Koblenz, Köln and back to Wehrendorf

Day 11 - 12: Koblenz, Köln (Cologne), and back to Wehrendorf, 16th to 17th October. 

On our way north to visit some friends near Koblenz, we got stuck in Sunday traffic for a few hours.... that wasn't so fun!  But we eventually arrived, safe and sound!

 After an overnight stop at Manuel & Rachel's, we couldn't resist checking out the city centre of Köln, which has a montrous sized Cathedral!

There were tourists everywhere, but it was still interesting to see.  They were doing some reconstruction work on one of the towers outside and also on the statues inside.  The chamber inside is so huge that you could find a few regular sized houses in there!

Overall, we had some very positive experiences on our little trip south.  We were glad to be back in Wehrendorf, to rest from the long drive, and to spend some more time with Ulf's family before we return to Melbourne.

Switzerland

Days 6 - 11: Wiler bei Seedorf, Switzerland, 11th to 16th October.

We had a lovely time in Switzerland, visiting Ulf's oldest brother Björn, his wife Sue, and their two little ones - Robin (3) and Lanis (1)....

...throwing rocks into the stream....

...walking through the fields with Ulf's cousin, his wife and daughter, as well...

 ...Lanis enjoyed lots of cuddles from Uncle Ulf...

 ...Robin liked feeding the cows with Aunty Emma...

...and lots of story times with Uncle Ulf...

What else can I say??  It was so nice to spend some quality time with our nephews, and with Björn and Sue as well.  Such times together are rare and precious.

Hurlach again!!!

Days 2 - 6: Hurlach, Bayern, 7th to the 11th October...

After a nice adventure in the forest, we spent the next five days catching up with friends in Hurlach.

 

Nancy and her three children.

Naraleska and her youngest daughter.

It was such a precious time that we had together!  Good friends on the journey with God are the best ones to have!  We were encouraged and blessed by them and loved spending time with their little ones as well.

The Franconian Switzerland in Germany

Day 1: From Wehrendorf to the Fränkische Schweiz, a beautiful region of forest, mountains and valleys near Nurenberg.  We stayed just one night in a Gasthof - hotel - on our way south to visit friends.

The valley showing the Neideck ruins, previously a fortress, on the top right.  We hiked up the mountain to take a look at them...

 On the way we checked out a really deep cave...

 The view from the top was magnificent in all directions...

 The main tower left standing, right on the cliff edge.  The tree on the right is growing out of the rock.

 A modern bridge stands where the drawbridge would once have been...

In the nearest town, Ebermannstadt, we discovered an automatic fresh Brezel dispensing machine in Aldi!!  The signs say 'You push the button - you buy it!' and 'Please press once per piece.'

We had a nice little adventure in the Franconian Switzerland..... then we were off to Hurlach!

Work & Travel!

Ulf took some time to help out at his Opa's place...


Ulf on the roof of Opa's garage, removing hail-damaged sheets of perspex.

Sanding back the well-weathered wood window frames at Opa's...

And finishing off the top coat.  Ulf did a great job and Opa is happy!

Historical Market, Venne

Last Saturday we went to a historical market in a nearby village.  The blacksmith was at work, as were the bakers in the old bakery - their wood-fired oven in full use!  It was a great day out.

  

The band played their brass hearts out and now it's time to go home...!

 

Ulf with the old Tractors!

 

Ulf made a nail with the Blacksmith, old school.

 

In the old mill...

A day at the Footy...Fußball

The fans in the shade are all standing, as we did also.  The seats are more expensive.  The fans were extremely loud and before the game began, the home team's song was played loudly over the speaker system, and was equally matched in volume by the fans singing along proudly.

I thankfully took the earplugs that Ulf brought along for me after the first and only goal by the home team, after only 46 seconds of play.  The roar was intense!  And it didn't get any quieter!

Some awesome football (?) as two players, one from each team, fall down together.  Both teams were desperate for ball possession and of course for goals, which made them trip up other players (foul) often.

It was quite an experience and cannot be matched by our Australian Football fans, even AFL....when they get fired up, they don't sing or chant or beat a drum in hope of a goal, they swear at the players on the field for their missed opportunities and mistakes.  Quite a contrast.

Seeing the sites in Bad Essen

 The old Watermill

Ulf relaxing at the SoleArena

Emma at the SoleArena

The Lutheran church, town centre