After a proper German breakfast, consisting of cold cuts and enough cheese to make a cow blush, we drove down to Heidelberg to move into the home they rented for the week. They couldn't have chosen a better location. Right on the river, across from the castle, they had a perfect walk to the town on both sides of the river, excellent trails for morning runs, and tons of bakeries for Edward to stuff himself full of daily bread.
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That night, after dinner, Bruce, Dad and I walked down to the River Cafe right down the road for a nightcap drink. Despite drinking a cappuccino, Dad's body was rejecting the caffeine's feeble attempts at energizing him. Nearly drifting off a few times at the table, we suggested we part ways and the rest of us would drop into the Irish pub across the street while Dad headed back to get some rest. Not one to miss out on the party, however, Dad decided to stick his head into the pub and ended up grabbing a few drinks (which it turns out gives him much more energy than coffee surprisingly enough)! These few drinks turned into joining Tom and I onstage for some good-old karaoke. Singing Obladee Oblada with him was one of the top highlights of the trip!
The next morning we had a delicious brunch with Doro then walked around town a bit, seeing some cathedrals, galleries, and finally making our way up to the castle. This was actually my 3rd time to the castle but the first time walking inside the walls as opposed to simply walking around the perimeter taking in the view of the town and the river. We walked through to see the largest wine barrel in the world, as well as the 'Knight's footprint' on the balcony. Walking back into town we saw the spring parade where people walked the streets singing songs to say goodbye to winter and welcome the warmer weather. The parade definitely worked for the week the family was here! That night we went out for Indian food (trying to hit on all ethnicities during their trip).
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Unfortunately, similar to their visit in Korea, I had to work during part of their visit. Lucky for my, Mum, Dad and Edward are very independent and love to do their own thing on trips like this. They used Monday and Tuesday to travel around, do some hiking, and enjoy towns around the area. On Wednesday, while Dad met with a medical supplier friend, Mum and Edward came in to work with me to meet my students and coworkers! It was nice to show them what I've been doing at work, and they could finally put faces to the names I've been mentioning. The day was hectic as usual, so at some point I abandoned mum in the room with 17 kids. Not surprisingly, she was a super hero. The kids loved her and of course all the little girls in my room fell madly in love with Edward. Strangely, all of their favorite sports were miraculously "basketball" once Edward told them all he played it.
It was a long day, but I'm glad they came in and met everyone! The fact that Edward fell asleep on the train back must show how tough the job of a kindergarten teacher is! That night we met with Isa and her dad. Isa spent 2 years with us a Tatnall, and lives super close to me here, although we've been absolutely dreadful at meeting up! It was so nice to catch up with her more and after a dinner at a great steak restaurant (not that I had the steak, but others seemed happy with it) and some dessert, we made our way back home.
I took off the Thursday and Friday to spend with the family. It was so relaxing just to have them around, and not over a screen! Thursday we took advantage of the great weather and rented some bikes. Riding along the river, we took in the country side and small towns surrounding Heidelberg. For dinner after the long day of riding, walking, and carrying bikes over highway rails (another story), Bruce made his famous mushroom risotto which was incredible as always.
The next morning we woke early and made our way to Baden Baden for the day where we would meet Dad's coworker Uta. Living on the edge of the town, Uta is just a short walk away from the city center. She walked with us through the town, giving us a brief tour and history of the area. The town is beautiful, and I cant wait to come down again for the many music festivals they have there! From the town we hiked up one mountain to the tram that would bring us to the very top to grab some lunch. Despite the hazy view, it was beautiful up there. Another place I'd like to go back to during the warmer months. From there we hiked back down that mountain and up the neighboring mountain which has the ruins of an old castle sitting at the top. After climbing and endless amount of stairs we reached the highest spire of the castle and had an amazing panoramic view of the city. From there we walked back down to a Greek restaurant back near Uta's home. Enjoying the rest off our feet, we finished dinner and made our way back to the house in Heidelberg for the night.
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Saturday, we were thinking about taking a day trip to Stuttgart for a soccer match, but in the end we opted for another relaxing day at home. Resting out sore limbs after two long active days. We walked around the town a bit, but overall just read and spent time together. I couldn't believe just how fast the week went by with them. I love how natural it is to be with them. Feels as though I never left. Although being away from home hasn't been easy. It is nice to see them every so often and know that nothing has changed (besides Edward's vertical reach and appreciation for good bread).
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Miss you and love you all so much! See you again soon <3
German of the post:
"Die Krepp Mann erkennt mich"
"The crepe man recognizes me"
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