Ian's birthday in Trier

On Ian's birthday, we had to get up early to go to another base to get Brian's car he bought for our time here (an Audi S8). We decided to get breakfast at the other base since we had to leave home pretty early and it turns out their bowling alley has a good breakfast so we gave it a try. Ian was able to have chocolate pancakes to help start his day. Here he is enjoying them!



In order to make the most of our drive and wanting to make it a special day for Ian we decided to tour around Trier. Trier is the oldest German city and was inhabited by the Romans - even Emperor Constantine resided there at one time! As a result, there are still many Roman ruins that you can see. From the Porta Nigra (the old entrance to the Roman city) to the coliseum (now an amphitheater) to Roman baths and churches there is plenty to see!



The first church we came to had this really cool door. (My friend Julianne has inspired me to always be on the lookout for cool doors!). It is an Episcopal seminary and was founded in 1773.



I thought the inside was really pretty - I love the painted ceilings!




Ian in front of the Basilica, built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century!


This is our "princess" in front of the Electoral Palace which adjoins to the Basilica.



Since we were in wine country it seemed the right thing to do to have a wine sampler at the restaurant we snacked at. It was yummy!





Here's the birthday boy and Brian at our table.





Ellie is enjoying some time at the restaurant.


We turned a corner in town and there this was! It is the Trier Cathedral (Dom) and it connects to the Church of Our Lady (Liebfrauenkirche).


These are the pipe organs inside the Dom.


This is one if the ceilings. It is pretty impressive! An interesting relic that is at the cathedral is the holy tunic of Christ worn by him at his crucifixion.


Here are the kids enjoying some eis on this hot day in Trier.


Here it is folks - the Porta Nigra - the gateway to the city. Built in the 2nd century it is the biggest surviving city gate north of the Alps. We didn't get to go inside today but hope to come do it another day.


Because we were going to be out most of the day and because we didn't want to leave Bella all day in the house, we brought her along. She did a great job although we were limited in what we could go in and had to take turns at some of what we did go in but I think she really enjoyed herself and has since wanted to come with us every time we leave the house!



Brian wanted to get this picture because while he was in Iraq, he was a part of the dragon slayers and this is a statue of ST George slaying the dragon. He was very excited!


Here is the remnants of the amphitheater that dates back to around 100AD it is the oldest surviving Roman structure in Trier.


Here are Brian, Ian, Ellie and Bella as they are about to go out into the arena. We were imagining what it would have been like to be a gladiator and hear the crowds of up to 20,000 people as you are about to go out. Amazing.

We enjoyed our day in Trier and Ian said it was a good day and he really enjoyed it. I'm so glad. I hope he continues to enjoy the rest of our time here just as much!