We spent most of our first full day in Frankfurt trying to get the bikes boxed up. Klaus procured two, and got them to the hotel for us a few days prior to our arrival. We would have preferred paying a bike shop to do it for us while we did some sightseeing but none were available for about a month (we checked almost a month ago).
Regarding bikes, we saw a lot of cyclists. Most of them were commuters, shoppers, and students, but occasionally we'd see someone with panniers. As beautiful as the region is, there were fewer than I anticipated. What I really didn't expect was the percentage of e-bikes. I'd estimate that for every non e-bike there were 200 e-bikes.
We found a place to eat at the mall across the street, and AHA!... so THAT'S why so many people have Camp David shirts. It's a brand name... duh.
Referring back to the Introduction of this journal: "To me, it seems like it's a lot of 'I did this, then I did that. And here's a picture of some food.' Regardless, I hope you enjoy the ride."
Roasted tranche and baked praline from the Allgäu pasture, beef truffle sauce, red onion jam, summer beetroot with unstuffed goose liver and corn cream
We were really full by the end of the meal, but not uncomfortably so.
<><><><><> 18 July 2024 <><><><><>
On Wednesday, we had two goals: finish boxing the bikes and riding the paternoster elevator. Google it, they're interesting. Unfortunately, after a hike to the Hotel Fleming, we discovered it wasn't running today. They no longer make them because of some minor mechanical problems... like one death every year prior to 2002 (that's just in Germany), and the 3000% higher risk of accidents over conventional elevators. Other than those insignificant issues, though, they're really cool.
Jon AylingHaha - my university department, a 7 floor tower, had a paternoster elevator/lift! Students used to ride it all the way around the top, so they'd emerge standing on their heads on the way down. I used it a few times but never dared do that... The whole tower is gone now! Reply to this comment 3 weeks ago
And another surprise!! My friend from Italy, Marco, whom I met in 1992, came to meet us for dinner in Frankfurt. He was in Strasbourg for work and drove 3 1/2 hours out of the way so we could visit. We had a nice dinner, and spent the evening together before he headed back to his family near Trieste the following morning.
Apparently, Patrick O'Hara and Susanna Mulligan were in Frankfurt at the same time. We were too busy vacationing to be able to look at Cycleblaze, so I didn't find out they were there until we returned home. That's too bad; I would've enjoyed meeting other Cycleblazers.
