Frankfurt Heat

Another beautiful day in Frankfurt. A big blue sky greeted us this morning and was promising to be with us all day.

We had another beautiful German breakfast before it was  decided to brave the heat of the day and explore further in Frankfurt. 

So off to town we went, parked up before Dirk and Brigitte took us into the old centre of Frankfurt. Much of this centre has been reconstructed since the war but it has been done in a style that would have been seen in the Middle Ages.  

The square in the old town of Frankfurt.

The old town had plenty of activities associated with it today - we saw three weddings just the short time we were there. Interesting to note the customs here - this would have been the civil side of the wedding and some times the religious side happens later in the day or the next day. 

One of the early weddings.

It was noted too that the bubbly was flowing out in the square soon after the civil ceremony was completed. 

Champagne being poured just outside the Rathaus where the ceremony had been conducted.

We had a change of pace for around the corner was the Paulskirche - the former Lutherian church where the first democratic national German parliament was held. Inside was the story of the church and the story of how the National Parliament of Germany first came about in 1849. Although the building was bombed in 1944 it was one of the first buildings to be reconstructed after the war. 

The Paulskirche - and first parliament meeting place. 

Our next stop was the Frankfurt Cathedral where precious alter pieces and carvings decorated the walls. These valuable historic relics would have been well hidden during the war years so they wouldn't be damaged during bombining. 

Glimpse of the cathedral from the old town.

A valuable altar piece. 

After this we crossed the river to visit one of the old famous suburbs of Frankfurt - Sachsenhausen. Dirk and Brigitte lead us to a very traditional Frankfurt restaurant to have a very Franfurt/Hessen meal. 

Apple cider with schnitzel and herb based sauce and pan baked potatoes - it was delicious. 

The inner courtyard restaurant. 

Four very hot walkers - 37.5 degrees

After lunch we wandered further around Sachsenhausen looking at the traditional pubs, restaurants and housing.

The heat of the day finally caught up with us so we left for the cooler climate of the air conditioned car. 

We spent another pleasant evening with Dirk and Brigitte before a pre-midnight bed time! 

Another great day.

Dirk and Butch - note the beautiful photo graph on the wall behind - Dirk's professional work,

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!