Today was all about Cynthia and her birthday. She skipped the guided tour of Nuremberg to stay on board and work on her book.
Our guided our started with a bus tour of some relics of Nazi history – parade grounds, Palace of Justice where the WWII war trials were held. Drove by two intriguing cemeteries, St.Johns. I didn’t bother taking any photos at the Nazi sights – they were unfinished and dreary reminders of an evil time in Europe’s modern history. Found this photo online.
We learned a lot about the Nuremberg Trials. The Allies (America, France, Britain and Russia) tried 24 Nazi leaders for war crimes. After 11 months of testimony, affidavits, witnesses and thousands of staff there were 19 convictions, 3 acquittals and 12 executions. Courtroom 600 in the Palace of Justice is still used for trials. Sadly the town’s name will forever be associated with the Nazi trials but it has been an important city for 1000 years.
Rest of tour was of the old walled city with palace complex at the top with views of entire city, 80% was destroyed and rebuilt after war.
There was a Fall festival going on in the main square. This square had been home to the Jews until the 15th century when the town decided they wanted the land. So they pushed out Jews, murdered hundreds, destroyed homes and tore down their Synagogue to build a church and the market square. So many sad stories of inhumane treatment of the Jews by Christians. And the wars between the Catholics and Protestants are unfathomable today, except the Muslim sects still fighting each other.
We had a steak dinner in a small restaurant in the stern of the boat. The place only holds 18 people and has an open kitchen and great views behind the boat. We chose this night for the birthday girl. C dressed up in a black gown with red gloves and headdress. I brought my Bluetooth speaker and we listened to Andre Bocelli to give dinner some additional ambience.
