and the extent of history is just something we can't experience in America.
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