This Post recollects events that occurred between the 11th and 14th of July 2009
For those of you reading this on Facebook, the original post can be found at: http://www.henrickatlarge.blogspot.com
Well, I finally arrived in Germany (albeit a day late!). I was greeted by my friend Izzy and her boyfriend Marcel. Izzy was a former student of mine from the BSML days. We stayed in touch, and I always said I would visit her. Like most people (to whom I say this to), she didn't believe me. Well here I am now. Her and her boyfriend live together in a great flat outside of Wiesbaden. They both work for Lufthansa, though luckily both of them had the time off, and we got to do stuff and hang out a little bit.
The last fourteen days have been a little hectic. After running around both Vienna and Rome, I was in the mood for a vaction from my vacation. I had no intention of playing 'super-tourist' here. I just wanted some time to chill out a little and take a load off. So, that's exactly what I did.
Highlights:
On the second day in Wiesbaden, we went to a place called 'Rhuedesheim'. Its a spot on the Rhein, where there are tons of castles, keeps, and fortresses. Its actually truly amazing how many of them dot the banks on both sides. I guess it makes sense from a strategic point of view. There were so many, and they cam in all varieties and types. From small towers to large castle-type ones, they were all over the place (Map) We took a drive up one of the hills. This drive was a 'skin-of-the-teeth' ride around blind, hairpin turns up narrow streets. It was a very harrowing, yet strangely exhilarating experience. I guess this is what 'Germans' do for fun. Tempt fate behind the wheel of a BMW. Oh well, everyone needs to get their kicks somehow.
We also visited this place called the Drosselgasse. It was this really narrow little alley with tourists shops on either side. It was very 'Diagon Alley'. It led up-hill about 300 meters, ending in a ski-lift that went to another hill with a monument on top of it. We took the lift over the vineyards and checked out the old school monument. I wasn't aware that this was actually one of the big wine-producing regions of Germany. Its also the home of Asback UrAlt brandy.
I also got to spend some time in the country side in the company of some very large animals. Izzy rides horses. She has one with her in Wiesbaden. Recently her horse had an operation (for a twisted intestine or something). That being the case, we spent a few hours each day at the stables (feeding and taking care of the animal). It was great. Those of you who know me, also know I love animals. Though horses were never really my thing, I think they are great creatures, and hanging out with them was a lot of fun.
On the last night I was there, we spent some of time playing Wii. It was great! Even though the graphics aren't anywhere near the PS3 and 360, the interface is truly revolutionary. What I like most about the Wii, is the fact that it is a crowd-pleaser. Four people can easily have a great time (while leaving their clothes on!). So, we played some tennis, golf, and boxing (my arms were really sore the next day!) . It was a great time. I really liked their flat (there was this cool glass wall in between the kitchen and foyer, which I totally crashed into one night! Damn clear walls!). On the fourteenth, bright and early I got on a train to Austria. My vacation was rapidly coming to a close. I was however, nice and relaxed and rested for the trip back to Oman. So I took the Deutsche Bahn to Vienna!
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