Scottsdale Arizona Day 1- Desert Botanical Gardens and Hole in the Rock

My gift to George was a weekend away in Arizona. Why Arizona? Flights were cheap and it was warm during this time of the year when I want to escape most from the Ohio clouds and depressingly unpredictable weather. Phoenix is the cheapest to fly into.

We decided to tour around Scottsdale, a town I hadn’t been to before except maybe driving through. People that heard I was going there kept saying it was high-end and they were surprised I picked that city. I went open mindedly and loved every minute of our time.

We stayed at this cool Airbnb about 5 minutes from Scottsdale and 15 minutes from Phoenix.

The perfect space. Adorably decorated and had the most comfortable bed I have EVER slept in. I should’ve looked at the mattress tag! But knowing I would rather spend money on another outing than invest in a mattress probably. Why are they are such an investment?$.

We grabbed an old fashion map of the town marking its points of interest as we walked around in the sun after enjoying an amazing breakfast.

There was art and sculpture to be seen everywhere. I loved these mosaic balls by the fountain.

Shops opened later. Seemed a lot of variety in the historic Old Towne area.

Horse sculptures inviting you to the wild west.

On our first date George and I noticed we both had green eyes. I later found an article that people with green eyes and negative blood type are really aliens. This has been an ongoing joke that we don’t belong here.

I wasn’t expecting palm trees, but enjoyed how they added to the architecture against the clean walls and desert cactus plants.

I made a lose itinerary, which is not really like me. But I wanted to hit a few key spots. After that I was open to explore. My first stop was the Desert Botanical Garden. It costs 30$ per person to enter, which is a bit steep, but for a good cause. Was well worth it in my opinion.

There was Chihuly glass plant sculptures welcoming you. I was happy to have recognized it from my learning of him in Columbus, Indiana and later in Oklahoma City’s Contemporary Museum of Art which is filled with his work.

I was thrilled to see the gardens were featuring artist Fernando Botero. His voluptuous figures are so recognizable.

There was a small indoor studio with a dozen paintings, a couple sculptures and a video playing about his life. He recently passed (2023) after working for over 60 years as an artist.

I believe everyone recognizes his unique work once they see it.

I don’t know why but it makes me happy with its soft inflated shapes.

Outside in the gardens were about 5 hiking trails that took you through various educated paths. We walked them all in about an hour and 1/2. It was a Friday so it wasn’t very crowded. The sun was just enough to warm you up, but not make you feel at all uncomfortable. Perfect weather.

From the gardens we could see the holey mountain which we were going to explore later.

This is exactly what I needed. New landscapes to inspire. Surrounding myself with nature differently than the bare branched trees back home.

Admiring the coloration of this cluster.

Throughout the gardens were sculptures blending into the landscape.

Was loving the yellow ball like flowers on some of the trees. As we wandered the paths we also caught glimpses of birds and sand squirrels.

George, my muse. Check out the size of these cactus. You can also see in the background the mountains with the saguaro cactus standing tall, notorious in the Sonoran Desert. Was so cool to see as we drove along the mountains, but tough to capture in a photo.

I started to view cactus as sculpture after a bit. It does appear like art, so stiff and interestingly shaped.

Displaying how desert shelter was built, I climbed inside for a view.

Beautiful new views. USA has so much to offer. So many places to still see in this world and so little time and money to get there.

The infamous hole in the rock was a short drive away. We parked and followed the pathway up.

From a distance it didn’t appear to be that big.

But once you climbed through, which people took turns, it was a wonderful sight from the other side.

A tourist destination for sure, but I liked it. We later saw other holey mountains, less busy, with hikers laying out in their smaller cave like holes. If I’d seen that sooner, I may have planned a hike around that.

We sat for a bit and I captured this selfie which shows the sun on my cheeks.

A better view from below. It felt alien like. Nature never ceases to intrigue me. I’m always in awe that we are part of it.

