Thursday, July 4 – Day trip to Heidelberg

Stopped at berg Frankenstein ruins.  For lunch we order a hamburger for Josh, but it was really meatloaf.  Heidelberg castle overlooks the Rhine river.  We did not take the castle tour, but did wander through the gardens.  We then took the funicular up to town and wandered around.  

Walking around the castle grounds.

Wine barrel.  Built in 1751 and hold 57,854 gallons (less than originally built due to shrinkage over the years).  

Views of Heidelberg from the castle. 

We stopped in Darmstadt to visit the Frankenstein Castle.  It is believed to be the inspiration for the novel, Frankenstein.

We made it back in time to take everyone to dinner at a country club.  While there we listened to an oom-pah-pah band practice.  

A note on things:  Germans serve their drinks room temperature or only slightly cool, no ice.  And there is not much air conditioning in homes or businesses.  And no screens on the windows (France also).