Daytrips - Germany Style

 I think I recall we had a calendar that made it clear where we were going on which day. Our teacher, Herr Bergren, despite the controlled chaos of his classroom, was a very good organizer. The big trip we had planned was a few days in Berlin. Before that, however, Herr B wanted to show us the culturally significant sites that were within closer reach. 

Among the first day trips we made was visit to Heidelberg. I recall being blown away by how pristine the old town was. Mainz is on the middle Rhine region, where the Main River meets the Rhine. Heidelberg is on the Neckar and about an hour and a half south and a bit east by train, which is how we arrived. I was impressed with the train ride, the condition of the town, and the fact that we had a sizable chunk of time to do what we liked. The castle is primarily a ruin, so it seems like it's main appeal is as a backdrop for the old town. 

Here I am among the rolling hills of the Neckar Valley

Among the first things we did, of course, is buy a beer at an outdoor cafe. From what I recall, these were the first moments we were left alone in a country where we could buy beer at age 16. It was also good fortune that the dollar was historically strong against the Deutschmark then, so our money bought a lot of beers. 

I remember keeping this bottle for far too long

The beer wasn't very good, as I recall, or at least it wasn't like any beer I had tried before. It wasn't ice cold, like I understood beer to be. It was a warm summer day and I probably would have been happier with a Coke, but I didn't want to let my homies down, nor, more likely, have them tease me because I didn't really want a beer. In the days ahead, I did find German beer that was more to my palate. 

I recall that Clint was amused because the streams appeared urine-like

According to Rick Steves guides, Heidelberg has become over-touristed. However, it's hard not to imagine that Anna and Lisa will enjoy a few hours here, so I think we have to make a point to get there in June, even if it might be kitschy. 

Brenda and Ann on the Old Bridge over the Neckar.