First Days in Germany

Outside the castle in Mannheim.
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Left Paris on Tuesday morning by train. Train travel is so easy in Europe. Before moving on though we must mention that Mdme Lefevre at the Bayeux Youth Hostel thought that Tony had more than a passing resemblence to French footballer Zidane!!!! Anyway travelled through France, changed trains at Kahlsruhe and met by Dieter in Mannheim. Was great to see him and he accompanied us to Bad Rappenau. Met by Kay at their home with a nice dinner and lots of catching up. The next day we went to a centre at Lowenstein for lunch where Dieter has his Hebrew class then carried on around the district looking at castles and other landmarks along with commentary from Kay. Today, Thursday, was Ben´s birthday so we travelled to Mannheim to meet up with him and have lunch in a nice restaraunt beside the Rhine. Excellent meal and good to see Ben again. Went back to his little flat for cake then had a look around the city centre and back home. The weather has been a bit wet here with the Nekar River very flooded. Lots of rain on the way home.

Lou and Tony at the restaraunt.
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Its been great to be with all the family again - have been so lucky to have had Lorraine and John in England and Kay and Dieter in Germany to stay with - they've made us so welcome (and been so patient with all our tourist needs)