June 29th-Berlin

We had a great first day in Berlin. We check into The Hilton on the executive floor. Max took to it right away helping himself to the mini eclairs and slipping on his robe. We checked out The Brandenburg Gate, The Reichstag  Building and The Holocaust Memorial. Then we had an awesome dinner at Katz Orange. Ben and I shared pork belly that was so big we couldn't finish it. We really like Berlin so far.

June 27th-Strasbourg

After croissants and coffee we climbed the 330 steps to the top of the cathedral. Beautiful views from up there. The rest of the day was spent wandering around town, shopping, and watching Max consume 2 eclairs.
We had dinner at LA Corde de Linge. Don and I both got duck.

June 26th-Strasbourg

We took the train to Strasbourg, France for the weekend.  We walked around, had some tarte flambé, did a boat tour and had a really good dinner at Les Haras. Brasserie Les Haras won an award a couple of years ago for the best restaurant architecture award. It used to be a horse stable that bread and stored the stud horses for the king. It was really beautiful and the food was good. Max got his first order of foie gras and Ben tried the Chateau Neuf de Pape. Tres bein!

June 25th-fieldtrip to Frankfurt

While Don was at work today the boys and I took the train up to Frankfurt.  The Stadel Museum has put together an exhibit of Hogarth etchings I really wanted to see. That exhibit was great. The Monet exhibit, which closes tomorrow was so packed we didn't even venture in.  I'm afraid the size of the crowds there is a precursor of what's to come in Amsterdam and Paris. I had also made reservations at a great Italian restaurant down the street that didn't disappoint.

June 24th- Anniversary Dinner

We all went out to celebrate our 20th anniversary at Kulturbrauerei. Had great beer and food. I always thought I would be toasting my anniversary in with some champagne, but that will come this weekend when we're in France. Here is a picture of Max with the roasted pork knuckles he ordered.

June 24th

Heidelberg castle and bridge

Heidelberg Week 1

Hallo!   Greetings from Heidelberg!  This posting is by Don.

I arrived last Sunday, in advance of Holly & the boys since I had some work meetings to attend.  We've rented an apartment in Heidelberg for the three weeks, located literally a 5 minute walk to the main train station.  SAP is about a 10 minute train ride, plus a 5 minute bus/walk -- super convenient. My German counterparts are in disbelief that I've not rented a car.  They are very car oriented in this area since SAP leases fleets of BMWs, Mercedes, Audi's to the 20K+ employee base.  I keep telling them their train system throughout Europe is amazing since we really don't have anything that measures close in the U.S.. To them the train is a chore, and for me, it's new and exciting.

My first week was spent mostly working, but nights and the weekend were spent wandering the quaint and bustling area of Heidelberg.  This is my umpteenth trip to the area, so I've already ticked off the major landmarks e.g. the Castle.   And now, since this is more of an extended stay, it is really about being local  So, I searched the local neighborhood for the supermarket, the bakery, the pub, the ice cream shop, restaurants, etc..  Alas, I did get a chance to take in some sites that I haven't been before.  

On Saturday, I went to the Philosopher's Walk (Philosophenweg).  Its name, it is said, stems from the fact that university professors and philosophers walked there, perhaps using the solitude of the forest and the incredible views of the city and surrounding area for inspiration.  I hiked for two hours up in the forest with the view of Heidelberg city peaking through the trees every so often.  Never felt philosophically inspired (more like challenged), but the views and forest were brilliant.  Then, it got creepy.  I made it to the top of the mountain where lies Thingstätte.   This huge open-air amphitheater was built in 1935 by the Nazi party and was designed by Heidelberg native Albert Speer.  It was used by the Nazi party during WWII for rallies and solstice festivals. It is now preserved as a monument, but it is still used for many festivals and cultural events throughout the year.  Again creepy, yet factually interesting, and one of several Third Reich monuments thankfully in ruins.

As I write, Holly, Ben & Max are en route.  I am looking forward to seeing them!

Enjoy the pics!

Thingstätte from the top of the stadium

Heidelberg city and the Neckar River from Philosopher's Walk

My view of Walldorf on my walk to work

A light German meal