Blogs from Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Europe

Edellinen 24 tunnin lippu oli vielä voimassa puoleen päivään. Ajoin ratikalla Heumarktille ja kävelin Reinin rantaa pitkin päärautatieasemalle. Ostin uuden 24 tunnin lipun, joka oli voimassa Bonniin asti ja matkustin paikallisjunalla Bonniin. Ajoin siellä ensin ratikalla Rein-joen yli, kävelin siellä kierroksen ja palasin ratikalla keskustaan. Kävelin vanhankaupungin läpi, kävin syömässä meksikolaisessa ravintolassa ja kerkesin klo 15.33 lähtevään junaan. Kölnissä ajelin ratikalla valoisaan aikaan. Kuvasin köysiradan, ajoin itäpuolta etelään ja kävin katsomassa lähempää rannalle rakennettuja rakennuksia. Lopuksi palasin asunnolle kehäkatua pitkin, jossa oli näkyvissä pari kaupungin porttia. Kävin kuuntelemassa yhdessä baarissa kirjailijaa Jan Randy, joka luki ääneen omia kertomuksiaan. Illan ohjelmassa oli vielä pyykinpesu. Käytin ensimmäistä kertaa automaattipesulaa. Vähän tuli sä... read more

So, I’ve been rather reluctant to write another one of these, because really I am not so sure I can outshine my last post; it is very possible my blogging career has peaked, and from here on out I’ll be just a shadow of what I once was. Alas, with some Milka chocolate to guide me, (and my wit) I just might make it through yet. Forealdoe, I have 10 different chocolate bars next to my bed right now. It’s only .69 cents for a huge bar and there are so many options; I’m currently sweet on (pun intended) the Oreo and Chip’s Ahoy bars. The chocolate here is so incredible, it’s like this; the German reject chocolate, a.k.a the stuff you get in the States when your parents are too cheap to buy you real ... read more

OUR LAST HURRAH ON THE RHEIN As we started South toward Mainz and Wiesbaden, our first stop was Eltville, where we were able to tour the ruins of a large agricultural estate, a Roman latifundium, that is now the 'old town', that was granted town status in 1332. Part of our tour included the picturesque ruins that are the remainder of the Burg. We then headed for Wiesbaden, where Stellplatz's are rare and found a parking area near a sports field, cycling track and walking paths. We found a Hobby Dealer and were able to purchase some supplies for our MH and check out the newer models, which left us appreciating all the extras that we currently have. Wiesbaden gave us a beautiful early morning view of the Baroque Biebrich Palace. As we entered Mainz, and ... read more

We have recovered from the adventures in Prague and Munich; the quiet home along the Rhine is good for that. We went to the grocery store and spent € 38 on fruits and veggies, bread, beer, and a bottle of wine. We also go some hamburger as that is something we really miss. Ok, we got some ice cream bars too. We have vowed to not go to any American fast food places, like the ubiquitous Mickey D, but we still had a taste for hamburgers. And, it turned out good. We have been getting a lot of rain, today we went to Bonn to buy our tickets to Amsterdam for Wednesday morning, and got drenched. Attached is a picture of Linda outside the Starbucks in the Bonn Zentrum square. So, it is off again to ... read more

Hello All, Well, we wanted to "live like the natives" and while I guess that without going to work, etc. , that may be hard to do, we are jumping in with both feet. But, some differences between the US and Germany are hard to miss: 1) There seems to be more smoking at least we are more aware of it because there is no prohibition to it in many restaurants outdoor areas 2) The public transportation is much more advanced here and the Germans have invested in infrastructure to support it. We are envious. 3) Everyone seems to be more energy conscience and recycle is not a dirty word. In fact, everyone seems to recycle and separation of trash is implemented everywhere, even commercial/public areas. 4) Many people speak English but not speaking German is ... read more