Our trip to Europe began on May 17, 1989 when we took a Pan Am flight from Tampa to Miami, Florida and on to Frankfurt, Germany. Because of the terrible Pan Am disaster at Lockerby, Scotland prior to this trip, the cost of our roundtrip tickets was an unheard of $642 for two. As is usually the case on our vacations, we did not take a tour, but planned the entire trip ourselves. Thanks to such books as: Frommer's "EUROPE on $30 a Day" and "Let's Go Europe" and help from our friends, we had a wonderful trip. (The frequent flyer miles received from this one trip to Europe allowed us to fly to Hawaii FREE in 1991.)

Basically, no lodging reservations were made until we got into each town, which is quite risky, but, luckily, it worked for us. (This would not work during the peak season!)

HEIDELBERG:

We were picked up in Frankfurt by an old friend who lived just outside Heidelberg. He was kind enough to show us many of the sights and acquaint us with the history, as well. Heidelberg is an enchanting city.

Our friend also drove us to the city of Ingenheim, Germany where some of Bob's ancestors came from. We actually visited a Cawein family while there and also found that the city architect's name was Fritz Cawein.

We stayed in Heidelberg for two days and three nights before leaving by bus for the Castle Road on the Eurailpass.

(A NOTE ABOUT EURAILPASSES: unless you will be traveling extensively, a Eurailpass may not be the most economical way to go. In our case, however, they were definitely worth it and they were good on buses, trains and boats in all of the countries we visited. You MUST remember to validate your tickets before you get on your very first mode of transportation.)

ROTHENBURG OB DER TAUBER:

Make absolutely sure that you stay in quaint Rothenburg overnight because after 5 p.m. you can really start to enjoy this gem of a city. It actually feels as though you have stepped back into the Middle Ages when you enter the walled city with its towers, gates, town hall, churches and homes. It's as though history comes alive and you are part of it. There are also several museums in town.

Rothenburg is 1,275 feet above sea level, had a population of 12,500 in 1989 and is at the crossroads of the Castle and Romantic Roads. After 5 p.m. is a great time to walk along the town wall. There are many things to see throughout the city and outside its walls. When we disembarked from our bus, the pension owners were right there offering their rooms. Our cost for a double with breakfast was $25!

"Plonlein" or Little Square w/Sieber's Tower:

   (Note crooked half-timbered building.) This particular scene was very special to me because my mother had had her picture taken there many years earlier.

DINKELSBUHL:

Dinkelsbuhl is another historic old town set in beautiful rolling countryside. This, also, is a walled city with 20 towers and gateways.

NEUSCHWANSTEIN CASTLE: Please see a separate album on Neuschwanstein Castle.