Aimee Mann Concert- Memorial Hall

George and I had the same thoughts on Christmas gifts to each other this year. More activities. More planned outings. Less sitting around and watching Netflix. When putting together our year in review book, I noticed how much I did, but without him. Of course he was running a business and busy with his own things, but we both wanted to be more purposeful with 2024 and he started it off by purchasing concert tickets to Aimee Mann.

I asked George if this was the same Aimee Mann that was in the band Til Tuesday who sang the iconic “Voices Carry”- the 80s pop hit that reinforced the fighter in all us women. He said no.

I started listening to his Aimee Mann on Spotify to see what kind of music she played. It was soulful and beautiful, usually in collaboration with other artists. The day before the concert I started researching more and found out it was her! Its just that George was a 9 year old boy when that iconic song came out and had no way of knowing. He only knew her for her acoustic work. But I was so excited!

We Ubered to Queen City Radio to grab a drink before the show. This bar is right around the corner. We later saw others at the concert who we recognized from the bar earlier. Guess they had the same idea.

I’d never been to this bar before but it was interesting. Huge really.

I imagine in the summertime before the FCC soccer games this place it probably packed.

Once in Memorial Hall, we walked up the spiral staircase to our center front balcony seats and were tortured by a solo comedy opening act who was difficult to hear.

Love the staircases here, reminds me of Europe. I’m so glad they restored this historic place for Cincinnati.

A special night, sporting my new top from Germany. My one big clothing purchase.

Aimee took the stage and looked great. Unfortunately her drummer was sick, so in her introduction, she said she apologized if any of us fell asleep, claiming she actually did once to Sade.

Her voice was incredible, but rhythmically all her songs sounded exactly the same. So I lost George. He dozed off.

The minute she left the stage and while she was coming back for the encore, we slipped past the still seating audience to make our escape.

We laughed about it as we walked over to Goodfellows for a slice. It was an A for effort. A night out we both enjoyed but not exactly as we anticipated. We have another concert coming up in April- will be sure not to have a cocktail prior 🙂

Oh how we all mellow with time and wisdom in this life.

King Pigeon Coffee Shop- Walnut Hills

There is a new coffee shop/bar that opened up in Walnut Hills and Sedona asked if I would check it out with her for lunch. Was happy to spend time with my daughter and try a new locally owned restaurant. Walnut Hills is coming back to life with many new black owned businesses opening as well as new apartment buildings going up in this neighborhood. Its exciting to watch its transformation.

The pull down movie theatre screen housed the coffee menu. I wondered if another screen with cocktails would be displayed if I went back at night. May have to check that out one eve.

We went right at noon and it was bustling with remote workers.

Across from where we sat was an adorable alcove painted blue. I want that spot one day.

Unique coaster and great coffees! Probably why I’m still awake able to crank out a few blogs.

Loved having lunch with Baby B. We both ordered egg sammies off their limited menu and were not disappointed! Would highly recommend trying this place out.

As we left, this area was open and I was admiring the coloration and decor!

I am wanting more personal design touches in my home and am working on a mural in Zoe’s old bedroom. Goal is to have it completed before I have house guests in April. I’ve always wanted to just doodle on the walls freeform and have been inspired lately with the space to myself. I also think my 2024 bingo intention card is helping me to stay on track with what I’m hoping to accomplish. Will see how it all goes. Afterall its only February 🙂

When it comes to anything- new businesses, transforming neighborhoods, changing yourself or your home- this applies.

Covington Historic Mansion Walk

Tuesday was another sunny day for the February books. I had dinner plans with Kevin and we decided to try to meet up earlier, while the sun was still out, to walk along the Ohio River. With no real agenda, we decided to cross the Roebling Bridge into Covington, Kentucky.

Kevin had mentioned the mansion walk to me previously when discussing options of where to take folks when visiting us in Cincinnati. I haven’t been there before so we decided to head that way.

This is a statue, one of many along this street, of Mr. Roebling himself with his bridge in the background.

