Freiburg Fun

We settled today (after not a very long drive) in Freiburg. This quaint little town is located in the Black Forest region. We wandered down to the old part of town. After a short meander through some alleyways we found ourselves looking up the side of a mountain that appeared to have a path headed somewhere "up." With nothing better to do and no rain on the horizon, we just started heading "up." The path parted ways many times but kept coming back to look back over the town. When we reached the summit we were treated to the most amazing view - worth every step (and there were many).

The view from partway up the mountain

Small canals line the roads carrying rain water away

Fruit and vegetable stands abound

This is the Rhine Valley, grapes grow abundantly.

Sitting on our private balcony at the hotel.

A rainy day in Heidelberg

It continues to rain here but it has not dampened our spirits. We spend the morning combing little shops - enjoying each for their offerings. So many paper store and book stores, coffe shops and bakeries. We trekked up a very steep cobblestone path to reach the castle. We made it just in time for a tour. Although the castle was beautiful, it could not compare to the view of old town Heidelberg below. That alone was worth the walk. Returning to town, we stopped at a small coffee shop for a steaming cup (one of the best I have ever had) and kuchen. Ken had apple and I a cranberry cream. They are so yummy, not nearly as sweet as American desserts.

The castle at the top of the hill.

The amazing view of Heidelberg.

One of the market squares.

A small courtyard that led back to a spice shop.

The steaming coffee that was so delightful after the rain.

Aahhhhh Breakfast!

Mornings here make me think so much of my mother. She would love breakfast here. Not only are there pastries, eggs, and all the regular American faire but she could get a sandwich. So many assorted meats, cheeses and breads. In fact, she could get a sandwich at every meal. I think she would like Germany very much.

From Munich to Heidelberg

 Today's adventure took the form of a very long drive. What was supposed to be a 3-1/2 hour trip took almost 6 hours between rain and road construction. But what awaited us in Heidelberg was a beautiful old city lined with cobblestone. The entire shopping district is pedestrian only. Despite the rain we had a fabulous dinner, visited a chocolatier and saw some wonderful architecture including a lovely church.

Rain doesn't slow many people down. I think the rain makes the streets even more beautiful.

We plan to cross this bridge tomorrow and take a hike to the ampitheater and a monastery. The castle is one our "must do" list as it is one of the most beautiful castles in the region. Let's just hope for a little sunshine.

Arriving in Munchen

After a long flight over the sea, it is a gorgeous day here in Munich we took a long stroll through town and stopped at one of my favorite cathedrals - Theatiner Kirche. It is entirely white inside and so very ornate.

Here is our delicious lunch at a favorite outdoor cafe, Andechers am Dom

Here is the view from the window of our quaint hotel. I love the rooftop gardens. After a nap and a shower, we are headed out to one of the local beer gardens for salad and pretzels. 

If I were a nun...

At Lake Chiemsee there is a cloister on a separate island from the monastery. It was here that we saw the oldest building on our entire visit. The image on the right is the original building and dates back to 680 AD. This convent is still active and we saw several nuns around the grounds and in the chapel. It was inspiring to be in a place where so many saints have walked before us. One of the men on the tour with us was also moved and treated us to a chorus of song at the train station. This is not a place I will soon forget.

Bavarian Beauty

The Bavarian people are all very conscious of how the outside of their living spaces looks. On every window sill there are flowing boxes and pots of beautiful flowers - geraniums are a favorite. Their gardens never seem to have one bloom that has wilted. It is truly one of the most lovely spaces to rest your eyes.