Yesterday, we had nothing scheduled, and the family was planning on being away on various errands for most of the day. After a brief conference, we decided we should spend our alone time walking through the town of Hagen and taking some photos.

I have been hoping to take some photos worthy of showcasing on this blog. While these are not masterpieces, I feel they reflect some of the town’s charm and specialties. I’ve included with them, a little comment, description, or story to help you place the photo in the map of your mind.

We’ll start with the Timmerman’s house. The top-left window (third level, way up in the attic) is where I have been sleeping at night. If I leave the window open during the night, I can be awoken by the church bells ringing to signal the hour. This is a wonderful way to wake up.

Turning around and walking down “Christian-Rohlfs” street on the way to town brings a blanket of green into view. Beautiful swaying trees all around protect me from any wind as I walk.

Along the side of the road, dozens of “Smart Cars” and other small European cars flank the roadside. My heart becomes stronger when it sees that somewhere in the world, people are putting the needs of the environment even slightly above the needs of their own.

Stop and wait at the stoplight while fuel efficient electric buses pass, right on time. Pass your hand over the infrared “walk” sensor, that tells the light to let you cross some time soon.

When you have, swing on to Domberg street and continue on towards “Downtown” Hagen.

As you walk, pass the “Hagen Graveyard”, a beautiful monument of history. An honor to those who loved Hagen before us.

Walk the long way around the town, and you will pass the “Bahnhoff” (train station) before turning to go to downtown.

Reward your eyes by looking up and feasting on the site of an age-old tower, standing straight and strong above the “Bahnhoff”.

All of this walking has made me hungry. Lets turn back and see what we can find to eat.

I’m tempted to visit the “Tanzschule” (Dance School) to see what they might be doing. Knowing my knee couldn’t take dancing, I cannot join in.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a “Doner” stand. In Germany, Turkish people are very common. They go to their own schools, eat their own food, and even speak their own language. Sometimes, Turkish children raised in Germany are not even allowed to learn or speak German. One mode of income for the Turkish families, is to make “Doner” stands or shops.

I pay 3 euros, and go sit down at the tables and chairs beside the stand. Biting in, my mouth is showered in flavor. The taste of salty, spicy meat, mixed with cabbage, lettuce, and a mysterious white sauce haunts my mouth for many hours after the Doner has disappeared.

I’m full now, and its getting dark. I think we should head back home. This time, we’ll head back through the park. As I go, I’ll stop and look at things I find beautiful or interesting, or play at the playground.

This is a beautiful town, with a beautiful culture. Part of me wishes I could share its wonderful air and feeling with the world. The more I think about it, however, the more I am sure that Hagen…without many tourists…is just the way it should be.