The views from this quiet street are stunning of the skyline across the water. I can’t believe in all my years living in Cincinnati I’d never been here before.

The sun was beginning to set and casted a beautiful pink into the eastern sky.

I made Kevin pose next to this gentleman who was obviously reading something interesting. Up close the textures captured in the bronze were beautiful. I loved the diversity of the sculptures.

The Native American sculpture captured a man who honorably won several battles and was an excellent leader for his people. Capturing him with the historic mansion in the background, a clash of cultures.

A view of the riverboats. They are building a ton of apartments here but the area is still so quiet its surreal. No traffic.

The last statue on the walk. I read a little bit about each but can’t remember much. Kevin and I decided our memories aren’t going, but rather history just doesn’t interest us. Its not age. Its limited interest.

This house was huge and beautifully restored.

The tall lean statue on the porch of this brick mansion made it feel haunted.

We ate at a small sandwich shop named The Gruff which is right at the end of the Roebling. I got a non-alcoholic beer as I attempt my one week of not drinking. Helpful that they have IPA non alcohol options now, which are satisfying. I’m experimenting with how not drinking affects me. So far, not witnessing too many changes except falling asleep is a bit of a bitch.

As we walked out of the restaurant, Kevin mentioned the very best view of Cincinnati at night is from this location. So we wandered down to the river to take in one last shot of appreciation. It truly is a beautiful skyline and city.

Wetlands Loop- Glenwood Gardens

Sunday was a beautiful sunny day so after having a relaxing brunch with Rebecca for a much needed catch-up, I forced myself to go out for a hike. The AllTrails app is getting annoying to me, with its constant pop ups with the ‘option to buy. But I can still maneuver my way around it enough to look for new trails.

I found Glenwood Gardens only 20 minutes away, one which I had never heard of before. This park is hidden, tucked behind a McDonalds restaurant. Very obscure location, but surprisingly well kept.

There were three trail options interconnecting. I decided to try them all which was only a total of about 3 miles.

I was able to snap this shot on the AllTrails app to understand a bit of direction prior to hiking.

The entrance to the trails was impressive. Clean open restrooms also available.

At the start of the trail you could see the acreage ahead and the wetlands below. Currently dry.

Shadow shot. There were a few people out walking their dogs and older couples running. The trails themselves were all gravel and easy to follow.

This gazebo has some educational information on the variety of trees in the area.

I’m sure its beautiful in the summer or spring once its green.

I noticed right away the sounds of the birds. Along the paths were many bird houses. Most of the trees also were marked. I felt like this area was preserved and used for studies.

Snow was still in some places escaping the sun that was finally shining bright today.

I loved the coloration of this view with the prickly branches, snow, aqua water and red toned leaves all against that awesome blue sky.

This bridge took you to the Wetlands Trail, which was off the Garden Loop.

Not a whole lot to see, but occasionally I would stop to appreciate the combination of textures winter was showing off.

As I walked I discovered how much people scare me vs being alone. I occasionally stopped to let a man pass me only to be sure I wasn’t being followed. If I were alone, I would have no fear. It makes zero sense except that the world these days seems tilted in mental stability.

Plenty of benches on this trail, which made me think bird watching over the grounds was possibly a summertime activity in this park.

Was a quick hour hike over easy terrain. A good pick to get me going again. Winter months are always difficult. I look forward to my end of the month escape to Arizona. Should provide some interesting landscape along with some warmer spirit lifting weather.

Attune: The Art of Reiki- Cincinnati

My energy has been feeling a bit off. I blame it on aging. Honestly can’t pinpoint it.

One of the squares on my 2024 bingo card is to try new energy healing methods. I started looking up some places online closer to my house. I tried ‘dry needling’ a couple years ago, but it was out by the 275 loop and honestly, I live near the city to avoid the trek to needs. Certainly there should be some options downtown.

I texted my friend Rebecca, who is the queen of healing energies and woo woo stuff, and she recommended Attune for reiki. I made an hour appointment not knowing what to expect. Wanted to blog what I experienced, for my memory and for anyone else curious about it.

