Here in Trier

Today our destination was Trier Germany - which is close to Luxembourg and Janka’s former home for many years - and coincidentally the site of Kat’s first sleep in Europe ever at age 18…and first “legal” beer.   Walking the streets of Trier today I couldn’t help but reflect on my teenage self, and the love for travel and new experiences that began on a German exchange program that began in Trier in the mid 1980s.  

 I’ll start at the beginning - which if you know me at all know probably involves food.  Janka took us to Delikat - a charming restaurant and market in Trier where we were served a delicious breakfast with a variety of little smears and breads and tastes.  Much like our dinner the other night, Janka makes friends everywhere she goes - and friends who work in restaurants treat you like family and give you special little tastes and perks. It’s good to be her friend. 

After breakfast we headed to our first official spot on our personal tour by Janka was the  Porto Nigra - black gate - the largest Roman gate north of the Alps, circa 170 AD.  Though Trier used to have many gates, this is the only one remaining.  

There were no Romans around to greet us - but based on our knowledge of Rome and Dubrovnik we probably saved a few Euros posing with their likeness instead. 

     

Stopped by to see native son of Trier Karl Marx.  He was born and spent some time here, and China recently donated this statue in his honor. They apparently wanted it to be 4 times taller,…but Trier said no thank you to that.  But they do also honor him in a cheeky way by having him motion you on the crosswalks.

Our next stop was the Trier Cathedral and accompanying Liebfrauenkirche Church.  The cathedral owns a relic said to be the robe of Jesus - but it only comes out on special occasions - and apparently the visitation by the Fischers and Kalwaks does not qualify. Still, it was built by Constantine, and reminded us of other churches and buildings we saw in Croatia from the same ruling period. Always a lot to take in in these old churches. 

 

The Liebfrauenkirche Church (for the nuns) was connected - and full of what seemed to be very contemporary stained glass. 

 

We walked to the Palais - a rococo extravaganza - eyeing th lady lion and gilt galore. 





Then to the accompanying gardens to take in some wildlife. 








Then out to the main square which brought back memories for Kat - which she commemorated not with beer, but with her true love - gelato.  














Then we walked back to our Trier host Simon’s apartment to wait out some rain - and get ready for our Michelin star restaurant dinner later in the evening. We had passed a synagogue on the way, and I asked Janka if Trier had done anything after World War Two to welcome back the Jewish people. She said no - but pointed out there is a reckoning of sorts with small brass plaques on the streets in front of houses identifying Jewish people from those neighborhoods that had perished, with name, date of birth and place (mostly concentration camp) and date of death.  Very sobering. It got us thinking and talking about Ukraine - and hoping someday for a reckoning there too.  

For the evening we ate at Beckers - a Michelin Star restaurant. The beautiful and intricate courses kept coming, along with plenty of local wines. Per usual I got distracted by the deliciousness and company and neglected to take many photos.  But definitely a  memorable evening. 

With amazing breakfast, gelato, Michelin star dinner and a nibble from the free community garden boxes scattered throughout Trier it was a day of gustatory delights.