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Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Grüß Gott von Regensburg!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my American friends and family! We are not celebrating it in the traditional way this year. However, it's not going uncelebrated. We took the bus to the western edge of the Altstadt, where there lies a hidden gem we hadn't heard of yet, and of which no one told us. Herzog Park, which has several gardens, will be much more beautiful in the spring and summer, but even now it has an ancient, old-world charm. I mean, old. I'm standing in front of a tower that was built in 1293. Back in those times, cities had walls before cannons made them obsolete, and Regensburg was no exception. The park covers an area that was part of the city's expansion. I guess even then there was such a thing as urban sprawl! There was even a moat, and I can't help wondering who it was supposed to keep out. 



Many centuries later, in 1804, the grounds became the property of the House of Thurn und Taxis. They also built a stately palace farther into the city, which we have yet to explore. In 1935 it was became the property of the city and in the 1950's it was converted into a public park. 



Herzog Park also boasts a "Renaissance Garden", along with a rose garden, which in season must be stunning, but currently consists of dead oak leaves and ragged, end-of-season pansies that have somehow survived the frosts we've had. But, notice what's missing: Snow! There's no snow in Regensburg yet, and since I feel so beaten up by the last two winters, I'm happy for the respite. 

Right now the Blue Danube isn't so blue, but has a more muddy hue, as it's in a flood stage after all the rain up and down Europe. I haven't heard any flood warnings, so I assume this is as bad as it's going to get. Herzog Park borders the Danube on its southern side. A little farther down is the Stone Bridge and the Altstadt. It took only 20 or so minutes to walk back home. 

For those who are wondering, we had to postpone our German language courses until January 8th. They don't want us to start until we get official word that we have been granted our educational visas. The wheels of the bureaucracy grind slowly in Germany, and we were told this would probably happen. All that means is that we get to stay longer. If we start in January, the courses will go until the end of June. There is always a chance they will say no to the visa, but we are told it's very rare, and since we're from the US, it's almost certain they'll say yes, but still...

I'm excited we'll get to experience Christmas in Germany. 

Alles ist gut!

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