reports from the road, part the 1 (Frankfurt)

[lagilman]

A praise-the-skies moment for my cat-sitter, April, who is a goddess among mere mortals, not the least of which because Pandora the Picky actually likes her.  Also, she brings in the mail, waters the plants, and leaves wonderful 'kitty report cards" on who was up to what while I was gone.

 

So I was able to enjoy my recent trip to Frankfurt without feline worries, which was a wonderful things (both the trip, and the not-worrying).

I had mentioned before that I wasn't sure how I would react -- an American Jew, entering Germany for the first time, the first member of my family to do so since the end of WWII.  There were a few moments -- mainly when walking through the airport the first time -- when there were some unpleasant resonances: queuing up to go through passport control, with lines marked on the floor and a bored looking blond official making sure nobody caused problems....  *shiver*   But it was quickly gone, and once we got on the train and headed into the city itself, Frankfurt was itself, not some genetic memory. 

Overall impressions?  The country is green -- wooded and floral even in the urban areas, and everyone seems to grow roses in front of their homes.  And once I was in the city itself, I found it reminded me of nothing so much as San Diego -- not a huge tourist attraction (there are things to see, but it's not the city's industry), but wonderful to live in.  The people are very homogenized -- you don't see the wild range of backgrounds I'm used to, coming from Manhattan, and the general observed attire was what I referred to, only half-jokingly, as UberTalbot's: classic lines in linen and cotton, but not particularly stylish or creative in the wearing.  Except, as was pointed out, sparkly shoes.  On the women, anyway.  Guys didn't sparkle so much.  And nobody talks with their hands.  Scary.

agamisu has found a great apartment --  the neighborhood, quietly residential, is within walking distance of much shopping, mass transit, and a delightful discovery -- das Palmengarten.  Flowering plants and shaded alcoves and boating lakes, acres and acres of it, and I had to be dragged out, pouting, when it closed.  I wish we'd found it earlier in my visit, because I wanted to take a picnic over to one of the shaded lawns....

What else?  We did a lot of wandering, found a little street food fair, and an incredible marketplace that beats the Macy's NYC Marketplace hands down.  Plus, there were fireworks my first night there.  Just for me!  Okay, maybe not.  But they were pretty, and I could sit in the windowseat and watch the pretty sparkle-booms.

As for the World Cup...  it was ongoing everywhere, and impossible to avoid, but I managed to not see any of the matches, although we did see a lot of people-watching-tvs in the cafes.  There was temptation to go down at night to the river and see the crowds watching the matches on humongous screens, but my natural caution (and J's immense dislike) of crowds -- especially beer-fueled sports crowds -- won out.  

New foods?  I broke down and had weiner schnitzel, once.  Two different kinds of sausages, one of which I liked, one that's still in the uncertain category.  Many different kinds of mustards, almost all of which I liked.  Oh, and applewine, which reminded me of a very light, sweet cider, but didn't give me stomach problems.  A good patio quaff.  Spargel spargel everywhere, and not a bit did I eat.

And one last picture, Just Because...
 spotted outside the Frankfurt museum of natural history -- a dino all dolled up and ready for the World Cup...

Comments

[debg.livejournal.com]

ALl right, that last photo?

I swear to god I thought that was a Big Giant Rat.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

That last photo is a thing of beauty and a joy forever!

[scarlettina.livejournal.com]

Excellent report. I looked forward to more. As I think I've said before, I too rather liked Frankfurt. Walking along the river was a pleasure.

[dianora2.livejournal.com]

Mmmmm, weinerschnitzel.

[neutronjockey.livejournal.com]

I had mentioned before that I wasn't sure how I would react -- an American Jew, entering Germany for the first time, the first member of my family to do so since the end of WWII.

I remember years ago (erm more than 10) my first trip to Germany. I recall remarking on the fact that most people were blonde haired and blue eyed... then the teacher accompanying us on the Model International Parliament trip whispered into my ear, "Nazi Germany."
I fell to a silent 'O'.
One of the other students that was with us was of Mexican and Spanish decent; darker skinned, brown hair, brown eyes... he received a lot of stares and unwelcomed glances--- not because of the echoes of WWII, but because he resembled a lot of the immigrant workers from the Balkan States.
Strange world outside our doorsteps.
-=Jeff=-

[lagilman]

it was very good. I was particularly taken with the salad that came with it -- fresh greens with a mustard dressing. Of course.

[sfmarty.livejournal.com]

I really want to see the Berlin Zoo someday, but I have hesitated for many of the same reasons. I am blond and blue eyed, but I get itchy thinking about the past.

[lagilman]

it made me giggle, hard.