To the top of the mountain

Our last day in Freiburg we took the tram, then a bus out to their cable car. It was a 2.2 mile climb - the longest in Germany. It was a very rainy morning so about halfway up we were completely enveloped in a cloud. Suspended way above the ground without being able to see anything but white felt a little surreal. At the top we were not able to see any of the surrounding mountains or countryside due to the clouds but treated ourselves to coffee and strudel before heading back down (so you know I am going to post food pictures again, right?). 

The town was very busy when we arrived back; it was market day in the square. So many vendors with spices, flowers, cheeses, fruit, and vegetables to choose from. 

This has been our favorite town so far with its winding alleys, street musicians, and quaint shoppes.

The view of a car going up while we went down.

The Germans sure know how to make food appealing. It was as delicious as it looks.

Every spice imaginable.

Fresh eggs by the basketful.

Artichoke blooms.

The city square market.

Dinner was a regional dish called flammkuchen. It is a type of flatbread pizza made with wonderful creams, cheeses, and fresh vegetables. There are many kinds to choose from here.

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.