Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland. Wednesday, 25th May 2022.
Got out of bed at 06:00 after a good sleep. Was wondering what transport ticket to buy for the day, so as to cover tomorrow's ride to the airport as well. Finally settled on the Hessen ticket (Euro 36/- for two adults) that allowed us unlimited travel on all regional trains and buses within the state of Hesse, till 05:00 tomorrow; offered by Deutsche Bahn (DB). I took this decision with an eye on a possible trip to Rudesheim am Rhein, another petite village on the banks of the beautiful Rhine; on my bucket list for long.
Set off from Hotel Holiday Inn Express, Raunheim; at 09:45 or so, after breakfast. A lovely walk along the clean, beautiful road running almost parallel to the railway line and along which we had driven to our hotel last night. Once again, admired the setting and upkeep of these small German towns and suburbs.
Caught a regional express to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof. The station building was very impressive - a huge, clean version of Mumbai's Victoria Terminus station. Exited the station but found the area outside the station not much to our liking - it seemed crowded and offered a view of skyscrapers in the distance. We decided to give the city a miss and head out to Rudesheim am Rhein!
Had to while away the time till 11:53 (it was 10:45 then), the scheduled departure of the next direct train to Rudesheim. Explored the area around the station and returned to the Hauptbahnhof, to platform no. 23 where a clean, bright rake was waiting. It was indeed the 11:53! The doors of the carriage were opened at 11:45 or s0 and we found very good seats in the coach's spic-n-span interior. The journey of a little over an hour was enjoyable, as train journeys in Europe always are.
A little before Rudesheim, we got our first glimpse of the Rhein, after a gap of seventeen days! As we neared the village, the scene changed dramatically, with the broad river coming close to us on our left; and vineyards with churches and castles stretching far to our right, on hills. I also caught sight of a nunnery/convent on a slope, amidst the vineyards. I recalled having seen this in a documentary on the Rhine, on YouTube. At least, I think it is the same!
Rudesheim am Rhein - to give it its full name - is a petite village with a small station building facing the river. On the opposite bank of the broad river are lovely houses interspersed in the abundant greenery. After the train had departed, I lingered on platform no. 1 for a picture of the vineyards that gave a superb backdrop to the station building. A security personnel, at the end of the platform, gave a yell and was waving at us to come back! I wanted to wait and get a proper picture but Urmila advised me against ignoring the security guy. While exiting the platform, I told the fellow that I had wanted only a picture; he said that though he had understood my purpose, it was dangerous to linger on the platform, as fast freight trains passed by frequently. It made sense!
Out of the station building, we turned right and walked a few yards to the main road. Crossed the railway tracks and caught a side path, close to the river. The scene was fantastic! Breath-taking! Unbelievable! We had arrived at yet another gem of Deutschland! As we strolled along, marvelling at everything in sight in the bright sunshine and the refreshing breeze, we came to another crossing. The side path ended there, hence we crossed the tracks again and were on the main road. We continued our stroll. We were soon in what seemed like the main part of the charming village, with a row of robust yet cute buildings housing shops and restaurants with outdoor seating, arranged in a neat row. The scene was prettily picturesque, to say the least!
Lunched at an attractive restaurant at the road front, on half fried chicken with fries, bacardi white; and cappuccino. The portion of the chicken was huge and since Urmila ate only the fries, a little chicken had to be wasted. Sorry!
A prominent sign 'Drosselgasse' was right next to the restaurant. The Drosselgasse is a narrow, cobbled street, flanked by colourfully decorated shops, restaurants, pubs and taverns, with stylishly shaped and delectably designed signages, on either side! We strolled along this dulcetly divine lane, stopping now and then to enter an inviting shop! A lot of tourists were around, adding colour to the already colourful ambience. Finally ended up purchasing fridge magnets and maps of the Rhine. We then continued the ascent. This brought us to a 'T' junction. The road perpendicular to Dosselgrasse was equally enchanting! In addition to hosting interesting shops and restaurants, the cobbled road also offered a clear view of the vineyards in the background.
We went up a gentle slope that began at a very attractive house designed in the typically German half-timbered fashion, to where the village ended and returned by the same route, once again gawking at the delights that this extremely pretty village had on offer!
Back on to the main road, facing the Rhine. To the railway station, clicking away. There was still some time for our train back to Frankfurt, so waited at the small waiting room of the station. No one was allowed to go onto the platform, until five minutes before the departure of a train. Urmila started a conversation with an old lady who happened to belong to the US. Her nephew joined us later. We spoke abut India, US and Europe. There were three minutes left for our train and the door to the platform was still shut! Finally, a railway employee arrived in a hurry and opened the door, just as the train arrived and halted.
Travelled comfortably till Mainz Castell. Got a connection - S8 - from there, to Raunheim. The pleasant walk of the morning was repeated, this time in the opposite direction, towards our hotel. Reached the hotel at 17:25 or so. A great day!
Entered our room only to find that it had not been cleaned! Called up reception and informed the lady. She apologised and said that the housekeeping staff had missed doing so. We went down to the lobby which also had the restaurant; and Urmila personally spoke to the lady. The lady explained that when we had checked in, we should have been asked whether we wanted the room cleaned daily. We clearly said that we had been asked nothing of the sort! She apologised once again and said that the manager would be informed of this. Good! Later, we had a nice conversation with her. She was a Bangladeshi and spoke fairly good Hindi. Then, back to our room to change. Came down again at 19:00 hrs and were ready to order a snack, for dinner. There being hardly any choice, we settled for Pizza and garlic bread. Draft beer and cappuccino were mandatory, of course!
Both the snack items were too much to be finished off by two people nearing sixty, so a little had to be wasted. For the second time today! Sorry!
After dinner, we once again conversed with the friendly lady at the reception and she said she hoped to see us again soon. During the conversation, she gave us some very disappointing news - the Netto Marken-Discount store would be closed tomorrow, on account of some 'day'! Blow! Now we'll have to settle for whatever we get at the duty-free!
Called up Ahmadji and booked the taxi for 10:00 am tomorrow.
