Seeing the sights in Heidelberg!

We never planned to fly to Heidelberg. We had bought tourist books and planned to fly into Rota, Spain and then take a commuter plane to Porto, Portugal for a few days.  Once we realized that Rota wasn't going to happen, the flights to Porto from Germany were ridiculously long and expensive.  At the last minute, we started looking for neat places near Frankfurt, which was one of the closest airports to Spangdahelm and Barcelona.  My dear friend, Laurie, gave me all sorts of great advice about Heidelberg and so we decided to just go on a whim. I'm kind of a planner and I literally found a hotel while we were waiting to board in Charleston without knowing anything about Heidelberg.  

After getting off an exhaustive flight, we thought the car rental would be in the airport.  After a 40 minute wait, we finally got a taxi to the car rental agency.  Upon arriving, the woman (not very nicely) informed Carl that she wouldn't rent to us and we were stuck. The taxi luckily waited and we drove to Bitburg to rent a car.  By the time we rented a car, all of the lunch places were closed and we were eating more crustable peanut butter and jellies.  Jack got car sick on the way to Heidelberg.   That was AWFUL!!!   I swore we would never rent another manual car again. It really wasn't Carl's fault but the twists and turns and lack of air conditioning plus the long flight=MESS.

We were so happy to get to Heidelberg.  The hotel was a delight!  It was a suite so we all had plenty of space.  When you walked in, there was an entrance and flight of stairs.  When you got up to the top, there was a big living room with entertainment area plus a big bath and master bedroom.  

Jack and Sophie's bed.  It was super low to the ground but very comfy.

The kids' huge tv and rocking chair for Sophia

Master bedroom

Mini kitchen

They had an awesome breakfast. I was the only one that woke up early and wrote the Charleston blog post.  Everyone else slept to 10 AM!!!! When we came down for breakfast, they had already finished but left it open for us to eat lots of croissants, yogurt, chocolate waffles and cured meats...yum!

After breakfast, we decided to go on the philosphers' walk.  We had to go over a large bridge.  Here are the kids on the bridge.  

It was pretty chilly in Heidelberg.  This Florida girl did not pack correctly at all.  It was less than 70 degrees and everyone was cold.  The rain jackets came in handy to reduce the wind.  

Views from the bridge

Walking up the Philosphers' walk.  We brought the stroller but regretted the fact that we (Mom and Dad) had to carry the darn thing basically up a mountain of stairs. 

Jack waiting for us to schleck the stroller up the mountain while he waits for us

Sophia half way there

Awesome views from up above

There were moments where I really didn't believe we were in Germany.  We had just recently been to Disney and I had faint memories of Epcot Germany.  I probably wouldn't have had this issue if we had planned Germany all along but since it was a last minute add on I kept having to do a double take that we were really there.

Almost to the top!

After we climbed to the top, we stopped for some cherry juice (a new found favorite once we arrived in Germany with gas water) and a snickers bar.  Everyone was happy.  We planed our next trip to Priorat on the top of the Heidelberg mountain (more on that later) and then coasted down the other bridge back to the city center.    Our hotel was in a pedestrian only area.  On the night we arrived, I was so excited to see traditional German pizza.  We decided to have it for lunch the next day and it was as fabulous as I remember it being in Berlin.

Enjoying German pizza with bacon, cheese, creme fraiche, and potatoes!

After lunch, everyone still had energy and to go to the Heidelberg castle.  We took the funicular train to get to the castle.  The kids loved it!!!

Carl, Sophia and our baby doll waiting for the train

Jack and Mommy on the train

The castle

From the top of the castle

Although we were only in Heidelberg for 36 hours, it was a great stopping point!  Despite the quickness of the trip, this area of Germany is really relaxing and very kid friendly.  Upon arriving in this part of Germany, I was surprised at how green and beautiful the area is.  There are flowers blooming everywhere and the land is so green.  Everything was pedestrian friendly and there was awesome beer and food.  I really enjoyed sharing some of my food and cultural experiences from my previous work trips with the kids and Carl.  We have already decided that this area and Munich are on our must see lists.  Next up, wine tasting in Priorat!