As I've walked along I've had companions who have chosen to walk in silence with me. Silence, because once I've explained that I am walking Jakobswegwege, where I have come from, and where I am going - in the short term and the long term - there is nothing more to say! I can't understand them, and they can't understand me! However we walk in companiable silence, occasionally commenting, with gestures, on something around us and frequently using the word "Schön" to describe the sunshine, the view, the birds. Yes you've guessed it, Schön means beautiful.
Looking back down the path to the village of Dagobertshausen
A sign on the way
In the village of Ostheim
The snow still lingers.
Leaving Ziegenhain, this man stood guard, with just one of the prison buildings over his right shoulder!
I have been very fortunate these past few days to see flocks of geese returning home. When I was entering the town of Homburg four flocks flew over - either that or it was one flock that had got lost and were flying around in circles! Then a couple of days later walking into Stadtallendorf there were even more flocks heading home. This, according to one chap I spoke to, is a sign that spring is on its way. Mind you in between that I had a day of snow!
The beautiful half timbered houses, here (and below) in Homburg, are in every village along the way.
The path continues up the hill and along the edge of the forest to the right.
This historic ruin is in the lovely village of Treysa.
I walked through the forest in the background and past these giants which threw a long and moving shadow in the late afternoon sunshine. It was soon after this that I met one of my silent companions who went at least 3 - 4 kms out of his way to make sure I got to my hotel, escorting me right to the door.
Marburg is a lovely city. The old town sits on a hill with a castle perched on the top, while the famous Elisabeth Kirche named after St. Elisabeth is at the foot of the hill.
Elisabeth Kirche (above and below). St. Elisabeth moved to Marburg where she lived a life of poverty, following St Frances example. This was after the birth of three children and being widowed by the time she was 21.
The Lutheran church near the top of the hill, and part of the castle in the distance.
I actually went to Marburg once- but it was such an awfully long time ago I can barely remember it! I had met a young woman in Israel who was a student there, and she had invited me to stay. Having a Eurail YouthPass at the time, I found my way there for a night!
ReplyDelete