Morning News Podcast: Biden Wins Arizona, Covid-19 Cases Surge Nationwide

Joe Biden flips Arizona as Trump keeps transition in limbo, Chicago and Detroit told to hunker down as pandemic surges, and things to know about Friday the 13th.

Walking Tour Videos: ‘Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber’, Bavaria, Germany

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a German town in northern Bavaria known for its medieval architecture. Half-timbered houses line the cobblestone lanes of its old town. The town walls include many preserved gate houses and towers, plus a covered walkway on top. St. Jakob’s Church houses an intricate, late Gothic altarpiece by woodcarver Tilman Riemenschneider. The medieval Town Hall has a tower with panoramic views.

An imperial castle dating back to 1142 represents the beginning of the town. Elevated to a Free Imperial City in 1274, Rothenburg became one of the most important city states of the Middle Ages. In 1631, during the Thirty Years War, Rothenburg was taken by imperial troops. Ex-Mayor Nusch saved the town by drinking nearly 13 cups of wine in a single gulp, the so-called “Master draught”. Losing its importance in the following centuries, Rothenburg’s medieval center remained untouched. In the Romantic era, the town was discovered by painters and poets and became a symbol of the Middle Ages in Germany. An informative walking tour along the city walls (and to a large extent on the former battlements) is offered by the Rothenburger Turmweg. Information panels and a brochure provide an overview of the town’s 42 towers. The year-round ‘Christmas-Village’ store in Rothenburg is a Christmas Winter Wonderland with more than 30,000 traditional German Christmas decorations and on the 2nd floor of the Käthe Wohlfahrt Christmas Village store in Rothenburg is a very unique German Christmas museum. Nowadays Rothenburg, situated in Western Franconia, is one of the most visited towns in Europe. Its richness of old medieval buildings and museums – such as the famous Criminal Museum and the Imperial City Museum – explains Rothenburg´s reputation as one of the most attractive destinations in Germany. Highlights of next year’s calendar of events are the Historical Festival Play “The Master draught” over Whitsun weekend, the “Imperial City Festival” in September and the world-famous Christmas Market “Rothenburger Reiterlesmarkt“ in December.

Aerial Travel: Madrid, Barcelona & Cadiz, Spain

Madrid – Madrid is by far the largest city in Spain with a population of over 3.3 million. While the size of the place might seem intimidating to some, there is a vast amount to see in this fine European capital. Getting around is also fairly straightforward thanks to the city having a superb metro system. Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable party holiday or a cultural visit to some of Spain’s best known landmarks, Madrid has everything to offer. Among the many sites to see in Madrid is the enormous central square (Plaza Mayor), the stunning Royal Palace, the Puerta de Alcala and the Plaza de Cibeles.

Barcelona – Barcelona is Spain’s second-largest city with a population of about two million. It is the capital of the region of Catalonia and you’ll hear the Catalan language being spoken here considerably more often than you’ll hear Spanish. The city offers plenty of sightseeing opportunities and a legendary nightlife scene. Barcelona was first established as a Roman town about 2,000 years ago. Sightseeing in Barcelona largely revolves around the Old Town, known locally as “Cuitat Vella.” The area is also home to the Barri Gotic, the city’s Gothic Quarter. One of Spain’s most famous landmarks, La Sagrada Familia is also located in Barcelona. One of the most stunning structures in the world, the church has been under construction since 1882 and is only now nearing completion.

Cadiz – For lovers of history, Cadiz certainly won’t disappoint. Founded by the Phoenicians as early as 1104BC, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the Iberian Peninsula. The city is located in the very south of Spain. It has a population of only 130,000 making it an easy place to explore on foot. Cadiz boasts a vast number of historical landmarks including the central Plaza de Mina, the Plaza de San Antonio, Cadiz Cathedral, the Roman theatre, the City Walls and the Fortress of Candelaria. Cadiz is also home to some of Spain’s best beaches, especially the Playa de la Caleta. Another popular beach is the Playa de la Victoria, a three kilometer stretch of sand near the city.