The participants of the 4th module „Border Experiences 2022“ experienced a special kind of journey together with the Multigenerational House (MGH) of the city of Püttlingen. From Friday, 05.08.2022, to Sunday, 07.08.2022, they explored Trier, the oldest city in Germany with its more than 2,000-year history. The city is geographically conveniently located in the heart of Europe, with short distances from Luxembourg, France, Belgium, and the Saarland. The 14-member group set off from the central bus station (ZOB) in Püttlingen by bus and train and reached the city center in less than 2 hours.
Here, the courteous staff of a family-run 3-star city hotel welcomed the travelers and offered a short break before the free time available until noon was used for a first walk through the adjacent pedestrian zone.
In the afternoon, participants awaited an adventure-guided tour beneath the surface of Trier. This initially led through a 4,000 square meter historic barrel wine cellar. Afterwards, the remains of a large reception hall under the Constantine Basilica could be admired. Parts of the then advanced underfloor heating, as well as sections of wide streets and covered walkways adjoining the basilica, were shown. The tour ended with the lowest rooms of the Tower of Jerusalem, one of the fortified residential towers of medieval Trier, whose buried ground floor was uncovered during a renovation in the early 2000s.
The following day also held exciting excursions. The travelers first followed the traces of the Romans during a two-hour boat tour on the Moselle. In the afternoon, the city was explored again on foot. Accompanied by the balladeer and bard Andres Sittmann, he led the group with poems, stories, music, and plenty of humor through the spirit of various eras of Trier's old town. However, not every one of his sung legends and tales was meant to be believed.
From a culinary perspective, the youthful city had much to offer. In addition to excellent wine tastings, every evening was spent together enjoying hearty homemade dishes and fine Trier specialties. On the last day, the return journey also held some real “border experiences” for all involved. Back in Püttlingen, however, the travelers agreed that it had been a successful weekend trip.
