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Serendipity

 

Guten Tag on a crisp, autumn day! Yesterday was likewise crisp. We had to run to the language school to pick up our registration forms and had the idea to take off walking through the Altstadt and catch a bus home somewhere else. The school is right on the edge of the Altstadt. Having no idea where our path would lead, Pat and I wandered through alleys and narrow streets and made some fun discoveries. 

Older than old, what you see in the photo are building stones left over from the Roman times. I had planned to find and visit this site some time, but we happened to stumble upon it unexpectedly. It's a UNESCO world heritage site, part of the "Frontiers of the Roman Empire". This and the archway in the other photo are all that's left of the Porta Praetoria, the northern gate of the Castra Regina Roman legionary camp, inaugurated in AD 179. "New", as in Middle Ages new, buildings were built around what was left of a once magnificent building.


The next place we came across reflects Regensburg's 2000 year old history. Construction of the church in the center of the photo was started in 1519, right after the destruction of the Jewish quarter that was housed in that part of town. It started out under the auspices of the Roman Catholic church as a pilgrimage site, but was switched to a Lutheran church when the city council converted in 1542. The white rectangular area in front of the church is a monument called, "The Place of Encounter", and was created by a contemporary artist. It reflects the layout of the Jewish synagogue that once stood there. 

In the background on the left are the spires of St. Peter's Cathedral. 

We also unexpectedly found a 'secondhand shop', what we would call a thrift store in the US. It was closed, and we went back today after 12 when it would be open. We were so excited to find another thrift store, but, unfortunately, we didn't find anything worthwhile. I do miss Bishop's Attic. Maybe I should open my own thrift store and show them how it's done! 

Lastly but not leastly...we bought a bakery treat and sat outdoors at a table to enjoy it. It wasn't long before we had company--company of the feathered kind. 

It was gratifying to see how appreciative the little house sparrows were for every crumb I threw their way, and how close they got for me to see and appreciate every exquisite detail. Some may think that they are just common sparrows, but I think they are beautiful.

We went on another Altstadt walk today after checking out the thrift store. It was good exercise, but lacked the serendipity of yesterday. Such experiences can't be repeated. Each day has to be appreciated for what it brings. 

Auf Wiedersehen! 



 


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