Ascot Htl Stuttgart Ditzingen

We stayed in town this weekend, figured we'd catch Stuttgart's version of Oktoberfest (the second largest in Germany) before it ended. And by now, we know how to buy a day ticket from the bus driver and get ourselves around town. We're probably slaughtering everything we say, but we're starting to be understood and at least get what we need. Frau Montes made sure we learned to say please and thank you every time, excuse me helps too . . .
Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany wilwayco

... und die Geduld, um mir Teilzeittourist ihre Heimatstadt zu zeigen. Total überwältig war ich allerdings am Wartberg, als wir die abendliche Aussicht über Heilbronn genießen konnten. Nach der hochinteressanten abendlichen Stadtrundfahrt gab es für mich einen Gaumenschmaus mit traditionellen schwäbsichen Spezialitäten. Und eines habe ich an diesem Abend hinzugelernt: Spätzle schmecken nirgendwo besser als im Schwoobeländle, heiligs Blechle.

... the first night but had to leave since it was the site of Stuttgarts Oktoberfest. We got a hotel room outside of town and decided to enjoy a lil more Oktoberfestivities! This time we didn't join a beer tent but decided to eat our way around. We got Sausuage in a currysauce, Beavertail Pizza, Corn on the Cob and Smoked Salmon sandwiches. It was fun since everything had a twist to it ...

... walked through the door.

Today, we felt the need to really figure out the trains and take "scenic" routes. The Stuttgart airport is just 20 min away by train, good to know. Plus, I felt empowered because I ordered in German and got what I wanted at a bakery without holding up the line, success! More on our eating adventures later . . . Well a quick note on how Jon is a cheater. He hasn't had to order much. Part of that's not ...

... of the Mercedesturm to get a nice view of the city, for free!

On our drive back we spotted a castle ruin high above the autobahn and tried to find it. We climbed up a steep and winding hill through wine fields to the castle gates, which were locked. A sign posted on the gates stated that the castle is private property and trespassers will be fined. Unfortunately this is the only thing I took pictures of from our entire trip.

Caught a night train from Vienna and arrived in Stuttgardt in the morning. Had a great day wandering and seeing the sights. Yet another map from yet another tourist info place. More statues and old buildings (Boring right? Not by a long shot). Still walking around wide-eyed like kids at Disneyland.

... before finally finding a taxi and heading home. At least I had company though. For the past few days, everyone looked forward to the Spain-Germany final game. I rushed home from the Rhine Valley to get to Public Viewing on time. Unfortunately, the outcome was less exciting. It was the exact opposite of the last game. We started out down 1-0 and never played well enough to recover. There was a bit of a party after, but most people were disappointed ...

... rides and huge beer halls. With tons of people drinking and having a great time with a mix of traditional German and newer music. In 2007 I went twice in one week, the first time was with Marissa, Gina, and Carlos and the second time I went with Jen.

... 30Kuna each (about 4Euro). We discovered on arrival that the beaches were nudist beaches, with a lot of older people who really should be wearing something.......doesn't matter we found an out of the way corner with noone else around and had a good relax and swim. Going home with old croatian ladies also became a habit. We didn't need to book accomodation here, we just hop of the bus or ferry and there are people waiting there with signs saying 'Sobe ...

... exiting the autobahn I got the finger again, but from someone else! The exit had two lanes. Most people stay on the right lane of the autobahn and then cross the solid white line into the left lane of the exit ramp. I had been doing it, I have seen other people doing it, it was very common. One day I crossed the white line in front of the wrong person. After committing my mistake the white utility vehicle behind me honked his horn. I looked into my ...