Upon arrival we talked for a bit about what was going on with me and what reiki was all about. The description of reiki seemed vague and I felt regret for not googling more about it prior to coming. Both of my sisters are certified in reiki, so not sure why I didn’t know more. It was explained that energy is infinite and we have access to it always. We have a soul similar to a diamond within us and this energy method helps to reveal it and dust off the dirt that may have covered it from years of living and ignoring ourselves. That was my interpretation of what was probably more eloquently described.

I liked the visual. I took my boots off and laid on my back on the table. She turned up the music a bit and blocked the light from all the windows. I was asked to breathe in deeply and picture the pure light coming in through my nose, down through my lungs and into my belly. Then breathe out with a sigh. I did this several times until instructed to allow my breath to return back to the normal rhythm.

I like meditation, but was struggling with picturing the light. I just kept repeating the mantra verbally to myself as I continued to breathe.

She softly placed her hands at the top of my head and I immediately wanted to cry. I held back the tears not understanding where they were coming from and wondering what she was doing to me. After a bit, she moved her fingertips and rested them gently at the sides of my face and tears escaped silently from my eyes into my ears. I wondered if this was normal and then heard “release” in my head.

It was interesting and reminded me of my visit with the sun last year. Except this time I am perfectly aware, conscious, sober minded, having this bodily experience and conversations with myself inside my head. When she placed her hands under my chin I literally started to not be able to breathe. I logically told myself she was not even really touching me and I wanted to ask her what in the world was she doing to me. Witchcraft came to mind. It was scary. My throat made outward uncontrollable noises. Then I had a vision with my sisters and the voice told me to “stop hiding and to speak”. The word speak, speak, speak kept repeating until the release came from my throat.

I felt it was telling me that I do not say enough about what I know and I needed to be more vocal. That I wanted to remain anonymous and humble but the voice did not want me to be.

I started talking to God and thanking Him for being with me here, knowing He had something to do with these messages. He then clearly said, I do not like that title/name and I said it was what I needed to call Him to communicate. He then showed me an open universe and said We are all One. I can’t make this stuff up.

As she moved to my legs, I felt heat from one of her fingers only. It was a clear heat in one spot. I didn’t feel the heat previously when she touched me. I mentally thanked her for healing me and she answered in ‘the voice’ inside my head and said, I am not healing you, you are healing yourself.

My stomach kept rumbling and growling and I wished I would’ve eaten as she moved down my legs. I was given a message that I belonged in the sky and no longer on Earth. I was confused and said I loved the earth and the waterfalls and hiking, and it said everything has a cycle and you need to move to the next phase. I then placed myself mentally on top of the rock I climbed in Utah where I perched on my solo road trip in 2021 and it felt right. Lately I have been fascinated more with clouds and sky but I really don’t know what any of this means.

I finally understood why my little sister doesn’t want to seek counseling for her mental health but alternatively chooses these type of sessions. I now understand how you can heal without words.

I addressed anger which I did not realize I was housing inside myself. The voice told me it was not mine and to let it go. It was not mine to be angry about. Kept saying it was not mine to hold.

At one point I was looking down at Earth from outer space seeing her colors. Another point I was seeing a wheel going around and around. I literally had chills in my chest several times and then at the end when she was at my feet the chills travelled throughout my body.

It was nothing like sleep or meditation. It was nothing like a massage. The awareness I had, conversations inside my head and bodily reactions were a totally new and wonderful experience for me. I am still energized like I have not been in quite some time. I’m so awake.

Afterwards I apologized from my growling stomach and she explained that it was part of the release. She said she saw me release in many different ways as she moved down my body. I guess I did! Physically there were tears, throat choke, heat, chills and stomach grumbling. Inside my head an entirely different list as described. I’ll definitely go back whenever I’m feeling stuck again.

