Sadly, there were no vintage finds to be had on my trip to Germany. BUT - I had a great time with my friends Carla and Sei and I did manage to bring home a healthy supply of toys, chocolate, gluhwein and schnapps. My (gag) gift to Chris was a bottle of Absinthe (the bottle on the far right). I didn't realize until now that it could have been seized by US Customs because it is banned here. Oops. It apparently contains thujone, which the FDA does not permit in alcoholic beverages in the US. I'd heard that Absinthe was known for its hallucinogenic properties, but I just assumed that the kind that is sold today wouldn't be too potent. My bad.
Here are a few shops on the Hauptstrasse (main street):
The six-hundred-year-old Heidelberg castle looms over the town and its Christmas Markets:
I walked up a steeeeep cobblestone walkway to get to the castle. Here's the view of the town and the Neckar River:
And here's my requisite toilet photo. I have an obsession with photographing bathrooms when I travel to other countries (which isn't often). I particularly like this toilet because it has a big button for a powerful, intense flush and a small button for a normal flush. I was tempted to get a permanent marker and write #1 and #2 on them.
I've never seen 2 flush options before! that is great!
Posted by: apples on a stick | December 12, 2007 at 09:21 AM
So glad you had a good time. Hey after your husband drinks that stuff, he will see 3 of you. What every man dreams of or dreads! LOL
Glad your home safe.
Posted by: dona | December 12, 2007 at 10:29 AM
I ency you the absinthe...not because I want to drink all of it, but because I love it's nickname "The Green Fairy" and have always wanted to smell and taste just a sip of the real stuff.
Posted by: Laura | December 12, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Glad you had fun! The pictures are really quaint.
Thanks for sharing with us, especially the toilet.
Rosemary
Posted by: Rosemaryr | December 12, 2007 at 02:54 PM
Glad you had a good time - it looks lovely. Toilet made me laugh lots! I've always fancied trying Absinthe - it sounds like a real experience!
Cathy XX
Posted by: pinkgreen | December 12, 2007 at 04:04 PM
Great photos - and haul! We are hoping to get over there soon with our kids.... (hubby is Germna)
Posted by: Joy | December 14, 2007 at 08:46 AM
Someone recently told me absinthe is legal now in the U.S.--they had absinthe cocktails in New Orleans...so maybe it wasn't as contraband as you thought!
Posted by: Christine | January 02, 2008 at 05:08 PM