Sunday, August 11, 2013

Dussledorf and Frankfurt, Germany - July 2013

This three week adventure takes me to Dusseldorf and Frankfurt, Germany, Romania and finally a cycling trip in the Jura Mountains on the border of Switzerland and France.  I have included three separate postings.

July 16, 2013

Up, up and away - Orlando to Chicago then to Dusseldorf.  What can I say, they were the typical American Airlines flights - minimal service and old flight attendants.  But I arrived safely, that's all that counts.

July 17, 2013 - Dusseldorf, Germany

The train into town was a breeze, one stop and there I was.  The hotel was only a few blocks away and luckily they had a room for me at 9:00 am.  After a short nap I was ready for sightseeing.

The city isn't that large so I put on my walking shoes and started my adventure.  The Rhine River was my destination and that's where I spent the afternoon and evening.  Dinner was great overlooking the Rhine enjoying German beer and wiener-schnitzel.  It was still light out at 9:30 pm when I returned to the hotel.


I took these photos during my walk to the Rhine River.  The second is a reflection in the water.


July 18, 2013 - Dusseldorf, Germany

What a shock when the phone rang at 1:00 pm.  Jet lag must have really hit me.  But at least I was refreshed.  I walked to the old part of town, which was mainly shopping.  There was a nice assortment of high end chain stores and the local tourist shops.  My only purchase was a 50 year old birthday card for my good friend Julie - no, the card wasn't 50 years old.

The weather was perfect and I walked for five miles before stopping for dinner.  I sat outside watching the tourists pick their restaurant.  I got back early and read.


You know I'm a sucker for flowered balconies.  I'm still waiting for the perfect one to inspire me to paint again.

July 19, 2013 - Dusseldorf, Germany

I think I'm over the jet lag, I woke up in the morning.  Today I again walked to the southern Rhine section of the city.  I passed on climbing the tower - not really very tall.

After lunch I crossed the Rhine River and walked through one of the largest amusement parks I've ever seen.  The most exciting ride for me was the five looped Olympic rollercoaster - no I didn't ride it.  I took the other river back and wearily made it back to my hotel.


Along the Rhine


Olympic roller coaster with five loops.  I passed.

Dinner was awesome, chicken and mushrooms in a cream sauce, with a cold beer of course.  Hope I sleep well because I have two long days coming up.


July 20, 2013 - Frankfurt, Germany

I was off bright and early to see the gay pride parade in Frankfurt.  The hour and a half train ride was comfortable and scenic.  I wish they had decent and efficient trains at home.  I'll just have to visit Europe more often.



The parade was fun and colorful, but not as spectacular as Berlin, Amsterdam or Paris.  There were about 30 floats and many drag queens viewing for a perfect position.  The parade was only an hour long so I spent the afternoon walking around Frankfurt.  I don't think I ever visited the city - only the airport for a connection in 1972.  I was home by 9:00 pm and had to pack for my 5:00 am departure from the hotel.




A big EURO


Lovers continually add their commitment locks to this bridge.  Every few years they cut them off.


This was the main square where the parade started.

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