In spite of sciatic nerve issues in my back and leg that developed the morning I left Brussels, I enjoyed several days in and around Kehl with Rita, who had two weeks of vacation at the beginning of September.
The first evening (Saturday, August 29th) Rita and I walked in the country at sunset — talking, making up stories about the other people we saw, laughing, and having a good time together.
Here was our view during part of the walk.
Gorgeous, right?
Sunday we visited a place in a nearby village called Weberhaus, where they were having their Summerfest and offering free admission.
First, we stepped into their time museum, where we were “transported” back thousands of years. We walked through history and then stepped into the future for a few minutes before being transported back to 2015.
After the museum, we strolled the grounds and viewed a number of showcase houses built in various styles. Visitors can sit down with a sales rep (if they wish) to discuss floor plans and pricing options for having their own home built. My favorites were the tree house and the room below.
On Tuesday, September 1, we spent a portion of the day in the old part of Freiburg with Maike and Luca, who were both quite entertaining. Luca explained a bit of the history of Freiburg to me as we walked.
Wednesday was Europa Park day. I laughed hard and goofed off with these three crazy, wonderful ladies.
Rita, Semanur, and Maike
And what day is complete without a unicorn?
Thursday Rita and I walked to France (yes, I like saying that!). This time, we wanted to take a bus from Kehl directly to the city center of Strasbourg, but due to a major traffic jam on the bridge, which had vehicles in Kehl backed up everywhere and was blocking buses from running on time, we decided to hike to the nearest bus stop on the other side of the river. Also, it was simply easier for me to walk than to sit or stand too long.
A fun part of the day was meeting a grandmother, mother, and son at the bus stop and chatting a little. We rode the same bus and tram with them. They exited before we did but about an hour or so later, we ran into them again near the cathedral and a bit later we saw them a third time when we walked by the Pizza Hut where they had stopped for lunch.
One of many striking views in Strasbourg.
Strasbourg cathedral
Thursday evening was also memorable because that’s when something shifted in my back, which alleviated the most intense pain in my leg and after that each day was progressively more normal. I was and still am extremely grateful to be released from that pain!
Saturday, the 5th, we ventured up to Heidelberg for a visit with Jessica and to see the fireworks over the castle. Three times a year the story of attacks in the 1600s are reenacted through a fireworks display that symbolizes the castle and town being burned and the townspeople fighting off the intruders.
It attracts thousands of onlookers who gather anywhere they can to get a good view of the event. Unfortunately, it’s not the best situation for short people. Oh well. (It’s also yet another reason for tourists to drink beer and go shopping, which seems to make everyone pretty happy.)
Sunday, the 6th, Rita’s parents and her mom’s sister as well as Rita and I packed into the BMW and drove to the small French village of Kirrwiller in the middle of the countryside to attend a show at the Royal Palace International Music Hall entitled “Imagine” (similar to a typical show one might attend in Branson, Missouri).
Music, dance and acrobatics communicate a strong message regardless of what language the audience speaks. However, since a major portion of this show was mostly in French, for once nobody I was with could understand the words either, and I felt a uniquely satisfying sense of camaraderie because of that.
The week in and near Kehl with Rita was altogether amazing. It’s truly a blessing to have some quality time with each other again.
I cherish these moments!