Day trip to Trier

         Last Saturday we spent the day in Trier. One of the great things about living in Germany is that we are surrounded by really cool cities, all within a short drive away from us. Trier is the oldest City in Germany, founded in 30 BC. Our first stop was the Porta Nigra, which is a gate entrance that was once connected to a wall which surrounded the city (several miles of the wall still exists today). The gate was actually constructed by the Romans and we were able to tour one of the four entrances (only Porta Nigra remains standing), it gave us a great view of the city. The girls thought it was really cool and liked to run up the spiral staircase. Next was lunch at a cute little cafe, that had a view of the market square and a neat old fountain.



        Our next stop was the High Cathedral of St. Peter; an extraordinary church and the oldest cathedral in the country! The design is immaculate and looks more like a grand castle than a cathedral and that might be because it once was. Emperor Constantine the Great later turned it into the largest Christian church of its time. We only got to tour part of the cathedral, but I would have loved to be able to roam the entire thing; though, I am sure it wouldn't take long to be helplessly lost. Maddy then insisted we checkout the adjoining cathedral; it was much more modern and less impressive, but then again it would be hard to compete with the St. Peter.

         From the St. Peter we headed over to the museum of archaeology (Rheinisches Landesmuseum) and on the we way found a fun little park for the kiddos to play. I think I was feeling tired by the time we hit the museum and had little patience. My sweet husband was listening to the audio, enjoy the museum and history. I think I might have been like one of the kids, wondering when we were going to be done. Of course no museum visit is complete without someone getting mad and wanting to climb an exhibit....and no, it wasn't me.

        Once the girls and I dragged their dad out of the museum, we went to go see the Roman Imperial Baths. In it's day, it was considered to be the grandest bath and most impressive in the world. People went to the baths for hygiene, social, relaxation, business and sports. Often they were co-ed and clothes were optional. Under the baths are 6 boiler rooms that were used to heat the water. I'm wondering if I can fit a mini version of the baths in my backyard??? Think I know what I want for Christmas!

       We stopped at a yummy bakery on our way home to grab some pastries and coffee, then picked up a postcard (collecting one for each place we visit). We then tried to drive by the amphitheatre, but it was too dark to see anything. The cool thing about the amphitheatre though is that they still do gladiator reenactments. We might have to visit again when there is a show on, might be fun to see.

    Overall the trip was a great success, the kids did great. Trier is such a cute little city, with lots of history. I think we learned a lot and made good memories. Things I think we did better with this trip is good walking shoes, lots of snacks, kid friendly restaurants and a break to play at the park. Now we slide into our next adventure!!