It felt like everything was conspiring against me when I visited Hildesheim on New Year's Eve 2010. Mistakes with trains meant I managed to turn up at the closed Cathedral well after it had got dark, and I was greeted with a few temporary cabins and ply wood covering the hole where the famous bronze doors would normally stand. I should have realised just how extensive the ongoing restoration would be.

Feeling a little down that I wasn't able to see too much of the site I headed back towards St Michael's church to have a look on the way to the station. I was instantly more impressed with the location being on a small hill, it really sat up from the surrounding buildings. As I walked up the congregation started coming out from inside and looked up towards the bell tower. Then a Brass band proceeded to play for the next 10 minutes whilst we all stood and admired, it really revived my spirits and was a really great experience. The vicar then spoke to me and realising I was a tourist asked me if I wanted a quick view of the interior, I of course said yes. I was not really prepared for how impressive it would be. The painted ceiling was magnificent, but I didn't want to overstay my welcome so just had a quick glimpse, the interior felt almost new, perhaps a little 'too restored' for my initial liking but the ceiling was the main focus of my attention.

Listening to the brass band whilst standing with the congregation on the snowy hill was a brilliant experience and one that reminded me that it is these chance happening that make travelling so rewarding. I happily plodded back off to the station, dodging the fireworks, staring longingly (and warily) at the small arsenal that every German seemed to be clutching in preparation for the evening's festivities.

I think I would be happy to revisit to see the cathedral after restoration and hopefully catch sight of the famous bronze doors.

[Site 5: Experience 7]