We are going to be visiting Rothenburg ob der Tauber in a few days. I’ve been looking up information about it and other places we’ll be visiting on the internet and came across the photo to the left and my first thought was, ‘That’s just so wrong’.
Rothenburg, which I can’t come anywhere near pronouncing properly, is a medieval town in Germany that has managed to not be destroyed through several wars over the centuries. In World War II the town fathers defied Hitler’s orders to fight to the death and surrendered rather than allowing the town to be destroyed. About 40% of the town was bombed, but not the historic district. One of the Americans who bombed the area, a man named McCloy, helped rebuild the town after the war.
The town is known for being the best preserved medieval in Germany.
As I was looking at pictures of the town I came across the McDonalds. All I can say is that at least they didn’t tear down the building and put up the traditional golden arches.
Is it just me or is there just something so out of place about that?
December 10th, 2007 at 5:25 pm
That is SO wrong!
December 10th, 2007 at 7:25 pm
Behind Munchen and Trier, Rothenburg is my favorite German city. Especially this time of year when they have their Christmas market - great food, hot wine, pastries, shopping, museums. We went every year (we lived in Germany nine years) and every year was like the first time. I envy you. Enjoy yourself.
December 10th, 2007 at 11:05 pm
I know that it seems like McDonald’s dominates the world but if you really think about it, it’s nice when you are in a formal place to have something similar to home. I know that I ate at Micky D’s several times while I was in Germany. Although, don’t expect ice or to get ketchup.
December 11th, 2007 at 12:23 am
I’ve been there a bunch of times too (including this time last year: http://unindictedsabroad.blogspot.com/2006_12_01_archive.html); it’s a great place to visit!
The Christmas Market rocks.
As far as the McDonald’s goes, I never noticed it. I’m sure the locals all know where it is, and I have to give them props for making it blend in so nicely compared to the usual extruded plastic prefab.
If I can field any questions about R.o.d.T., ask away.
December 16th, 2007 at 8:13 pm
We Are Loving Germany!…
We are having a blast in Germany. We got here in the early morning hours last Thursday and after getting lost in the Frankfurt airport and somehow circumventing customs and coming out on the wrong side of the arrival terminal, we found our …