Our trip to Germany began with our arrival in Frankfurt. Getting through customs took no time at all once we found it. We really felt that we were allowed to just wander around the airport without being directed where to go. Picked up our rental car and were quickly on our way to my friend’s place. She lives about 60km outside of Frankfurt. After a nap, we were treated to a typical German BBQ. Great food and company. That was all the excitement we could handle on day 1 as the time change was kicking our butt.
The next day, we spent touring around Frankfurt. It was a rainy and slightly chilly, but we went ahead with our plans and had a nice day out. Downtown was very crowded because of the parade for Christopher Street Day (the European LGBT day).
Had a nice boat ride down the river Main, which was lovely and got to see some of the highlights of the city.
After we made a stop at the city playground where the little ones could burn off some energy, it was off to the observation tower. The Main tower is 200m high and gives great views of the city. Spent another evening enjoying their back yard and some great grilling.
The following day, the weather was beautiful. So, we planned on doing a family hike, in an area that was described to us as the Tuscany of Germany. And yes, the area did remind us of the Tuscan countryside. The hike was not very long to the top where there was an Alpine slide. That’s when our day took a turn for the worst. In Germany there are many places where you can buy a group or family ticket. In this case my friend purchased one adult and one child ticket that allowed 6 rides on the Alpine slide. After my friend and her daughter successfully went down the slide it was my turn to take the little girl. Disaster struck when in trying to negotiate a curve the sled went one way and we tipped the other way out of the slide. The little girl had some abrasions on her cheek where the hot metal of the slide touched her skin. We weren’t sure if she had hit her head or not. I ended up with abrasions on my cheek, left arm and cuts on my leg and neck plus almost somehow severing my earlobe. So, the fun was over as we rushed to the hospital to get checked out. The little girl had to spend a couple of nights in the hospital while they observed her for any sign of concussion. Thankfully, she ended up being fine. I came out with 5 stitches in my ear. This was definitely one of those moments you wish you could take back, but unfortunately history cannot be rewritten. Bad ending to an other wise nice start to our time in Germany.
