Drove to Minden. Went to WEZ supermarket where Janine works. Wonderful produce section. Had cheesecake & coffee for lunch. WEZ is surrounded by military barracks, built by Hitler. Walked the square in Minden. Lots of shops and some empty buildings. The church was buildt 800, a lot of history in the town, but like many other Germany villages it was bombed during the war and rebuildt. Wondered the cobblestone streets, shopped and enjoyed Itailian ice. S...

Had breakfast at the castle, on the good china. Drove along the Rhine, then onto the Autobaum. In Germany one must pay .70 EUR to use the toiletten. Saw many sports cars headed for a race. Gary loves the Autobaum, averaging between 90 to 100 mph. At this speed many cars are still passing by. Arrived at Rita's and Thomas's in Diepenau, time to catch up on things. Evening picnic with family.

Driving to Boppard along the Rhine river, with many castles purched on the hill tops. Took ferries to cross the river. Went to Boppard, lots of shops & cafés. Spent the afternoon there, had lunch, window shopping, and just walking. Checked into our room at Castle Burg Leinbenstein. Many people there, some for a wedding, five ladies hiking the Rhine Ridge, and a family from Denver. Took a step back in time! Had the most romantic candlelight dinner, except...

Drove to Frankfurt, very hot day. Decided to pass on the 3 hr frankfurt by foot tour and do our own. Started at Romerberg historic market square with it's 1/2 timbered houses, fountain and the Rathaus (city hall). Walked to Kaiserdom St. Bartholomaus 1239. Onto Zeil street a shopping promenade. Drove 30 minutes to Mainz on the Rhine. Walked to the Wood tower, one of the three remaining towers from the city wall. Onto the markt where one can see the cathedra...

Took the bus to city center. Nuremberg was the unofficial capital of the Holy Roman Empire. A great trade center on the route from Italy to Northern Europe. The city is surrounded by a city wall. Walked through Handwerkerhof (craftsman's courtyard) lots of shops with handmade toys. Walked to St. Sebaldus Church and the Schoner Brunnen fountain. Strolling down Karolinen Strasse with it's many shops, new and old. In Hauptmarkt the city's main square where th...