Day 150

For the past four months we have been living next door to a sports centre. However, the climbing shoes and harnesses remained in the closet, gathering dust. Today I finally invited a friend over to go climbing. When we entered the gym in the late afternoon, it was quiet and deserted. After searching through a maize of corridors we found the administration office, paid the fee and received an admission ticket.

It was divine to have the whole climbing section to ourselves with only our echoes for company. It took a while to get back into practice and recollect the memories about tying knots and clipping quickdraws. After a few hours I was reminded how climbing shoes are similar to stilettos…if you are not use to them they will absolutely kill your feet.

Antiquity fair, Cologne

Day 149

On Friday I took my first ever ICE train and traveled up to 250 km/hour to Cologne. With its majestic cathedral, gorgeous architecture and exciting art collection, one merely has stroll around to enjoy the city. From there we traveled to Düsseldorf, ascended the Rheinturm and soaked in the city at sunset, glancing down from a height of 170m.

During an unexpected detour on Saturday we stumbled upon some crazy drivers circling the Nürburgring. Every car imaginable races down this public race track, reaching incredible speeds. Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and even a little city golf flew past us.

As we drove through rolling hills of bright green grass and attractive yellow raps plantations, we discovered tiny villages with narrow crooked paths and dilapidated stone houses.

But the best is yet to come. Deliciously sweet German white wine: Darting Riesling Kabinett...even red wine lovers can appreciate this.

Somewhere between the Nürburgring and the Moseltal

January swan magic

Day 141

What a spectacular night!

Yesterday we were invited to AgnesCafé for pancakes. I felt spoiled rotten. We enjoyed first class cooking lessons in preparation of delectable fillings including chilly, salmon, prawns, mixed vegetables, nuts and a great variety of salads. Next, each person received a chance at flipping pancakes…which even a first timer like me accomplished successfully.

After all the fun we had in the kitchen, we sat down and enjoyed excellent German (mixed with bits of English) conversation. It gets better…for dessert we had home made ice cream pancakes with hazelnut, poppy seed and blueberry flavours!

AgnesCafé

Day 139

Imagine studying a master’s degree in climate design…now imagine doing it in German. Daydreaming in class is obviously impossible. However, I was able to keep track today…so weit, so gut.

Neues Rathaus at Christmas time

Day 138

Welcome to my world where there is always something happening…What was your weekend like? What did you do? Shopping, braaivleis and rugby was most likely the main attractions on the South African itinerary.

On Friday I listened to a breathtaking 20 men brass band performing on the pedestrian street between Marienplatz and Karlsplatz, on Saturday I visited orangutans at the Tierpark and today I saw a wildlife photography expo for only 1€…and this was a quiet weekend!

Never a dull moment.

Frühlingsfest