Escorted Passion Play Tours

Passion Play Hotels – On Location 10 of 10

admin — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:04:31 +0000

Continuing on the topic of European hotel customs, I wanted to address some of the differences in relation to bedding and windows. European bed linens often consist of a duvet, or down-filled comforter encased by a removable cover, which is folded and placed on top of your bed. The duvet is intended to be sufficient on its own, and you won’t find an additional top sheet to use under the duvet. Some travelers find this uncomfortable in warmer weather, but it is easy to pack light sheet in your suitcase to remedy the problem.

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.

Passion Play 2010 Tips – On Location 9 of 10

admin — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 22:03:31 +0000

Perhaps a silly entry topic, but I often hear from travelers after their return about the different customs related to hotel rooms, toilets, and bathrooms. Sometimes people are even quite upset by the differences. At Image Tours, we try to provide as much information as possible in our tour preparation details to avoid surprises. Here are just a couple of bathroom customs that might take some getting used to for American travelers:

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!

Escorted Passion Play Tours – On Location 8 of 10

admin — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 22:03:30 +0000

One of my greatest joys of travel is meeting the locals and talking with them about life, customs, and culture. I encourage every traveler – especially internationally – to strike up conversations with locals during their international travels. Pictured here is ‘Herbert der Bauer’- or ‘Herbert the farmer.’

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!

Passion Play 2010 Tours – On Location 7 of 10

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:26:15 +0000

The part of Jesus, as well as the other main characters such as Mary, Mary Magdalene, Peter, Judas, John, etc… are split between two actors. Imagine the time and dedication necessary for these actors from May until October!! Fortunately, these main characters have their own private dressing rooms.

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.

Passion Play Tour Information – On Location 6 of 10

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:26:14 +0000

As part of my visit to the Passion Play theater, I toured backstage to view the dressing rooms and costume displays. Germans are stereotypically well-organized and thorough. This generalization was surely proven correct as I toured backstage. Each actor, costume, and prop has their place, and the dressing rooms are well accommodated to ensure proper attention to detail for all the participating actors and actresses. I was struck by the beautifully vibrant colors, the painstaking details, and the care which was obviously given to each costume and stage prop, You can see what I am talking about in the picture to the left of beautifully crafted coats of feathers.

Oberammergau Passion Play Tours – On Location 5 of 10

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:26:13 +0000

Local or regional history in the U.S. dating older than 300 years is difficult to come by and yet the tradition of the Passion Play in the communities of the Ammergau Alps region and specifically Oberammergau, is older than 450 years!

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.

Passion Play Travel – On Location 4 of 10

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:26:13 +0000

From the vantage point of the stage you can see again that there isn’t a bad or obstructed view in the theatre. The floor is also well sloped to avoid straining over heads in front of you!Center stage is quite deep, but this functions as storage for the sets and props necessary for such a large production. Oberammergau also hosts other theatrical events in the years it is not preparing for the Passion Play. You can see from the previous entry’s photo that the stage is also very wide and provides for many entrance and exit points for the hundreds of actors who participate in the Passion Play – thus allowing for quick scene changes and a seamless theatrical flow.

Passion Play 2010 – On Location 3 of 10

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:26:12 +0000

Inside the Passion Play Theatre, I took a tour guided by Martin Weber, who doubles as a local woodcarver and who has participated in several Passion plays during his life in Oberammergau. I was very impressed with the simple yet well thought out structure of the theatre. I honestly believe there isn’t a bad seat in the place. As you can see, the stage is exposed but the seating remains covered. I suppose those in the first rows of seats may be susceptible to the elements, but I would advise all spectators to dress comfortably and with layers in order to keep comfortable during the almost 6 hour long production!

Passion Play Tours – On Location 2 of 10

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:26:11 +0000

Oberammergau is a small village, easily walkable, and pedestrian friendly. From the location in the photo, essentially the center of the village, the Passion Play theatre is about 2 blocks away. If you look to the bottom left of the photo you will see one of the many storefronts of the local woodcarvers. Many of them also use their store as their ’studio’ so you can watch them carve as you shop! The history of woodcarving in Oberammergau and the Ammergau region can be traced as far back as the Middle Ages, with records indicating monks returned from the area with wood art and small wood furniture. During your visit you will be able to see that the artisans still practice the traditional methods of the art form. Of course, many of these woodcarvers are also actors in the Passion Play since all participants must also be residents of Oberammergau.

Passion Play – On Location 1 of 10

admin — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:26:11 +0000

Hello! My name is Rachel Najar and I am the European Operations Manager for Image Tours, Inc.

In preparation for Passion Play 2010 in Oberammergau, Germany, I recently traveled to the beautiful countryside of southern Bavaria in Germany and the region of Tyrol, Austria in order to meet with the service providers, see some of the hotels, and discuss the 2010 Passion play with the Tourist office and locals of Oberammergau.

Over the next months I will continue to share my experiences, as well as my photos from this inspection trip to give you a taste of all the preparations and excitement that surround the Passion Play, performed every 10 years in the village of Oberammergau, Germany.