Jefferson Memorial Forest, Scott’s Gap Loop Trail- Kentucky

The sun decided to make an appearance and we never quite know for how long that will be around here. So George and I made plans to go hiking Saturday to get outdoors and move our bodies a bit.

He picked the trail, a place I’d never been but only a 45 minute drive from his place. When we arrived the small parking lot was packed. I wondered if everyone had the same idea as us- but after finding a spot, we realized there was a trail race event going on.

Scott’s Gap Trail is a 3.3 mile loop considered moderate. Marked with orange ties to help the runners find their way.

On AllTrails you can review the route from an ariel view which I thought was pretty cool.

Most of the trails were one lane narrow paths which made it a bit difficult watching for runners coming up behind us. George was pretty good at looking back frequently and letting me know when to pull aside, but at one point in the middle of the loop I think we both were in our own zones of thought and I literally screamed out loud when a runner instantly appeared behind us.

We found out they were running a 31 mile trail race and on this part of the loop they were finishing up mile 20 something. I admired them. One runner commented that he tumbled down a hill at one point but there was only one way out so what choice did he have but to continue.

Reminds me of some other hikes I’ve been on where you really just want to find your car. Also made me remember Debbie volunteering to drag me out of the hike from hell since she knew I was too heavy for a piggy back ride. Honestly, what does one do if something should happen in the middle of a hike. Push those negative thoughts aside.

The dried fallen sticks and leaves mixed with the green moss and acorns covered the floor of most of this forest.

George snapped this photo once we reached the top of the first incline. It really was a pretty view from up there. I was exhausted and sweating just getting to this point. And we only just started.

My left knee was giving me some sharp pain on the inclines. George of course brought along his hiking sticks, which I always thought were for the elderly :) But he loaned them to me on the way up and what a difference they made! I had no idea how much pressure they took off your knees.

Once my body was warmed up, I passed them back to him. But good to know how they work. I honestly never understood them previously. Personally I don’t like having things in my hands, besides my cell phone.

George captured this photo of me looking down over the edge by this pregnant tree. I notice how goofy my camo jacket looked with my cool recycled leggings Sedona and Ki brought me back from Colorado. I put my hands on this tree’s growth.

Most of the woods was bare and bland contrasting beautifully with the blue skies. This was my first hike since October.

I did not dress right for the hike and took off my hoodie and tied it around my waist. Then kept taking on and off my coat and tying it also around my waist. Eventually my turtle neck scarf came up and alternated as a headband. I was not expecting the sun to create such heat so early in the year. Or maybe the inclines were giving me more of a workout than I figured I would be getting.

I teased later that next time, a first hike out, we should consider an easy route not moderate.

I made fun of George for bringing a back pack with water and snacks, since this was only a 3 mile hike. He said “let me do me”. And have to tell you, I was thankful for that water. Helps hanging around more intelligent hikers sometimes. Choose your partner wisely.

Most of the trails were along the top edges of the mountains. Falling down steeply on both sides.

I stopped frequently, to catch my breath, allowing George to wander ahead. Is a little embarrassing not being able to keep up, but then again, I never was one to push myself unless I had to.

A couple times I tried to snap a photo of the runners ahead of us to show the perspective in the woods. They all had water and some had hiking sticks as well. I wondered what they got from running so long in the woods. I suppose meeting a personal goal, certainly isn’t great for the body and no real money/reward at the end unless you’re great. When I mentioned this to George he said, there is never any reward for running. Made me think about why we do what we do.

After the hike we appropriately went to Noble Funk Brewery, where we were one year ago in February about this same time before I road tripped with Zoe across the country. Cheers to full circles and getting back out in the woods again.

Zoe gave me the idea of doing a bingo card for 2024- basically a grid of 5 rows and 5 column squares where we wrote what we wanted to accomplish this year. She said all of mine looked easy- but I liked setting achievable goals to what I wanted to do instead of pushing myself toward a goal I would give up on.

One of my squares was to hike 1 x per month. Here’s to one down and 11 to go.

