In double rooms, the European ‘twin’ bed is often two beds made up separately, placed side by side and sharing the same headboard. In some of the hotels, it may not be possible to request separate twin beds. Both of these customs can easily be seen in the corresponding picture. If I had been traveling with someone, the other side of the bed would have also been prepped with a duvet.

Another difference in European hotel rooms that routinely comes up is that of climate control. Air conditioning and window screens are not as common as they are in the United States – in fact, I would suggest that you not expect air conditioning in the German or Austrian hotels. Even if a/c is available, many Europeans follow a calendar of when they turn on or turn off their units according to the ‘typical’ warm season. This means that it is possible that even if a hotel is equipped with a/c, it may not be available in guest rooms during a spring or autumn heat-wave.

I hope you enjoyed learning about the intricacies and excitement surrounding the Passion Play 2010. Although there may be many differences in customs between American and European countries, this definitely does not detract from the wonderful experience of the Passion Play. If you would like to learn more about the Passion Play or receive additional European travel information, follow this link to receive a FREE brochure and further travel information by mail.

• European hotels typically do not provide washcloths, nor do they have bar soap. You will typically find your bathroom equipped with bath and shower gel, sometimes even with a nice dispenser in the shower. To scrub and clean yourself effectively I suggest traveling with a ‘bath-poof’ or loofah that you can easily stash in a plastic bag for quick packing.
• When searching for a public restroom, be prepared to pay! Some restrooms have attendants whose job it is to keep the bathroom clean and orderly, it is expected that you will leave a few coins or about € 0.30 – € 0.50 cents. Some public toilets even have locks or turnstiles that will require coins just to enter. Although not the most pleasant thing to deal with when nature calls, it is simply the way it is in Europe, so enjoy the experience!

I met Herbert and several of his pals during a stay in an Austrian mountain village not far from the German border.  Although an advantage for me is the ability to speak German, so much can be shared and enjoyed even with a language barrier.  I learned that Herbert had a nice farm nearby with about 20 dairy cows and I would be well cared for if I had wished to become his farm bride!  As smitten as I was with the surroundings, I couldn’t accept Herbert’s kind offer!

In the picture to the left, you see the Crown of Thorns as well as the nails used during the crucifixion scene. The theatrical process of nailing Christ to the cross requires great care and attention to detail. Once the character of Jesus is lifted onto the cross, his only support is the small curve of the foot and hand nails which provide the illusion of nails piercing his hands and feet, but actually are very precarious and uncomfortable ‘pins’ on which for him to balance.

Many people assume that the inhabitants of Oberammergau are all devoutly religious and it is for this reason that the Passion Play tradition continues.  However, this is quite contrary to the truth.  Europe has gone through a major decline in church attendance in the past 50 years and many Europeans, as do many Americans, question their faith. With this said, one might ask why they continue the Passion Play tradition.  Surely it’s not because they believe that the Black Plague will return as punishment for the discontinued 1633 pledge of their forefathers!

I think many would agree that the tradition of the Passion Play continues because of the tradition itself. But, perhaps more profoundly, there is something in all of us that finds comfort and peace in the story of a man from Nazareth named Jesus Christ.