Christine in Trier, Germany

I trekked up to Trier for a very specific reason.  And it was not gelato.  We will get to that connection later.  I completed a religious pilgrimage.  I realize your jaw may have just dropped.  I will wait for you to return to normal. ...  I enjoy religion as it turns out.  I mean, who takes more pictures of churches than me?  No one you know.

As it turns out, the Robe of Christ is located at the Cathedral in Trier.  This Robe is only show a couple times each century.  Yes, you read that correctly.  During the last century, the powers that be displayed the Robe 3 times.  In light of this knowledge, I decided to visit.  Since I occasionally (and by occasionally I mean once a month) visit Kaiserslautern for work, I decided to drive the hour north to Trier.  The road between the two towns is not well traveled.  This is said in a nice way.  Very few cars.  So I drove fast.  Like 160 kmh or 100 mph.  Cause it was kinda boring.  I generally do not drive this fast.  Well, lately I have been.  But that will be another post.  The powers that be do not allow you to take pictures of the Robe.  They do, however, sell post cards with a picture of the Robe on it.  So I purchased an overpriced postcard so that you can see what the robe looks like.  You are welcome.

Back to my trek.  Because I recognized that visiting such an artifact would be popular, I decided to go after work on a Wednesday.  This was a brilliant move on my part.  There was no line.  There are multiple hour waits during the weekend.  In fact, it was so empty when I walked into the Cathedral, I had to figure out where they kept the Robe.  It is front and center, enclosed in a glass case.  Laying down if that makes sense.  The Robe looked... old.  And short.  And kinda dirty.  But then, it is exceptionally old.  It is said that Jesus wore it at/before his crucifixion.  The guards did not divide it up because it was seamlessly woven.  The church can vouch for the Robe starting in the 12th Century.  For the record, I believe them that it is Jesus' Robe.  You may read more about the Robe at:  Holy Robe Pilgrimage or at Wiki at:  Seamless Robe of Jesus.  Actually, I went into the Cathedral twice, because I like to get a good look at artifacts.  The second time, I had a better look.  I could see the fabric better this way.  Less people too.  Mostly it was older people and me.  And they spent a lot of time there.  So I felt like I could take my time in reviewing the Robe.

The Cathedral:

Now, on to the gelato connection.  Trier is also known for its Roman ruins.

And how do we know these are Roman ruins?  Easy, check the gift shop next door:

Alas, I did not eat gelato on this trip.  Why you ask?  Because it is Spargel season in Germany!  What is Spargel?  It is white asparagus.  I personally think that we should call all asparagus Spargel.  It is such a better name.  Back from my tangent- Spargel is hugely popular in Germany.  I mean restaurants plan menus around Spargel.  My soup:

Fest is up next.
Christine