July 10 – More Castle Ruins, Weiner Schnitzel & a Park
As we were hoping to be able to go pick up Patrick’s lost phone today (still did not know if it was just the credit card or the whole thing) we wanted to stick around the area so we could go to the drop off point to pick it up. Originally we had it shipped to the Airbnb but as there are 4 units here we didn’t want someone else possibly getting it so made the request last night to just hold it somewhere that we had to sign for it. Then realize we didn’t have any id with this address on it so worried for the rest of the morning whether we could even collect it when we got the notification.
Heading to Hochburg hei Emmendingen we were off to explore a new castle. Road signs in Europe are interesting to say the least. We may have ended up on cart paths a couple times due to the signs but today we were able to easily turn around and get situated for another hike in. Right now in our area it is hot! I think today was 35 degrees so walking around the grounds was quite warm but we managed to see it all. Of all 3 castles we have been to, so far, my favourite has been the one from 2 days ago that we stumbled upon. This one was in quite a bit more decay but was the biggest footprint of one. Lots of ground to cover but the upper castle was not accessible due to no floors left 🙂
Lunch today consisted of a meal at Ikea. Most of us go fish an spicy taters but our youngest decided to expand out and try the Chicken schnitzel. It has been fun going to places we have at home to see the differences.
After we were done here we decided to take a trip to Freiberg…what a mistake that was! This used to be part of the low emission areas but was cancelled last year. The amount of cars and people….wow! Then coming back we got stuck in construction zones one right after the other. One does not think it is possible to crawl on the Autobahn but I can tell you it does happen.
After a quick stop back at the apartment, Patrick and I headed out to see about his phone. Walking the 1km in 35 degrees was fun…especially when we had guy start yelling at us while holding a weight bar….eeks. Got away from him quickly and managed to find the store. While standing like goofs outside…doors here open inwards instead of outwards like at home…we got in asked if they spoke english. Nope not really but we were able to figure it out and were back out holding a package that looked like a phone and not just the cards. Open the first bag only to find another bag then another one and finally another. Once open this last bag there it was his phone with all the cards inside. From the look on his face he felt just like Ralphie when he open his gift to see his Red Rider BB Gun. Patrick felt whole again and we didn’t have to look for a new phone. All is right on that front.
After a bunch of discussion, we decided to go to dinner at a restaurant that Patrick remembered going to after special events. Got there and oops we needed a reservation but they quickly fit us in and we continued to have a wonderful meal of wiener schnitzel, steak and ratatouille.
The one final place Patrick wanted to retrace was a park he had his picture taken in. Got there and we had to pay. Decided to go to this one and found out there was a dance competition going on here and a choir rehearsal. Had a lovely stroll through the park.
Back at the apartment, we are sitting here sweating up a storm. Current temperature at 10:18pm…28 degrees and as normal in Europe no air conditioning.
Due to high temperatures tomorrow we will head down to Mulhouse to a car museum and Costco.
Total steps today 16,614.
