Mystery Meat Gone Good

There has been an important relationship that we have developed over here of which up to this point has gone unmentioned. This relationship has gotten us through some tough times, moments when we didn't know where else to turn, when things seemed desperate, this relationship supported us, truly sustained us. The relationship is with the Doner Kabob. Now when we were first so blessed to make the introduction with the Doner Kabob, in Florence, Italy (thanks Faith), we were a little skeptical. We didn't want to plunge into anything that we weren't ready for, we didn't want that kind of commitment in a place where we knew we would only be for a few short months. But it didn't take long for the Doner Kabob to wash all our fears away. The Doner Kabob is simply put a Chipotle treat from Turkey. Stuffed inside a large, warmed tortilla is 'chicken' that is shaved off a large rotating hunk of meat, heating in front of red hot grid of metal. Much like gyro meat, the Doner Kabob was a little mysterious. We weren't quite sure the origin of these little shavings of goodness. Thrown in with tomato, lettuce, cabbage, onions and the 'special sauce,' this treat has become a staple in our European diet.

As we walked through Rothenburg, Germany, the quaint, Christmas-like village, our mouths salivated just a bit in hoping, wishing for a Doner Kabob restaurant. After two days of completely scouring the city, walking every cobblestoned lane and gazing through ever square and ornament-adorned Christmas shop in search of this refuge, we had all but given up. We figured to ourselves, the Doner Kabob just couldn't find a home here in Rothenburg, its fast food type ambience just couldn't compete with the Schneeball, the coffee cafes and the bratwurst and sauerkraut. And then, we turned the corner down the single street in the town that we hadn't walked and there it was. The sign, a large colorful piece of that beautiful mystery meat and the glorious words 'Doner Kabob.' Needless to say, lunch yesterday was amazing. All we hoped for.

While the Kabob was incredible, the town was the true highlight. I don't exaggerate in saying this is a little Christmas village 12 months a year. The streets are quiet, lined with cafes, restaurants and shops glittering with Christmas goodies and chock full of Haribo gummies. We have loved it here, and have gotten a real feel for the medieval times, the city has been preserved since then. A wall surrounds the whole old town, you can walk atop it around over half the city. The square is quaint as well, freshly pressed apple cider and roasting chestnuts are available for purchase any time. I think this is a place that changes your mood. You can't help but be cheered in a place that plays Christmas carols all year round. You can't help but be calmed by its quiet streets and amazing valley views.

P.S. The above picture is, of course, the Doner Kabob. Now you have a real idea...stop drooling.