Heidelberg and Frankenstein's Castles, Ramstein AB, and Trier Christmas Market

On our first official day as tourists in Europe, we headed out for lots of sight seeing.  First we headed to Heidelberg Castle in Germany.  As we walked in Bruce said to Morgan "You know, you are in a REAL castle!".  Morgan said (without a beat), "I want to go to a pretty castle!  You promised me you'd take me to Cinderella's castle!"  We all were laughing.  Clearly she doesn't quite understand the gravity of standing in a castle built in the 1200s!

Inside this castle there are two rather large wine casks.  And I do mean large!  The largest one holds 130,000 litres of wine.

Morgan really liked the surprise box near the big wine cask.  She scared more than a few people....watch below.

Heidelberg Castle is also the home of the German Pharmacy Museum.  It was really interesteing!  The symbol below was one of the first pharmacy symbols used in Europe.

Afterwards we made a short drive to the ruins of Frankstein's Castle, built in 1252.

Just outside the main entrance to the  castle is a small chapel that is still used today.

From the castle we took a trip down memory lane and went to Ramstein Air Base (where we lived in the early 1990s) and Reichenbach-Steegan to see our old house.  It was nice to be back where so many wonderful memories were made.

Finally we headed back home and stopped at the Trier Chrsitmas Market (our first Christmas market!).

Trier is home to the building below, called the Three Kings (or wise men) House.  Notice that the original door to the house, on the right hand side, is located on the second story!  It was accessible only through a ladder that was lowered when someone needed to exit.

The Christmas Market.  It was pouring while we were there, but that didn't dampen our spirits.  Of course the Gluwein (hot mulled wine) probably helped :)  I thought it was gross, but then I am not a red wine drinker. 

What a great first day!  Every day is scheduled like this so we are going to be on the move the next 12 days!