Postcards from Germany
Greetings from the land of my ancestors! I felt called to make this pilgrimage, partly to satisfy the world explorer in me that was so sidelined during the pandemic, but also to discover and remember the threads that tie me to this place. Such a life-giving journey on many levels.
Not expecting it, I was struck by how surrounded Munich is by lush greenery. Its “English Garden” is one of the largest inner city parks in the world, complete with beer gardens, biking and walkways, and the River Isar running right through.
The grounds of the region’s castles and palaces have such amazing gardens – both manicured and wild. I am deeply inspired by the imaginative craftsmanship made possible with so few tools of centuries past.
The intricacy of each detail. The care and pride evident in the work. How stone was delicately carved, woodwork expertly fashioned. Soaring ceilings so high I have to crane my neck to see the beautiful paintings within their panels that survive all these years later. The resonance of music lilting in the palaces, within the churches and throughout the gardens. Layer upon layer of history uncovered, built upon, then rediscovered. All of it, breathtaking.
I’ve loved seeing how the old plays with the new. The Gothic dome in Munster, built over a 200-year period, features new stained glass windows fashioned in contemporary abstract design. Or the city of Ulm, founded in medieval times celebrates its deep history right alongside the spirited ingenuity of unabashedly modern designs.
I am filled with awe and wonder, inspiration and excitement. There are so many visual experiences this trip, it will take some time to absorb this feast. I look forward to bringing its creative nourishment home to play with at the bench!
Prost!
xoxo
