If interested in photos of Rothenburg, load this:

http://www.photoworks.com/share/shar...BB7B&cb=PW

Very nice, Michael.

Jim

Thanks, Michael. Your pictures show that, even though it is a tourist magnet, Rothenburg's beauty can be savored at quiet times. J.

Here are some great pics of Germany in 1929: http://www.boingboing.net/2005/09/08...y_in_1929.html

Hi Michael--we have a set of virtually identical photos--it is almost spooky how you and my husband took identical shots!! There is *one* difference in that ours were shot 32 years ago in 1973. Maybe that is one of the many reasons that going back to certain spots in Europe is so cherished by so many. We have the opportunity to pretend that time stands still for a moment. Thanks for the memory.

Social worker, you mean McDonalds was already in Rothenburg 32 years ago?

Thanks for the memories

No, Michael, I have to say back in '73 there was no (gasp) McDonalds!! Which photo was it in?? They disguised it well. (Altho, we did see them in Germany in '92, don't remember one in Rothenburg that time, but perhaps...)

To digress a little, the last time I was in Paris, I was out walking by myself and had to use the ladies' room. I was passing a McDonalds near the Sorbonne and stopped to avail myself of the facilities. The place was overflowing w/young French people--no obvious Americans--and I struck up a conversation w/a young woman while waiting in line. I expressed my surprise at the popularity of McDonalds there when food is so good in France. She told me that for them--young students--McDonalds was inexpensive and convenient, compared to other places where they might have lunch. While I understood her point, I was saddened when I think of the delicious ham and cheese on a baguette that we ate one day outside of a countryside museum. I have no idea *how* a ham sandwich can be such a gourmet delight!! The sadness comes in when I see traditional European ways replaced w/American fast food. Just some random musings.....

Very nice pictures Michael. When we were there it was overcast and cold. The colours were not anything as beautiful as your photos. Thanks for sharing.

We only went into McD's because we knew it was guaranteed to have a public toilet. One small coke shared amongst 12 kids who had to use the facilities.

socialworker,

look carefully at the shop sign picture.

I first visited ROTHENBURG in May 1970 while stationed in Germany in the Army. My wife and I have returned many times. The Rothenburg of 1970 did not have a McDonalds as we looked for them. There were none in Germany. These all seemed to pop up in the late 70s, early 80s.

Yes, Rothenburg attracts the tourists but it is still a great town to visit...especially around the Christmas market time in November/December. I have a web site on my computer that shows the town square live....great to look at every once and awhile.

Aha, Michael. I was so focused on the guest house sign, trying to see if our coincidence extended to even the *same* guest house (it did not, ours was the Schwarze Adler), that the golden arches eluded me....

I took the photos for the signs. It was not out guesthouse.