Criminal Museum

Fortress Outside of the Crimnal Museum Teddy Bear

Our first field trip was to Rothenburg ob ter Tauber, Germany which is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Germany. When we first arrived we began walking to the center of the Old City. At the beginning of the fortress, there were stairs that we were able to climb and look at the city from a bird’s eye perspective. This walled city was the epitome of a German village. Its windy cobblestone streets and architecture gave it character that I appreciated. At one time in its long history, it was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire. A certain figure that Rothenburg is known for is the teddy bear! This was the origin of teddy bears and there are still certain stores that are known for them! Our main priority for this excursion was to visit the Criminal Museum which displayed torture devices that were used during the Middle Ages. It is one thing to read the stories and to create visual images, but to actually be in a room where the instruments are makes my visions more vivid. Many punishments consisted of certain masks that an individual had to wear. Each mask would depend on that individual’s crimes and some were quite ridiculous. Each picture of a device has a corresponding sign which explains the tool in ways that one can begin to visualize seeing or experiencing.

We were given a small amount of free time to roam and wander the cobblestone streets for ourselves. We were told to try schneeballens, which are egg dough that is fried and doused with sugary goodness such as chocolate or powdered sugar. Some of them have various fillings by I went for the original powdered sugar. I am disappointed to report that I believe this dessert is overrated.

Schneeballens

Our next adventure is to Neuschwanstein Castle!