Carpenter File 2: My Blitzkrieg Tour of Europe

I have such a peace now. I really feel like I’m where I’m supposed to be. I love the city of Salzburg and I’ve only done a little exploring to see around the city. Tomorrow I’m going to the weekly market in the university square. And next week there is a big bicycling race that will be starting in Salzburg and on the 24th there will be a huge fair on the day of St. Rupert (the patron saint of Salzburg). So much to look forward to and so much to learn.
Yesterday I found “My Place” on the river. The Salzer River runs right through the center of town and I found a little spot to sit that’s right in between two bridges. I know I’ll be going there often to write in my journal, have my quiet time, and to think about life. My relationship with the Lord is growing so much here. I was worried that is would be harder because I would no longer be surrounded by Christians but exactly the opposite has occurred. I have been so encouraged by the word. For the first time I understand the analogy about the word being like a long drink from a cool spring. God has been confirming his presence in my life in every step of this journey. Every time I have been frustrated or lost or in need of help someone has been there, whether is has been just a kind stranger or a fellow classmate. I’ve been able to see people and care about people with a love I could not possible have on my own. I am so thankful for this experience and for all those who have been praying for me. God has definitely answered every prayer.
The first fieldtrip across Germany was so exciting. It was very quick though. We toured about 10 different places so it will be impossible to describe all of them but my favorites were Trier: the oldest German city with lots of Roman Ruins, Cologne: has a beautiful Cathedral and lots of museums, Worms: had the biggest Monument to Martin Luthur (you know the one you always see in pictures) and Oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe, Heidelberg: had the most beautiful castle I’ve ever seen and a fantastic city to explore, and Nuremburg: has the Nazi Party Rally Grounds which was fascinating to see in person as well as the best wiener schnitzel around! I think I had the most fun in Heidelberg where we spent a little more time. Stacy, Brook, Lisa, and I went out on the town for some walking and dinner. It was fantastically fun and we had a lot of laughs. Then the next day we walked around the castle for an hour just taking pictures and exploring. Lisa and I have bonded because we both love photography and take forever to walk around and get the perfect shot, so we just do it together! Overall, the pictures of the fieldtrip turned out well but some photographs can never do justice to what I’ve seen. Especially inside the cathedrals. The Cologne Cathedral just blew me away. I was speechless at its magnitude. I felt like a dwarf. The ceilings were so high and graceful and the windows were incredibly beautiful. Also at this cathedral you could climb to the top to see the city. 497 CRAMPED SPIRAL STAIRS later was the most breath taking view of the city. I loved it! There was also a modern art museum in Cologne called Museum Ludwig and they had some fantastic photography exhibitions along with a number of Picasso’s works. As a historian my favorite place was seeing the Nazi Party Rally Grounds at Nuremburg. It was so eerie to stand where Hitler stood and to try to visualize the thousands of people in frenzy at the words of their leader. I’ve seen so many pictures from this spot and to see it in person was incredible. But it was a little different since the city has converted a section of the grounds into a soccer stadium… oh well.
I hope that all of you enjoy the pictures. All of them are from the fieldtrip in Germany. Like I said they could never do it justice but they do give a little taste of what I’ve seen. Coming soon I will put up some pictures from my 8,000 foot hike this past weekend as well as some good shots of the city of Salzburg. I love you all and miss you lots!