This is just a brief few comments on my trip to Susan’s for her and Horst’s 140 birthday party. They both turned 70 this year hence the big bash. Mary Ellen, Carol Anne, Susan and I were there. Riley could not come as this is his major season at his job – selling boats. So we four got together and had a great party and some really good times visiting, talking, and sharing with each other. Mary Ellen, Carol Anne and I stayed at a couple of hotels in Turkenfeld as Susan’s house was full of relatives. There were about 45-50 people at the party. I stayed at the Hotel Hartl where the party was held – really convenient and only about two blocks from Susan’s place.
Mary, Carol and I went into Munich (Marienplatz) on Friday after we got there to tie up with Buzzy (Carlos). He happened to be passing through Munich on his way to Portugal. So we had a good visit and walking around the area.
Sunday we went to Andechs Monday afternoon. MEC, CAB, SMS/HS and their two cousins with their spouse. Was a great day as the weather was nice and not at all many people there – Monday afternoon. Had pork roast – really good, with coleslaw and potato salad and of course brezel (the name used in Germany for pretzels).
Headed back to Turkenfeld where we sat around and talked for a while. I headed out at about 9 PM to get packed for today. Also went to the Turkenfeld train station to get tickets for today for the S-Bahn into the Central Station where I caught the ICE train to Mannheim today – about 2.25 hours.. Rode first class as I purchased the tickets a few days ago and reserved a seat – 60% discount. Did not take long as we had only 4 stops to Mannheim on the ICE train. We managed to hit 152 mph but most of the trip was about 120 mph. Got to Mannheim then took a regional train to Heidelberg – only about 15 minutes. From the train station got a Heidelberg day pass for 2 days so can use all local transportation at no cost (except for the HDP) for the four days I am here. Walked to the apartment (AirBNB) and checked in. From there went to the main part of the old town – Hauptstrasse. Typical street in an old town with all kinds of shops, stores, eateries, etc. Looked at a couple of churches. The Holy Spirit Church on the Old Town Plaza – looks like it was quite recently built – nothing really spectacular. I did go back to the church this afternoon for an organ concert. Also went to St Peters Kirche which was a very pretty church. Look like it had been recently renovated. Lunch was at a not bad Mexican restaurant. Will go out to a local Italian restaurant about a block from here to get a LIGHT supper.
The HDP is really a great deal I had mentioned earlier to some of you that the admission price to the Heidelberg Castle was 17 Euro – it is 7 euro. BUT, the HDP I get in free and a free ride on the Funicular to get there, The HDP also has discounts on most everything in the old city, 33% off on the concert, 20% off at the Mexican restaurant I are at for lunch, 10% off at the Lindt chocolate store, etc.
For supper tonight am going to go eat at a little Italian restaurant, about a block or two from here.
Will keep you posted as things go along.
