A bit dramatic, right? Well, "Bloody Aachen" was the title of a book that I had when I was a kid growing up back in Appalachia. My brother and I both collected all kinds of World War II stuff, like soldiers, models, games, and books. This particular book chronicled the fall of the first German City to the allies during the war. The Americans thought that they would copy the German blitzkrieg model and just zip past the city on their way to more fruitful targets. But, typical of Americans with limited understanding of European history, they failed to realize the importance of the city to the Germans (Nazis) as the place where
Charlemagne was buried and therefore the seat of the
First Reich. (first of three if you remember correctly). Anyhow, the Germans dug in, fortified the city with extra battalions and were ordered to defend it "at all cost". The rest, so to speak, is history. The city was basically obliterated, but somehow, several of the key buildings from Charlemagne's time came out still standing.
All of this came back to me while I was scanning the map for a nearby German city to visit for our annual Christmas Market shopping, eating, and drinking extravaganza.
The city has been rebuilt, mostly to the old specifications, and the Christmas Market was fantastic! For a city that is probably not very high on tourist's list (if on the list at all), I'd recommend it as a MUST see, especially at Christmas. Here are some pictures from our little weekend in Bloody
Aachen.
Beer halls are for Octoberfest. For Christmas Market, it's
Glühwein. These tents were packed with merry makers.
A crowded market square in the old city...
...with plenty of sweets in the shop windows...
...and plenty of sweeties shopping for them.
Me? I went for the sausage! If I had to pick the one thing that Germans do well, it's sausage. Lekker!
This guy took advantage of the tourists by hanging his sausage grill over his shoulder and moving with the crowds. Once he had your attention, you couldn't get past him without a big, fat worst in your hand.
The city was founded by Romans (of course) due to these hot springs. Unfortunately this was Germany, so we couldn't get into the sauna in "the buff". Next time, we'll dust off the bathing suits and go for a swim.
But of course it was Charlemagne that made the city famous. He personally commissioned this door, still standing on the church that he is buried in. Amazing.
The city was rebuilt with a lot of flair...not your typical post-war construction. This sculpture was really cool and the contrast between modern and ancient is superbly done.
Of course we explored outside the center city as well. Besides the hot springs, there is no water in Aachen. So, what do you do with your parched puppy after a long walk in the woods? Take them for a swim this custom doggie dipping pool, complete with OSHA approved handrails. German efficiency!
What does it take to be the third largest economy in the world? Power! Aachen is just outside the industrial heart of Germany and when we climbed to the top of a hill, I was amazed to see 4 powerplants churning at full capacity (only three in the photo), powering the factories to the north. From what I could tell, they all looked nuclear...only the steam stacks can be seen.
But of course it was Charlemagne that made the city famous. He personally commissioned this door, still standing on the church that he is buried in. Amazing.
Sean and Sandra are moving back to America this week, so this will be their last Thanksgiving in Holland for a while.
Don't forget to have fun on YOUR holidays!
