It's not too early to start thinking about attending the Passion Play in 2010. Tickets will be on sale soon.
This is an epic undertaking for a village in southern Germany (Bavaria). To do it once is inspiring; to do it every ten years for hundreds of years is beyond belief.The men are already growing their hair and beards. The town is gearing up for the four-month celebration in the summer of 2010.
Citizens open their homes to strangers. Convenient rooms must be found for thousands of visitors.
Everyone in the region is committed to an inspiring experience for thousands of people. Not just for a weekend, but for an entire summer.
People die, babies are born, no matter...the play goes on. In 2000, the donkey got pregnant. Union rules state mothers and babies can't be separated from it's momma. The baby became part of the play following his momma on and off the stage.
The play itself is an all-day event, starting with breakfast in town with the actors roaming the streets of this small village. The play starts at 9:30am and runs until 6:00pm or later. There is a long lunch hour when you are free to wander the streets of this charming town, eat lunch, walk through the Stations of the Cross, before taking your seats for the afternoon.The theater is open-air. The stage has no roof; the audience has a roof but limited walls. If it rains, the actors get wet. If it's cold your host will provide a blanket so you stay toasty warm.
Worried that you won't understand it? Think about it, you know the story. Who needs words?
In case you need the story, everyone is provided with a book (a few pages seen on this blog) that is in two parts; one-half German, one-half English, Spanish, French or whatever language you need.
Leaving the theater at the end of the play, we were exhausted. Dinner and a stein of beer enervated our bodies and we attended the German Lutheran church service that night to enervate our souls. The Catholic church also has a service every night.
Walking back to our zimmer frei (room) the four of us vowed we'd be back in 2010, with children and grandchildren in tow.
The Haus Gstaiger owned by Amanda Burkle. This is where we stayed while in Oberammergau. She was a lovely hostess and made sure we all felt at home.
Other things to see in the area.Who can resist Disney World's castle. Within an hour of Oberammergau you can see two of Mad King Ludwig's "over-the-top" creations. This is Neuschwanstein,
built in 1869. Near Fussen, the castle is about an hour's drive from Oberammergau.
The second is the even more opulent Linderhof. Mad King Ludwig II knew how to spend money. The castle, grotto, summer house and lush grounds with fountains and gold statues are about six miles from Oberammergau.
In the summer house.
The grotto where guests sat in boats and watched plays and operas.
Oktobrefest in Munich the last two weeksof September.
The glockenspiel from atop St Peters Church.
Heidelberg, touristy and fun. Good place to get souvenirs.
The castle on the hill overlooking
Heidelberg. Still used for weddings
and other activities.
