Saturday, October 30, 2010

Getting out at night…

Jerry and I made a quick pass through the city at around 19:30  to take a few long exposures. Rothenburg clearly retains its beauty by night. I was a bit surprised to see so many Jack-o’-laternsIMG_2910 (1024x683) IMG_2912 (1024x683) IMG_2925 (1024x683) The Marketplatz is expertly lit and truly remarkable at night.IMG_2940 (683x1024)IMG_2920 (683x1024)Due to challenging lighting, this picture was surprisingly hard to capture. I still don’t think I got it right. IMG_2933 (683x1024)The arched bridge over the river Tauber and clock tower were beautifully illuminated.  IMG_2948 (1024x683) IMG_2958 (683x1024)We ended the evening fairly early with a couple of Hefes. Tomorrow we’ll head to Würzburg.

Street bling…

Rothenburg is an amazing example of a medieval walled city that for some reason (my guess is unbridled tourist-mongering), has more than its share of German street bling, provided here at no extra charge to you, my faithful readers.IMG_2822 (683x1024)IMG_2696 (683x1024)I guess there was a time in Germany when no establishment worth its salt would hang its shingle without also hanging one of these things, whatever they’re called.IMG_2819 (1024x683)IMG_2810 (1024x683) Rothenberg is absolutely lousy with them.IMG_2811 (682x1024)Although somewhat macabre, I liked this little butcher statue.   IMG_2854 (1024x683) IMG_2852 (683x1024)This cat was perched over a driveway. I’ve seen similar adornments of roosters and even a gargoyle, but never a feline. IMG_2828 (683x1024)Speaking of fowl, here are a couple of mildly interesting specimens.IMG_2896 (683x1024) IMG_2897 (683x1024) I found this lion eye-catching for whatever reason. IMG_2830 (683x1024)

Warning: more pictures of food…

I’ve likely dedicated more real estate than necessary in this blog to food. I see no reason to change now. Behold our typical German lunch. As I am wont to do, I’ll start with the beer; in this case a dark Hefeweizen served in a 300 ml glass. If such a small serving is not technically illegal in Germany, it should be. IMG_2824 (648x1024)Linda and I had maultaschen. Think of it as German ravioli filled with stuff the composition of which is best left unexplored.IMG_2825 (1024x683) The others were much more conventional, ordering tasty Würst with saurkraut.IMG_2826 (1024x683)After heading back to the hotel at around 17:00, all four of them ordered Apfelstrudel that looked particularly good. I tasted it, but was in no mood for sweets. In retrospect, I should have reconsidered.IMG_2908 (1024x683)

Top of the tube…

Jerry and I decided to ascend the tall white tower next to city hall to get the lay of the city and hopefully some nice shots. It’s probably the narrowest staircase I’ve ever had to climb, blurring the line between stairs and ladders.IMG_2714 (683x1024) Any way, the view was absolutely gorgeous. We got some of the best shots from a window we opened on the way up.IMG_2760 (1024x683)IMG_2740 (1024x683) IMG_2742 (1024x683) However, nothing could top the view from, well, the top!city from steepel_2764 Panorama (1024x355)IMG_2762 (1024x683)IMG_2785 (642x1024)If you make it to Rothenburg (and don’t have a heart condition), I would recommend the climb. IMG_2781 (1024x683)IMG_2776 (1024x668)

The folks are here….

My mom, stepfather and a couple of their friends arrived Wednesday morning. Their flight was delayed in Chicago, but they arrived safe, sound and extremely tired. Today we left B and the kids at the ranch, heading to Rothenburg, a city I have been to with the family a couple of times. I had forgotten how beautiful it is.IMG_2721 (683x1024)We arrived at our hotel, Gästehaus Edith, a little after noon. We then strolled leisurely around the city, enjoying the perfect fall weather. Mom and Linda did quite a bit of shopping. Jerry and I took a lot of pictures.IMG_2715 (1024x683)IMG_2845 (1024x683)Fall is definitely in the air. The leaves have turned, so the hour and a half drive here was spectacular.IMG_2728 (1024x683)IMG_2876 (683x1024)IMG_2847 (683x1024)The freshly pressed apple cider was a pleasant surprise and couldn’t have been more appropriate. IMG_2705 (683x1024)IMG_2704 (683x1024)

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Friday, October 22, 2010

Smoke on the water…

I’ve been dragging my carcass out of bed way too early lately to run in the woods around Walldorf. My route takes me by a pond that routinely steams in the near freezing morning air. This morning I decided I would swing by before work to take a few shots and even film this picturesque scene and the beautiful fall foliage.walldorf fall pond_2627 Panorama (1024x352)

walldorf wald pond_2636 (683x1024)walldorf wald fall path_2625 (1280x853)walldorf wald_2610 (1024x683)walldorf wald fall tree_2622 (683x1024)I can assure you the view is more appealing on a relaxed morning stroll (as opposed to jogging while begging god to live).

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Another beach…

This time Copacabana. You’ll see the sun peak over the mountains about 26 seconds in. Watching the sun rise in Copacabana is a memorable experience, if for nothing more than the masses of punchy tourists (mostly) who are winding down after a night on the town.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

The only way to cruise…

Our cruise up the Rheine was virtually perfect. We took one that lasts about 45 minutes and left about 12:30. Not sure what else I can say except that drinks were included and at 12 Euros, Thomas and I decided it made sense to go again! IMG_2063 (1024x683) IMG_2263 (1024x653)

The scenery is exceptional, including the typical TV tower. IMG_2163 (682x1024) IMG_2166 (651x1024)The bridges are also nice.IMG_2157 (1024x683) IMG_2147 (1024x683) At the first turnaround point, we saw some very interesting architecture.IMG_2176 (1024x683)IMG_2174 (682x1024) Copy of IMG_2177 (665x1024)

Watercraft of every sort were on the river in abundance.IMG_2229 (1024x681) IMG_2419 (1024x681) IMG_2447 (1024x664) I can unreservedly recommend taking such a cruise if you’re in Düsseldorf.