MONSCHAU, GERMANY

MONSCHAU, GERMANY IS LOCATED IN THE EIFEL REGION OF WESTERN GERMANY.   MANY OF THE OLD HALF TIMBER STYLE HOMES ARE STILL THERE AND MANY OF THE NARROW STREETS HAVE NOT CHANGED IN 300 YEARS.   THE MAIN INDUSTRY OF HISTORIC MONSCHAU WAS CLOTHMAKING.  IT IS LOCATED ALONG THE RUR RIVER.

JANUARY 6 IS EPIPHANY.   IN GERMAN SPEAKING AREAS OF EUROPE CHILDREN WILL DRESS  AS THE 3 WISEMEN TRAVELING DOOR TO DOOR SINGING TRADITIONAL CHRISTIAN SONGS.  THEY ASK FOR DONATIONS FOR A PARTICULAR CHARITY.  IN ROMAN CATHOLIC COMMUNITIES THE PRIEST GOES ALONG AND IT'S CONSIDERED TO BE A MORE SERIOUS SPIRITUAL EVENT.   IN PROTESTANT COMMUNITIES IT'S THOUGHT OF MORE AS A TRADITION THAT EVOKES A SPIRIT OF GOOD CHEER.  IT WAS CUTE TO SEE THE KIDS WALKING AROUND THE TOWN - THEY WERE  HAVING A LOT OF FUN.

A CUTE KITTY SLEEPING IN THE SHOP WINDOW!   THE SIGN IN FRONT REQUESTS THAT VISITORS NOT TAP THE WINDOW!   

THEN HE MOVED AROUND SOME.....BOY WAS HE FAT!!

THE ROTES HAUS - FORMER HOME OF THE SCHEIBLER FAMILY NOW A MUSEUM SHOWING 18TH AND 19TH CENTURY CULTURE.   IT WAS CLOSED WHEN WE WERE IN TOWN.  

COFFEE ROASTERS

COOL SCULPTURES