Frankfurt

An early start this morning with our destination being Frankfurt, or as some refer to it as Mainhatton! (Frankfurt is one of the only German cities to have a cluster of skyscrapers in the city centre with the River Main winding its way through the city.)  

The trip took a little longer than expected before  arriving at Dirk's and Brigitte's home late in the morning. We are still amazed by the volume of large trucks that dominate the road system across Europe - particularly in this part of Germany. And at any given time just how many are complying with the law and having sleeping stops at any time day or night.

Having successfully navigated the multiplicity of autobahns in this part of Germany - or should I add with great assistance from Thomas (GPS) - a very warm welcome greeted us by Brigitte, Dirk and Butch!

German breakfast with Dirk and Brigitte. 

A lot of catching up to do before we were taken into Frankfurt for a look around the city and to go to the Australian Consulate to vote in the Federal Elections. 

Frankfurt skyline.

On arriving at the Main Tower Building - the highest in Frankfurt, we met other Australians sitting in the foyer and they had been waiting for over an hour to be called to go upstairs to the consulate on the 28th floor. It seemed a very inefficient means of operating! So, we collected our queuing ticket and settled in for the long wait!

Not to be defeated  Brigette and Dirk suggested we go to the viewing platform of the Main Tower to look across the city. What an amazing view and with the day being the first fine day in weeks, the view was quite stunning.

View of "Mainhatton"  from the top of Main Tower 

A panorama picture.

Back down again to then be called to go back up to the Consulate to vote. A very pleasant reception by the staff - in contrast to the Brussels's Australian Embassy staff two elections ago. 

Our votes being placed in the ballot box by a very pleasant Aussie, Phoebe.

After voting we were given a ground level walking tour of the city stopping off at the Old Opera Square to sample the apple wine at the "Frankfurt Apfelwein" festival.

The Old Opera - at one stage the former mayor wanted to have it pulled down and replaced by more higher-rise buildings!

We did a little shopping - purchased a decent road atlas of Germany and finally purchased a German data card for the phone.

A very swank shopping plaza.

Back to Dirk's and Brigitte's home for a very pleasant and enjoyable evening - in bed before 1.00am! A lovely day.

A very well trained Butch alias Gunter!