Annweiler am Trifels 27 Juli 2008

Took a short afternoon trip to Annweiler to attend the Mittelalterliches Spektakulum (Medieval Fair). It was Annweiler's annual Richard Löwenherz Fest.

Too bad we could not go to the Sonnenberg where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.

I guess they are losing interest in castles and hilltops in Rheinland Pfalz. Nevertheless, I shall come here again to go to the Sonnenberg.

Weinheim 26 Juli 2008

Visited Stadt Weinheim, otherwise known as Zwei-Burgen Stadt, because there are two Burgen(fortress) on the hill beside the town.

We strolled along the Schau und Sichungsgarten Hermarinshof (A Flower Garten) and took many snapshots of the colorful Blumen there. We spotted 2 couples taking wedding pics there.

Then, we went to the most crowded street, Markplatz, where all the restaurants and Bistros were located.

Took a 20 min fußweg zur Ruine Windeck vor Weinheim Martplatz. And of course, from higher ground, we could see the whole of the town. Mannheim and BASF could also be seen from there. I want my Binoculars so that I can see more... Since rain was imminent, we rushed down the hill in record time of 10min.

The other fortress, Wachenburg, is too high and unreachable (as in there is no footpath to go there)

Another Saturday, another Schloss/Ruin conquered in Rheinland-Pfalz ;)

Deidesheim & Forst Sportplatz 25 Juli 2008

Visited the Heart of the Palatinate Wein Region, Deidesheim.

The old Rathaus is converted into the Weinculture Museen.

Had a sumptuous lunch & wein at the Famous Deidesheimer Hof & its Schwarzer Hahn (Black Rooster) Restaurant.

The Ulrich church with its distinct tall tower lies beside the Weinculture Museen

After lunch, visited the Museum für Filmßund Fototechnik Museen, a quiet little museen but well packed with fantastic antique cameras, since it opens only 2 to 5 pm..

Found the Geißbock (Billygoat) Fountain on my way back to the Bahnhof, a cute little fountain. Also found another fountain nearby too(but wonder what die Tasche und Schuhe meant...)

Took a 3 min bus from the Bahnhof to a nearby town Forst and toured the little town. The entrance to the village was a plaque called the Steinbildhauer-Meisterin

The Hansel-Fingerhut Fountain was also located nearby. The village church, Dorfkirch was located on a slope.

Walked 2 km back to Deidesheim Hbf and caught the RB back to Neustadt.

At Neustadt, I went to the Markplatz and bought Honeydew+Apricots+Plums back for today's Party for Oh Guojian departure, our colleague before heading back home.

Dinner was delicious ;) We had Sushi & Otah & Pancake & Spring Rolls & Ice cream. Super sated.

Heidelberg 20 Juli 2008

We brought Zhu Wen to Heidelberg.
Walked from Bismarkplatz to the Schloss, and toured the Schloss and the Schlossgarten.

Chanced upon our favorite Thai curry restaurant, and dashed in for our dosage of Spicy Curry (the other shop is in Mannheim).

After Mittagessen, we crossed the bridge and took a long steep walk up along the Philosophenweg (Philosophers' Walk) and were rewarded with a magnificant view of the Old Town & the Schloss.

**When I come here again, I will take the Heidelberger Bergbahn to Königstuhl, a nearby hilltop to view Heidelberg from a different angle. Will also take the boat ride along River Neckar soon...

Bad Dürkheim 19 Juli 2008 (1)

Visited the Salinarium, went swimming with Mun in the outdoor & indoor swimming pools. The 100m slide pool and the warm pools were Fun, but the Saunas were just not for me because it was a naked parade of retirees ( Paid for the entrance fee to the Saunas, but never will I ever visit the Sauna again.) It felt wonderful to be around so many kids on Summer Vacation in the Pools.

Will visit Bad Dürkheim again to visit other tourism sites & of course, the Biggest Wein Fest in the World: WURSTMARKT(12-16 Sept & 19-22 Sept)

Edenkoben 13 Juli 2008

Caught the Kuckucksbähnel(Steam Train) in action while waiting for the S-Bahn in Neustadt. (will take it in Aug/Sept and in Winter?).

We walked from Edenkoben Town to Schloß Ludwigshöhe. From there, we rode on der Sesselbahn (Chairlift) to Rietburg (Castle Ruin). Enjoyed 10 min of hanging in the air & taking pictures of one another! Had Mittagessen in the Reitburg's Restaurant before taking the Sesselbahn downhill again.

Wissembourg, France 12 Juli 2008

Wissembourg is a Pretty French Town filled with many flowers. Many houses are built beside a small river(to us, it was like a canal), so their balconies are located just above this small stream.

Gothic Church- Saints' Pierre et. Paul

Hotel de Ville

Rebert Pâtisserie (Fantastic French Pastries