Pit stop in Heidelberg

houses on the bank of the neckar river
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Nothing like an early start to get you on your way. This time it was a quick trip to see the German Formula 1 Grand Prix at Hockenheim. We left home at a rather stupid 2.30am for the 7.20am flight from London-Stansted to Frankfurt-Hahn. For those of you who are interested, Hahn used to be an american occupied airbase during the cold war flying F-16's, with which there are still some gentle reminders of its former use ( aircraft shelters etc ). Nowadays of course it is an international airport for anybody travelling into this area. Anyway, thats enough from my plane spotting days. A nice relaxing two hour coach trip down to Heidelberg followed, passing through some beautiful countryside with quaint little villages dotted along the route. Heidelberg is a lovely little town, which sits either side of the Neckar river. Once there, a quick tram ride to our hotel situated to the north of the town and we were there. After an hour or so shut eye we were on our way again, this time taking an easy stroll along the river to the alte brucke (old bridge), shortly followed thereafter by a steep climb upto the old castle. This was well worth the walk as the view back across the town and river was stunning. After a quick downpour and a look around the castle grounds we were back off down to the town to walk along the haupstrasse (high street). This has something for everyone here, whether you like to look in souvenir shops or want some expensive jewellery. By this time hunger had set in and we stumbled across the obligatory Irish pub, which was aptly named 'The Dubliner'. This is where we got our first lucky break. After sinking a pint or two we asked the owner if he knew how easy it was to get to hockenheim the following day. He replied " i have a friend who could take you there, let me give him a call". After a steak sandwich and another pint we decided to go with this option, and we agreed to be outside the train station at 9.30am where Ali, an iranian guy would meet us in his black car. With this we took a short walk further along the high street, stopping off for another beer along the way. Not long after it was time to call it a day, not before having a couple more beers back at the hotel, ready for our early start the next morning. This soon came round with a clear blue sky to meet us, a quick bite to eat followed by a tram ride to the station where we were hopefully meeting Ali. As the clock ticked ever closer the will he/won't he thoughts were going through my head. At 9.20am, a new black 8 seater mercedes pulled up, window down, and there he was, the man himself. With all doubts now gone, we were off to the Hockenheimring, with Ali, a really nice chap who spoke very good english. Now for lucky break number two. As we got close to the track, Ali spoke to the local constabulary who agreed to let us be dropped off closer to the track than we should of. He then told us that he had convinced the police that we were VIP's. After an exchange of a few euro's, there we were, 2-3 minutes from the Hockenheimring. After collecting our race tickets we were in, looking around the tented village, picking up a few race souvenirs and enjoying the entertainment, then off to find the best position to watch the GP2, Porsche cup and driver parade before the big event. We settled in at our chosen point waiting in anticipation for the main race. A cracking race followed, 67 laps of pure speed and skill enjoyed in some fine weather, even with a brit taking the chequered flag. A great end to a great entertaining race. Within 40 mins of the race ending we were back in heidelberg, ready for our homeward journey. This is a fantastic place, with some lovely sights, plenty to do and well worth the visit.  

" I have a friend who could take you there, let me give him a call"