Heidelberg, Germany Day 5

Saturday morning, our last day in Germany, Zoe and I walked to the bus stop and went on a totally new adventure. I never took the bus before in a foreign country. Trains, subways, tuktuks, yes- buses for some reason are new to me.

We picked Heidelberg due to its close location, cheap transportation costs and a castle to visit. Wasn’t sure we could tackle a big city like Dusseldorf or Cologne in a day. We considered Luxembourg, the smallest European country, one I haven’t been to yet, but half our day would be getting there and back. Heidelberg was a hour and a half by bus.

I snapped this photo as we entered the autobahn. It was fun to watch from the window. Cars going at super high speeds past us. Shanty towns out the window.

It’s funny, while on the bus there were people coughing and I found myself trying to figure out if it was a “smoker’s cough or a virus. Covid has made us all so aware and in tune to the cough that we regularly tuned out in the past.

After the bus dropped us off we walked in circles for a bit trying to find our place on the map. Then we found the train station which had a ton of bikes outside.

A cool sculpture captured across the street.

We found a tourist booth where we were informed on which tram to jump on and we purchased our tickets to the castle. That was our first priority.

There was an incline that took you up the mountain to the castle level. Reminded me of when Jeff and I were backpacking and would never pay for a ride up the mountain in Austria. We instead hiked the mountain every night to where our cheap hostel was located. It was exhausting, especially after a couple beers.

The incline was cool. Now my third experience riding one. (Chattanooga, LA and now Heidelberg) I once walked up the incline in Lisbon, but I don’t think that counts.

The pass we purchased also took us up the mountain, past the castle. So we decided to see the view from up there first before exploring the castle ruins.

This was the view captured from the first incline stop.

There was nothing much to see. But there was a ticket booth to pay another 20 euro to go to the top of the mountain. Zoe and I debated a bit and then I decided we should go, because heck, we may never be back and what’s 20E in the reality of it all.

When we stopped at the second stop, I snapped a Google map image to see where we were in perspective to the city.

The temps dropped significantly and it was freezing up at the top.

The view was overcast. It was beautiful seeing the ice on the branches this high up.

There’s a hotel and bar at the top. We took a look and then headed back down.

I got a front window view on the way back down.

We then headed to the level where the castle was located. Seemed like most of the crowds had dissipated, our timing was perfect.

A stairwell that looked like it was headed nowhere nice.

The view from the castle walls were amazing.

A selfie capturing The **Karl-Theodor Bridge** below from the 18th century. That was next on our hot spots to hit.

Loved how the mountains added to the picturesque views.

Across the bridge was “philosopher’s walk. But it was too dang cold to go on that hike.

We spotted the church below and used that as a landmark to walk to.

This castle dates back to 1212 when construction began.

I have never visited a castle before so it was wonderful to wander around and feel the scale and history.

Not sure why but this tree reminded me of Biblical times. It felt ancient to me.

You could wander inside some of the buildings and others were only facades remaining.

We kept admiring the views from its location on the side of the hill.

I read about the wine barrel they had here but couldn’t believe it when we saw its actual size.

This is a photo of Zoe walking along the side of the barrel.

You had to climb up a staircase to see the top of it.

Zoe showing the proportion of the barrel in scale.

The Heidelberg Tun is said to have been built in 1751 requiring a rumored 130 oak trees. It is 8 meters in diameter and holds 229,000 liters of wine. Some claim its the largest in the world. Pretty cool.

Check out all the statues still standing between the windows.

We walked along the road beside the castle for a bit then turned around. There were said to be gardens but in the dead of winter I doubted there was much to see.

Once back at street level we followed the cobble stone roads and found our way to the old city.

Every street we walked down was gorgeous.

Everywhere we looked we were in awe of the landscape: mountains, narrow walkways and beautiful architecture.

Once we found the church there was a drum rehearsal going on. The sound was bothersome to me and not something to stay for.

We walked over to the historic bridge to join the other weekend tourists and snapped some photos.

