Day 23 Augsburg

Weather 6-12 Raining in afternoon.

Well that did go strictly according to plan.

Augsburg is the third largest city in Bavaria with About 180,000 Bavarians. Its only 23 mins by fast train or 45 in the not so fast.
We decided to save the 20 euros and get the not so fast. Waiting on platform 17 and our train number not showing. Bolt to platform 18 to catch ICE train for 20 euro ( will buy ticket on line), hang the expense. Walking half kilometre down train looking for seat means that ticket purchases have closed by the time we find one. So? So 60 euro fine for no ticket. No excuses, no exceptions. Just ask Michaela.
We get of at next stop and get on next train. The one we had planned to take.

Met a 98 year old lady who was bent like a stick, on a walker and got stuck getting on the train. After 3 of use got her on and settled she told us this would be the last time she’d be out this year as it would soon be to

cold. Must be tough in snow with no chains for the walker wheels.

Staying in hotel originally built in 1500. The plumbing has been improved and a few changes made we suspect.

Weather not the best so most of the day spent at the Fuggerei.

In 1521 Jokob Fugger established a foundation to provide housing for Catholic Augsburg residence who needed accommodation and assistance in finding self help. They were required to pray three prayers a day and pay the equivalent of 88 cents a year. The complex still exists 500 years later. It’s a fascinating story to complex for here. Have a quick Google https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuggerei

At the time Jakob Fugger was reputedly the richest man in the world through trade, banking, textiles and mining. Estimated wealth was $400 billion or 2% of Europe’s GDP at the time.
People do estimate these things. Great story in any event.

The Fugger family still administer the Foundation as well as several others establish later.
A personal favourite was the Wood and Pox House Foundation established in 1548 where sufferers of the pox could be treated free with a preparation made from the wood of the guaiac tree from South America. But they did have to confess.

Today there are 140 flats in 67 houses, no cars and an amazing atmosphere and philosophy.

Really enjoyed it.

Still rainy so an excuse for a Vietnamese street food lunch which, this being Germany, also included that well known dish Vietnamese sushi. Not a pastry in sight.

We are not mentioning the ones from this morning.

Early night to catch up on news, mail and blog.