Rothenburg! The quintessential European town with narrow cobblestone streets (at least, we think they were cobblestone under the snow and ice), museums, cathedrals, and shops. We discovered the Schneeballen (snowball), a cream puff type pastry, minus the cream, rolled in chocolate, nuts, and other tasty treats. We quickly found that Schneeballens are the German equivalent of funnel cakes - that is, a tourist/fair goer type food.

Ok, so maybe our sense of direction wasn't the best. But we managed to find the Kriminal Museum (notice, it's right behind Crystal). This museum contains the torture and restraint devices used in medieval times. It also documents the symbolism of certain acts. For example, stepping on your spouse's foot meant you're the one in charge. Try that one at home! (Note: I'm not responsible if it doesn't work!)

This scary face is on the outside of the walls that surround Rothenburg. The citizens would pour hot oil through the mouth of this mask onto potential invaders. Ouch! But this sort of pain was the least of the citizens worries. The museum showed horrible punishment devices used for women who argued too much, men who drank to excess, bakers who made bread too heavy or light, and people who missed a day at church.

What's Germany without a clock. This is one of the most spectacular clocks we saw. On the hour, the clock chimes and a show of manikins parades out from the little windows. The cuckoo clock we bought here pales in comparison. However, this one was a little to big to bring home.

The view of the wall around Rotheburg makes you feel like you've stepped back in time. Check out those turrets! Mike and Crystal try to keep warm in the cooooold snow. We stayed until sundown so we could walk the wall at night. We made it about a quarter of the way around before turning back - my feet and hands had gone numb from the cold, so I thought it might be prudent to get some coffee.