It was chilly so we never stayed in one place too long.

This is the monkey sculpture at the beginning of the bridge. The monkey is **a symbol of ugliness, shamelessness, lechery, and vanity**. Hmm….Wonder who got the approval on it.

We were surrounded by mountains which I loved.

A fountain in the warmer months. Love the bikes leaning along the side of the building.

As the sun started to go down, so did the temps again. We dove into an Irish Pub for a Guinness and sure enough, Zoe was right, was completely filled with men on both of the two stories.

This map was giving me a headache trying to figure out what to take back to the Main train station. Zoe ended up just googling something and we jumped on a bus to head back.

We spent about 6 hours here and it was enough in the cold temps. I imagine summer would be amazing along the river and side streets.

We decided to take a train back for a different experience. We luckily were able to purchase tickets for a ride back to Frankfurt that was leaving in 10 minutes.

Mural inside the train station. I found it….modern but …? Not sure. What do you think it says?

On the train ride back I reflected on the photos I took in Heidelberg and was completely happy with our choice to visit there.

This is what travel does for me. Opens my eyes and energy.

Frankfurt, Germany Day 4

I wasn’t required to attend the show on Friday so Zoe and I slept in and then headed out late morning for a tour of Frankfurt. She had explored much of the city already while I was working, but we couldn’t travel due to the Farmer’s and Train strike blocking transportation routes.

The Italian waiter we had at dinner Thursday night told us Germany was falling apart. The government misplaced approximately 60 billion euro and now was making cuts to farmers and other services. After Zoe and I left Germany, the following week I saw many huge protests in various German cities, rallying against the poll ratings for the far right AfD party after uncovering their plot to launch mass deportations after seizing power. The protests were massive! I am glad we left when we did.

I finished this blog Sunday after writing for about an hour, only to be told I was “unauthorized to save it”. Then it vanished. Was so frustrated! So now starting over again, hoping to finalize my Germany trip for my memory sake.

The famous Euro sign marking the Frankfurt financial district. This landmark always gives me a bearing of where I am.

For some reason I loved this sculpture which had smooth curves with such rough edges. It was saying something.

Zoe led me to this coffee shop she discovered earlier which had amazing egg sammies. It was located inside an office building but the cafe with its window views felt more like a museum.

Was a beautiful way to start our weekend and last days here.

As we walked the streets I noticed the color stories that presented themselves against the grey skies.

Zoe said the scooter was a poser for this backdrop. Perfectly placed.

Churches are always a great site to see in Europe. The history and attention to detail given to the structure.

Inside art telling Jesus’ story. I often wonder what foreigners from Asia think of this and remind myself of how I visited mosques and temples with no true sense of what it all meant, but simply enjoying the culture and creativity.

Zoe had explored this church earlier, so she sat quietly and waited for me.

Would love to be at a service when they played the organ. Lately I am interested in sound healing. Hoping to explore that a bit in 2024.

Seriously looks like a storybook. I love how they restored this using the same architecture of past. I now understand why they call this the New Old Town. Restoration was completed in 2018.

There was a museum dedicated to this crazy boy. Looking back I wish I would have at least purchased a book to better understand.

Walking out into the square reminded me a bit of Brussels. Every year I went there, I always made a point to see the square as if it was my last time seeing it.

They had taken down their Christmas decorations and the square was now open.

Making memories. I love that Zoe has the travel bug like me.

On our way back to the hotel, we stopped at their food market which is similar to any large cities indoor marketplaces. It was fun to see the differences.

Love the sausages hanging from the ceiling. Now that feels like Germany to me. I remember my PawPaw Snyder getting some special sausages whenever we visited in Toledo.

The candy was tempting. German chocolate, yes please!

Unfortunately, I needed to work my remote job this day so we headed back to the hotel.

The next morning we had booked a bus ticket to Heidelberg. Rumors said the train strike would end on Saturday, but people were commenting that service may still be slow to start as trains were not at their usual locations. I was going to need a good night’s sleep for a new city exploration tomorrow.

