Waltz, River and Wine

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 Today we have a guide and are out to explore the the Black Forest.  I booked the guide online and I liked Simone immediately. She started out with maps of the region and discussed some of the history, regional variations and a planned route.  As Dan would say anyone with a map is my friend.  So what did we learn.  The Black Forest isn’t just a big forest but a region over 200 in length,  the two southern most sections in Germany Bavaria and Baden tend to have most of the wealth since the cantons are home to big industry these two areas are also heavily catholic compared with the Protestant area in the rest of Germany. At one time the area was completely deforested and has been replanted and now there are strict laws regarding lumber and cutting trees.   The area is highly agricultural and open space and meadows for cows and horses to graze. Yes there is a forest but small towns or villages is the rule.   The southern part of the area is less hill...

 We have a day to explore the Freiburg area. Like many of the towns we have seen it has the old town area and outside the old town is newer apartments and growth while the old town has lots of shopping and restaurants surrounding the cathedral. Overlooking the city is a castle/house that has views of the city.  This would have been great except today is Sunday. Nothing is open several restaurants are even closed.  This seems to be the norm for the towns we have seen this trip.  We were able to take the tram to the castle/house for a view. On the way down we got caught in a thunderstorm I was unprepared since the sun was shining when we left the hotel. Dan did have an umbrella but we really didn’t need it after 30 minutes.    Finished our walk and started to go into the cathedral when the entry is blocked off and several hundred people dressed in suits, ties, and dresses were waiting outside not to mention several clergy. Looked at our jeans and bedraggled r...

 Travel day almost the last stop. We are heading to Freiburg a town that sits at the southern aspect of the Black Forest close to France, Switzerland and German borders. Our train transfer is in Switzerland and during the transfer I noticed my bag was not pulling correctly.   I didn’t think too much about it thought maybe the just irregular floor granite. Upon arrival in Freiburg the wheel refused to budge.  Of course this was the only station the escalator and lift were not working. 2 flights up and then one down to get out of the station. As we look at the wheel the tread was totally off one wheel and half off  one of the others.  Our hotel is only 1/2 a block from the train station.   I am grateful that this did not happen 3 weeks ago or even last year.