Summer Vacation 2027 - Part 1 - Frankfurt

Our summer vacation to Germay starts with a few days in Frankfurt

Day 1: A walk along the Main

The day we landed, we headed straight to the hotel, and stepped out for Lunch. Some of us braved a late afternoon walk along the river Main until we reached Römerberg, before succumbing to Jet lag and heading back for the day.

A view of the Main river Jetlagged, but not showing it yet A cafe on a boat St. Leonhard, viewed through Eiserner Steg Colorfully festtoned with Locks Frankfurt Cathedral Jesters at the entrance to Römerberg Siting in Römerberg square, with some historic reconstructed timber houses lining the cobbled town square.

Day 2: Frankfurt Dom, Old Frankfurt, and a river cruise

Fighting jet lag with parents, We explored Frankfurt Cathedral aka 'Kaiserdom St. Bartholomäus', walked around Frankfurt to see the sights, including 'Eschenheimer Tor'. We took a cab down to old frankfurt for lunch, and to walk around the older part of the city.

Repeating the visit to Römerberg, but with parents this time. A first look at Frankfurt 'Dom' A pretty courtyard on the way there The gothic main tower of Frankfurt Dom Vaulted ceilings, and holy light sparks our quest for information Sadly, the organ was not being played, but it looks like it would sound epic Church patrons and sponsors (I presume) get their crests to adorn the premises House of the swan? Unimpressed. One more of the main tower. Unfortunately closed to climbers A random tower protects the intersection from invaders. :P Repuposed into a restaurant that is not open for lunch Strolling along the Main river, trying to enter the 'Bolongaro Palace' grounds, which was under severe construction Love the colors and the door knocker. Tejas awaits his coiffure Old town Unintentionally matching in Blue Love the cobbled streets lined with houses Finding new places to wander. This is enroute to Schlosskeller Schlosskeller / Höchster Schloss - A former castle, which was also under reconstruction, but with some lovely gardens. Scoping out beer gardens. A river cruise, headed to Frankfurt Tejas enjoying the garden, and the angel tickling the cherub? Walking back to rendezvous with parents A nutella covered treat helps us pass time while we wait for our river cruise boat. Tejas opted for some less exciting ice-cream instead Aarav with his ice-cream Taking a cruise down the river Main Dad had some stories from his Ludwigschafen days Look...

Day 3: Aachen

We took a train to Aachen, to visit 'Aachener Dom', the famous cathedral there. We had a lovely day walking around the historic old town of Aachen, visiting the Cathedral, and nearby museum and town halls. We got to sample 'Printen', the traditional German spice cookies originating from the city of Aachen

On the train to Aachen 'Marschiertor' - One of 2 remaining original city gates, dating from the late 13th century Tejas enters the city through the historic gate A local bakery, diplaying its wares. Printen and lots of other unsampled treats. A morning coffee stop. On the cusp of old town, with cobbled streets and the tip of the Dom in view. The back side of City Hall Aachen, looking very castle-like Inside Aachen Cathedral, with luxuriously painted ceilings The central part of the church. The old art of the cathedral, and the new glass windows. Intricate stained glass panels The newer stained glass, replacing damage done during allied bombing raids Epic door A museum with church relics A bust of Charlemagne Is that an elephant I see? A view of the Aachen Cathedral Puppenbrunnen - Small, whimsical fountain featuring bronze figures of puppets with movable parts. Tejas embraces his inner puppet Rathaus Aachen, aka City Hall Purni opted to stay outside and enjoy the sunshine. Murals adorn a town hall gathering room. A 'Holy Handgrenade' along with a crown and other vestments. Insert holy-handgrenade and staff here. One last view of city hall