Day 3 * Birthdays and a Sightseeing trip.* 23/5/08

I woke very early - about 5 with the birds beginning to sing for dawn and needed the loo. Wine at midnight is nearly always fatal in that way. Then back to sleep for a time until D woke me because I was snoring - then finally woke at 8.30. MM & C clearly up so we showered and got dressed and at about 9.15 had them arrive home after a walk with Bart the dog. So – late breakfast, fixed the lamp cord D broke last night and then dressed for a birthday party being held in the church complex. Delightful lady, Ulrike, having her 50th. Food, company and items from five children each of which had a different sets of allergie/conditions.
Then had a tour of the church with MM - amazing layout. Mind you, C said they have 8,000 members and two churches in the parish. See photos.
Time for another rest. Denise reeling a bit & now snoring just a little so time to stop for today (3.40 pm)

Then it was on the road with Claus to the Rotenfels (Red Rocks). We drove in a wide loop to get there which was just behind Bad Kreuznach. Stunning views from the top, of the town below, the caste Edernburg - which was gifted to the EvangelickeKirche in the early 1900’s. It had been there since the 1200’s. The rock faces were incredible, some vertical. A platform at the highest point included bars from which people would abseil down. Then down to see a sculpture park belonging to a now deceased sculptor whose specialty was large marble books. We finished up at the castle and had a look around. I had a fascinating chat with two young boys about the castle ghost that lived down the well. They didn’t realise I couldn’t speak German and continued the conversation as if nothing was the matter.

Then back home and Claus retranslated the passages for the wedding. Interesting what it gave rise to. Must think again about my continued use of Inscape. Late tea – again. Showed MM some of the photos on the laptop, then bed. Tried ringing Kieran but he didn’t hear the home phone (long shower?).