The Best of Europe Day 15

Day 15 Saturday September 20, 2003 - Frankfurt

Today we were on our regular schedule, up at 5:45, luggage out at 6:30 and then supposedly breakfast. There was a huge mix-up and over-booking at the hotel and the breakfast areas were overcrowded with long lines.

We went into one room, were served coffee and were supposed to go into another banquet room where the food had been set up. As there were three groups, the lines were so long, there was no chance for an on-time departure so Otmar “blew his top”!

We were allowed to eat in the full buffet dining room for a spectacular breakfast. We were right on time getting on the bus and our drive through Munich was very easy. The streets were almost deserted as everyone must be sleeping his Saturday morning.

We had a brief photo stop at the Nymphenburg Palace, a huge crescent shaped white palace with the traditional red tiled roof. There were hundred of graceful white swans swimming in the reflecting pools.

This palace was built by two Italian architects to celebrate the birth of a male heir to one of Germany’s ruling families.

We then headed west, and then northwest toward Frankfurt. We did not take the main highway but the scenic route which brought us to the wonderful little village of Nordlingen.

We had an hour to walk through the old cobblestone streets, to visit a few shops, and best of all, to go to the local farmer’s market where the town’s people we selling and buying fresh fruits, vegetables and gorgeous Fall flowers.

The wall enclosing this city center was built in 1376. We left the city center and walked out one of the tower entrances/exits and got on the bus.

We then proceeded to Rothenburg, by passing Augsburg to the Romantic Road and this old German jewel of a city. This very famous city within medieval walls is visited by tourists from all over the world. They flock here for the typical German crafts and souvenirs.

Otmar gave us a city map, pointed out many of the highlights, and walked us to the main square. We were to be back to the parking lot meeting point at 3 PM. Rothenburg is an incredibly unique walled city with restored turrets, spires, and a walkway all around the fortress.

We had lunch at Pizzaria Roma - one of the best deals in town. Gennie and I had a LARGE Italian salad, with greens, tuna fish, ham, cheese, olives, tomatoes, and artichokes served with a light vinegar and oil dressing and we shared a small four cheese pizza.

After that big lunch, we were ready to explore the city. We climbed to the top of the fortress wall, and walked along the whole high parapet overlooking the old city within and new areas outside.

Everyone was back at the bus in plenty of time. The hot and humid day (84 degrees) wore out the best of the shoppers.

Our next long stretch to Frankfurt was very hot with the afternoon sun beating into the bus. The farms in this area are parched and the trees are very dry and stressed as they were hit hard by the over 100 degree temperatures that scorched Europe this summer. Today is completely sunny and quite humid.

We arrived in Offenbach (outside of Frankfurt) as our final destination of the day and the full circle of our trip. We have traveled over 4000 KM (2500 miles).

We are staying at the Scandic Hotel and as we came off the bus we got our suitcases and took them to the room. I used their computer to send the last two day journals to everyone. When we got to the room, it was 84 degrees!!! and we had no AC. WOW.

At 7 PM we met our group for the bus ride to the final farewell dinner at a local restaurant in the city center. The Stone House (Steinerns Haus) (500 year old building) welcomed us and seated the group on two large tables.

We started our meal with a heavy dark break and cream of asparagus soup. Our main course was an excellent steak that we cooked at our own table on individual hot stones.

This process was very interesting as one had to keep turning the meat to cook it to one’s own taste. Along with the meat, we were served a small green salad and tasty fried potatoes.

Not as long a process a fondue, this dinner was great for conversation and laughter as we cooked our own meat and chatted with those around us.

As this was our Farewell dinner, many of us chose to break up as couples and sit with our new friends for one last meal together. Coffee and ice cream sundaes were served for dessert.

We got back on the bus, saw Frankfurt at night, and returned to our rooms. Ours was still very hot but I took Dave’s pictures and put them in the computer and then burned a CD for him.

We then typed the journal, and got it ready to be sent as we will leave the hotel for the airport at 7:30 AM for our 10:55 flight back to the States.

Day 10: Mediterranean Navigation

Antonio, Our Guide

Gardens at the Alcazaba

Roman Theater

Visiting with Picasso

Gennie & Vic, Malaga 2004

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Day 10 - Tuesday, March 11, 2025 –Ship Docked in Málaga, Spain; Costa del Sol; Andalusia

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