August 6th, Road to Heidelberg and Trier

We got up at 6:30 am to run around town without any tourists. It was wonderful. We climbed the city wall and continued our walk enjoying the views of red roofs, turreted town wall towers and occasional local walking their dog. The wall had credit tiles embedded in it thanking individuals (many with Japanese names) and organizations for helping to repair various lengths of it and keep it up. We did not have the chance to test it out but I think the wall completely encircles the town.

Later in morning we had breakfast with Romiks in the magnificent dining room. Turns out hotel’s back wall is also a part of the town wall and at that spot the wall somewhat dips into town so the view offers both sides of town.

After breakfast we continued our exploring together and got some souvenirs for home. There is a Japanese artist in town who does lovely prints and acrylics. Really liked one them and thought of getting it but then ran into a high quality copy next door so that kind of killed the “uniqueness” of it.

The 2-hour long Western-bound trip to Heidelberg was along the final portion of Romantic road. But we decided not to make any more stops along the way because we will had to make the final 2 hour trip further West for Trier.

Heidelberg was hectic. We first arrived to the portion of town up on the hill where the lovely castle ruins were located but we could not find parking. So we went downtown where the city is actually located but the center is under construction so we could not park there either. The boys dropped us off and went on to park on the other side of the river - by the looks of it 5-7 km away. 

The town has neverending pedestrian path lined with retail stores, on one side of it there are alley ways with art galleries or other interesting stops, and sometimes ending with cute little chapels with the hill raising majestically behind them. On the other side, there are more cute alley ways but they are fronted with a river. 

We, the ladies, started our tour by stopping at a lovely ceramic store where we liked everything, and got almost everything. Then we stopped at a jewelry store, liked almost everything, you get the idea... The boys called to say that they are parked too far and we wont be able to meet up. We decided to have a quick round of margaritas and churros (as of lunch) and then go up the hill to look at the ruins. When we came out we ran into boys :) So we went up the hill together. 

The ruins are extensive and well worth the sweaty climb. Then Romik and Dan ran back down and through town to feed the meter and we continued our stroll through the pedestrian lane. Finally we’ve made our way back to them and got on the way to Trier.

We were staying at a nice hotel in Trier with an interesting “perk.” While there is the elevator that takes you to the 2nd floor, family rooms are located on the 4th floor under the roof in a newly built out section of the hotel. Glad we don’t need the stroller any more :) 

We also repacked our luggage more efficiently and, each night need to bring in only a small bag with toiletries and clothing for tomorrow. 

We got a brand new apartment with two rooms. Opened windows on both sides -and voila - no a/c needed :)

We went out to start our exploration of town. The awe-inspiring almost two millennia old Roman structure at the entrance of town was an amazing sight. 

We  decided that we need a fittingly magnificent dinner venue and checked out a place that advertised a historic cellar restaurant. Uggh! They did start out with the authentic cellar but then filled it with the furniture borrowed from McDonalds with a similar smell and ambience. Next we tried our luck at a town hall cellar. The sign at the door “Karl Marx (the father of socialism) ate there” should have been the giveaway - the furniture was nicer but it was clearly designed for the masses. Few visitors having their dinner laid out stolovka-style on their plates should have been another hint but we were hopeful. Anyway, Romik found a brasserie staffed by severe German-teacher waitress and we had our dinner and behaved ourselves very well never once putting our elbows on the table or blowing our nose on the napkin. Thus having the waitress satisfied, we’ve called it a day.