Zoe went out to grab me a beer to get me through my emails. I snapped a photo of this brand as it was one of the best light beers I’d ever had.

Zoe decided to check out a Friday night in Frankfurt and I just warned her to trust her instincts. Afterall, she’s on her own living in Los Angeles and this city cannot be that different or any worse. I watched her on Life 360, as admittedly, it made me a bit nervous. She texted me within and hour and said she was heading back.

She discovered all bars were filled with men. Never a woman unless with a group of guys and no groups of girls. I thought that was interesting and very observant of her. I told her we’d check it out tomorrow night. I usually didn’t go out in Brussels or Germany alone. I do recall noticing years back that even when there were women at a bar, they weren’t drinking alcohol, only the men were. (that was back in Bruge in the 90s- so I am sure a lot has changed)

The gut mind. The one we must acknowledge and not ignore.

Frankfurt, Germany Day 3

My dinner plans this evening were pushed back to the following day, so Zoe and I were on our own. She really wanted to try the apple wine which is notorious in Germany. I had never heard of it before.

We learned, but did not google fact check, that Germans were taught how to make this wine during the Roman Empire. Supposedly the Romans brought the knowledge over while invading Germany and taught their farmers how to make apple wine so their soldiers would have something to drink. Now that’s a story to be written- Humans, alcohol and war history how they all intertwine.

Zoe and I again went across the river where all the Apfelwein restaurants were.

These are the pitchers that they put the apple wine into when they bring it to your table. I wish this shop would’ve been open, the face mugs are adorable.

I was noticing this character a lot, a crazy boy with blond hair and long fingernails.

“Der Struwwelpeter is an 1845 German children’s book written and illustrated by Heinrich Hoffmann. It comprises ten illustrated and rhymed stories, mostly about children. Each cautionary tale has a clear moral lesson that demonstrates the disastrous consequences of misbehavior in an exaggerated way.”

We made it to DAX which had the highest star rating.

Inside were mostly locals and only cash accepted.

We split a brat meal and schnitzel dinner and each tried a glass of their traditional apple wine. It hit the spot. The place got crowded so we took off and decided to try and find another apple wine spot on our way back to see the differences in the brands.

When we arrived this place was packed with Asians. Inside and out. After they left we snapped this photo of their leftovers. We later found out it was a tour group.

Our server was a friendly German giant. Zoe was dying to stand next to him and as if he read our mind, he came out and asked if we wanted to take a photo. He nick named Zoe, Sherry and thought she was a doctor. Then he named me Katie and himself James. He teased us all night as we rotated through their apple wine options.

He made Zoe look tiny. We had a lot of fun with him.

He took this photo of us on our last glass. Feeling happy.

We walked further down the cobblestone roads and stumbled across a Columbian bar. We stopped in for a beer and a bathroom break.

The decor was cute and everyone inside spoke Spanish.

Zoe sat in front of a blown up map of South America and I kept arguing that it was inaccurate.
I of course was wrong.

We kept walking closer to the bridge back toward the hotel and popped into an Irish bar for a Guinness. Unplanned we were Frankfurt bar hopping.

Inside Zoe was immediately approached by a young man who was partying with his BMW coworkers. Their boss had gotten them each a hotel room and was paying for a fun night out to celebrate the two women in their group.

As I plopped down at a table available, three people joined me. I apologized thinking this was their table since there was a coat there, and they said no it wasn’t. They were perfectly content with me sitting there with them, so we started talking.

It was so fun. The invited us to a nightclub to go dancing as Zoe handed me my drink. I said I couldn’t because my beer was full. They said we could carry it with us along the walk. I told them I didn’t want to be arrested in a foreign country, so they offered to carry it for me 🙂

I then explained that I was too old and they would not believe me. Must have been my crazy coat, hat and purse I was wearing. So out of excuses, off we went, full beer in hand walking toward the city with a group of crazy Germans who were amazingly fun!