One of the oft mentioned places to visit by a number of tourists was the wood carver in Johnnesberg. Literally thousands of dollars have been spent on the fine wood carvings by American visitors every year. I went with the expectation a few dozen well crafted carvings suitable for purchase as representations of German contribution to this art form. I had seen some magnificent wood carvings on earlier visits (like the one on the left) so it quite a surprise to enter room after room of carvings from 1 cm in height to some over a meter.
The variety was the first surprise. It was Christmas so there were creche scenes in various sizes with all the appropriate animals, human figurines, and background structures carved with such intricate detail so as to discern character traits in the facial features. At least two good size rooms were devoted to Christmas carvings. Germans typically will begin an annual tradition of purchasing one or two items, and each year adding to the collection until they have a full creche scene. The prices reflect the crafstmanship. Prices ranged from a few euros for a tiny hen or duck up to 2600 euro for large meter tall carvings. Carvings of animals and male and female figurines of all sizes were in abundance, many of them with historically appropriate garb either real of fabled. I reserved a carving of two horses drawing a winter sleigh loaded down with logs. They even have Moroni kneeling over the gold plates in a posture of prayer with a sword propped on his side. It was odd how many of these carvings made me think of scenes at home of people I know who would enjoy this combination of art and craft. This has to be shared.
We then went to Aschaffenburg to take in some of the sites Arendje had looked up prior to the trip. We have been asked to sit on a committee to arrange tours and suggest interesting sites for the missionary group to visit. We stopped at the tourist information kiosk and loaded up on brochures and then proceeded to visit what we had time for, with the intent of looking at possible places for others to see. Of course, we had to take in the Christmas Market with its smaller town character and charm. As with almost every place we visit there is something that sets it apart, something unique, something that stands out in a memorable way. Aschaffenburg was no exception. This city of 70,000 was voted Germany's most desireable place to live. Even before we became aware of that fact Arendje had commented about the acccessible and pedestrian friendly downtown area. Street after street was designated pedestrians only, so shops of all types made this shopping atmosphere quite enjoyable even for me. Most shops open doors with colorful displays making browsing convenient and varied. I wondered about security as many seemed to have their wares so accessible as to be prone to shoplifters. This did not appear to be a concern.
To add to the inviting atmosphere are the normal accouterments I have come to expect; the museums ( we went to one), old churches, markets, abundant parks, and old houses. To this, Aschenfanburg adds a very picturesque setting on the Mainze River, festivals throughout the year with a rich Franconian cultural heritage, sports venues and a very cosmopolitan atmosphere. It is 20 minutes form the Frankfurt airport, so it is no surprise this city has found its place as a staging point for tourists and business clientelle alike. The following is a great photo depiction with a bundle of historically significant images of Aschaffenburg. We left our cameras at home today.
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