Our lovely last morning in Rothenburg started with breakfast in the main dining room, all red furniture with a great view of the miniature dioramas of famous battles. There we discussed the day because this one had a lot of moving parts (no pun intended!)
We would be off to Berlin, which seems like it should be easy, but we’re in a remote location. There is one stop at a station just down the road. After that, it’s transfer after transfer. On top of everything else, I added a slight complication by thinking I could send some of the lovely gifts I bought and one unnecessary jacket (it’s now a steady 90 degrees) home by mail. The desk gave me a perfect box and directed me to the DHL that was open and just down the road, so I happily skipped with a light load of bulky items to send off to America. No problem at all, except our government. The clerk reached for the box, but when I said America, she stepped back quickly. “Nothing to America. The Trump tariffs are too high.” So… back to the hotel to repack. Luckily, everything fit and all is well, but I have now met the first obstacle to being American on this trip.
One last sweet picture of the valley below the castle wall of Rothenburg. Getting to the small train station in this small town was an easy walk, but with our heavy luggage and all the cobblestone (which are supposed to be very good for your feet and ankles, by the way!) we decided to support the local taxi service and hitch a ride. We waited 10 minutes at our little station, and then we were off to the first one. There was no elevator, so down 20 steps, then back up 20 steps to the next platform, lugging 35 pounds of luggage. No problem. Off to the next station. This time I asked about an elevator, “Haben Sie ein Aufzug?” “Ja, da drüben.” But John was already halfway down the stairs, so off I went, down, down, down. And getting stronger with every step.
And here we are, not in first class yet (forgot to take that photo)—but still comfy for a few stops until we had to get off the train, down the stairs, to the right track, and back up the stairs very fast—all without missing the train. We made it!! And without injury!
After a few more changes, we were finally in Nuremberg and on our 3-hour, first-class trip to Berlin. Comfy seats and 178 mph at top speed. No kidding! It’s posted.
As we rode, I people-watched. If I were going to differentiate between the Germans and the tourists, let’s say, I’d say the Germans generally have a look that is different. They’re very intent on doing a good job, are generally stern, have great posture, are neat and tidy, and are efficient in all they do. It’s nice to see that people can retain a language and culture in this melting pot of à world, actually. All of us travellers are like little spoons stirring the pot as we bring our English language and curious smiles to this sturdy country and yet they stay German. (End, editorial comment.)
In Berlin, we had a taxi ride across town past the Brandenburg Gate and Reichstag — Parliament (where we’ll need our passports to get in). Our hotel room is fabulous, with an even bigger bed than before! And the bathroom is enormous, once again showing off German engineering in the shower/tub array of knobs and spigots. I think I’m going to need instructions.
At the bar downstairs, I warned John that I might do something embarrassing, then introduced myself to some Americans who were indeed part of our group. We had a drink together, and then they invited us to join them for dinner. We found lots of common ground for conversation, including à few golf jokes! Tomorrow, Berlin officially begins!