We stayed in Bielefeld today, exploring the city where Dick and Sabine live. We first drove through the area of Bethel, a very large complex or “city within a city” that serves disabled people. It is a huge complex, essentially a city of its own within Bielefeld. It was founded about 150 years ago by a Lutheran pastor, and is the largest such facility for handicapped persons in Germany.
Our first stop was Sparrenburg, the castle on the hill overlooking the city. There are two castle/fortification structures on the hill. One is now being excavated, and the other newer one has a tower and other buildings.
We wandered the grounds, noting the views of the city as well as the ruins of early fortifications. Dick and Dick climbed the tower for a good view of Bielefeld and the surrounding countryside. Returning to the ground and rejoining Karen and Sabine, we decided to take the “Dungeon Tour.” This was a very interesting tour into the underground parts of the castle. Much of the defense of the castle depended on this area. There were many passages and rooms. One room had a large stone oven in which bread was baked. Another room was noted as a possible prison room, but other than that the term "dungeon" is a bit misleading. We learned much about Medieval castles from this tour.
The Bielefel zoo provided our venue for lunch of Bratwurst and Currywurst. We headed into the center of town from there. The streets and pedestrian areas were crowded. The weather was nice, it is a holiday weekend, and there was a parade through the market area.
We saw Die Evangeliceshe Altstädter Nicolaikirche, the Lutheran church in the city center. We continued wandering the old city, noting the Rathaus and the Dom. The current rathaus is near the old one and other medieval buildings. The Dom had a wedding going on, so we were unable to do our usual church inspection.
Our final stop in town was the church where Dick plays, so he could do a little practicing for tomorrow. Dick was recruited to be a page-turner. At the end of the practice session, I played the Bach Fantasia in D on yet another organ.
We then returned to the Gehrke household and walked to a neighborhood beer garden restaurant for dinner. It is owned by two Turkish brothers, and features pizza and gyros. We all had pizza (and beer of course). Both were very good. Shortly after dinner, we returned to the hotel.
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