Heidelberg

Today we drove to Heidelberg which took about one hour. While driving on the autobahn, we passed the U.S. Army Garrison Darmstadt and several castle ruins on the hills to the side. We saw signs for Frankenstein Castle, the actual castle that was the inspiration for Mary Shelley's novel. Apparently, only these two towers and a chapel remain of the castle which was built before 1250.

We got to Heidelberg right at lunchtime. The historic center of town was bustling with restaurants, cafés and touristic shops. In the shadows of a beautiful cathedral built in the 1400s, we had lunch at...Subway. Sometimes, especially with kids, you just opt for what is easiest.

Our next stop was the Old Bridge Gate.

Near the gate is this amusing bronze monkey statue. There had apparently been a monkey statue on the other side of the bridge as far back as the 15th century, but it was stolen at some point. This monkey has been there since 1979. You had to wait to turn to get your picture.

We passed many groups of foreign tourists in this area and several times, one of them would come up to one of our children, put his arm around their shoulders or crouch beside them and indicate he wanted a picture with them. I told the kids to smile and wasn't sure what to tell Micaela when she asked, "Why would they want a picture with me?"

It was an arduous climb up to famous Heidelberg Castle, but the view made it all worth it.

The castle, first built in the 1200s, is in mostly ruins, but impressive all the same.

Here is the courtyard where Rebecca threw a formidable tantrum and attracted many stares. Even the statues on the side of the building seemed to have their eyes focused on her.

David and I in front of the Heidelberg Tun, a wine vat built in 1751.

This powder turret was split by an explosion in the late 17th century, courtesy of the French.

In the gardens of the castle, forget about the fountains! The kids were fascinated by a dragonfly whose wings were caught in the thick algae. Would it survive? They made David pick the poor thing up and set it down someplace else.