No, I didn't confuse Wordy Wednesday with Travel Tuesday. Say it with me, though - Oberammergau. What an amazing place. In my very limited experience, it embodies all the best things of Germany.
Last week we attended a chaplains' conference in Bavaria, about 5 hours from here. On a free afternoon, Sir's dear friends Gary and Mary took us for a drive there. I wish I had words to describe the feeling of this little town. First of all, you may recognize the name because it's famous the world over for its performances of the Passion Play once every ten years. The pageantry is going on right now, and though we weren't fortunate enough to get tickets, we got to peek into this charming place anyway.
The townspeople put on the play. Only residents are allowed to perform. People come from all over the world (this year it's from May through October.) This is not your typical theatre experience. The building is open to the gorgeous sky, and the play goes on for hours - I mean like four hours, then a three-hour dinner break, then several more hours. People bring blankets, coolers, pillows, etc. But they come. Oh, they come, and I don't blame them. We parked in a field outside of town and hopped the free shuttle bus - the driver was in her 60's, with perfect English and a sassy red-striped spiked haircut. She had everyone on the bus howling with laughter as she drove us through town and pointed out the homes of one of the two "Cheesisss" (yeah, she was talking about the actors who play Jesus) and the mayor. One of the funniest moments of the day was when a German couple got off the bus and said, "I'm sure glad we speak English or we would have been lost on that bus!" WHAT a reversal of the usual that was for us!
The streets are filled with little shops selling red and white checked gingham shirts, lederhosen and dirndls. You'd be amazed at how many Bavarians dress in the traditional garb every day! I love it. The children are so precious in their little headscarves and tiny hiking shoes.
Most striking are two things - the unabashed emphasis on the religious (whether it's more of a tradition thing I don't know) all over the town, and the unusual art....on the houses! From the beautiful stone-carved fountain of Jesus riding the donkey to the elaborate and stunning art on nearly everyone's house, it was a feast for the eyes. One house has the entire story of Little Red Riding Hood painted on it. One has Pilate washing his hands of Jesus, and is painted to look three-dimensional so that you can stand "in the picture" and look as if you're going up the stairs. One home has Hansel and Gretel's story. All homes have painting done around the outside of their windows.....I'd just better show you. I wish I were a more gifted photographer. I hope also that I'll learn how to intersperse the photos among the words rather than have them all in a lump. Much to learn!
Speaking of much to learn, who says technology is for the young? Snaps for my MOM, who was the first one to figure out how to post a comment on this new blog! Go, Dottie!
