| Lee |
Jul 9th, 1999 11:32 AM |
CP: I suppose that you are right, so far be it for me to be found lacking. Here goes: <BR> <BR>Germany Trip, May, 1999. <BR> <BR>We flew from Pittsburgh to Frankfurt on US Airways, arriving at 7:00 am. We picked up our rental car and drove over to Rudesheim (on the Rhine) on our way to Assmanshausen just to spend a little time. We then went to Assmanshausen and checked into our hotel, the Hotel Cafe' Post operated by Mr. and Mrs. Hoetger who were the best inn keepers you could ask for. After some breakfast, we snoozed until 2:00 pm, showered and headed out. Our first stop was the top of Lorelei Rock which is only 20 km or so on the same side of the river. I still enjoy the view of the river below which you can see far ahead in either direction. Temps were low 70's and sunny, just ideal. We then got back onto the river road and headed to Koblenz, about 25 km further. We had dinner in town, along the river and afterward drove maybe 1 km to the Deutches Eck (German Corner) and strolled up into the monument and around the park that is the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Great spot and scenery. At dusk, we headed back to our hotel and stopped for a nightcap. <BR> <BR>The next day, we took an informal tour of the Hotel Krone, just a block down from our hotel. It is lovely (Read: big$$$). We then drove a few Km to Lorch and boarded the ferry with our car and crossed to the other side (DM 11.00 for the trip). We then drove about 4 Km to Bacarach. Although touristy, it is a lovely town about 600+ years old and in perfect condition. We had lunch at the Alte Haus which was built in 1326. We then left Bacharach and headed to the city of Mainz. We were fortunate to park in the stadtmitte and we walked over to the square and cathedral. Most impressive. We walked throughout the church and inner city. We then left at dinnertime and drove to my former "hometown" of Walldorf. We had dinner at "Ciao", which is good Italian food and inexpensive. We then returned to Assmanshausen for the night. <BR> <BR>The next day, we were bound for Munich. My wife was used to the speeds, but my mother, father and brother-in-law weren't. I contained it to 180 KPH (about 112 MPH) so as to not cause any heart attacks (not a one!). We made good time, except around Stuttgart, which is notorious for heavy traffic. We arrived at Dachau in the mid afternoon. We toured the camp and went through the memorial and then headed on to Munich, about 25 km away. We arrived at our hotel, the Hotel Uhland, which was a pretty nice place. Busy, but comfortable. We checked in and headed for the U-bahn. We visited the Marienplatz for some time before heading over to the Hofbrauhaus. We had dinner inside on the second floor (quiet and better food). Afterward, we went into the first floor beer hall for some oom-pah-pah, pretzels and libation. We had a good time. My duties as a tour guide were a little fuzzy afterward, but my wife Mary, picked up the slack admirably. We went over to the Frauenkirche and then boarded the subway for our hotel. Long day. <BR> <BR>In the morning, we left for Chiemsee. We arrived on a gorgeous day and took the ferry over to the island. I like this castle (inside) as much as Versailles. It is absolutely beautiful! The tour was very good and in "real" english to boot. We took the horse drawn cart on the return to the ferry, feeling a little lazy. Still early in the day, I mentioned that Salzburg, Austria was only an hour and a half away. Off we went! I love Salzburg! The old town is beautiful and very well kept. We saw Mozart's birthplace, the various churches and square, the fortress (access by funicular, stay for dinner!) above the city and the beautiful cemetary at the base of the fortress. Great city! We later made our way back to Munich where I promtly got lost when we arrived within the city limits. I simply cannot navigate by automobile in Munich! We finally found our hotel and called it a day. Beat! <BR> <BR>Part II coming soon. Now I'm tired. <BR>
|