Heidelberg

After having put it off for eons because of myriad reasons, finally, last Saturday, we rose nice and early and set off to explore Heidelberg. This pretty, little town in the state of Baden-Württemberg in Germany, is the very epitome of picturesqueness! As we walked along a bank of the Neckar, taking in the sights and sounds of the beauty that seemed to permeate everywhere, I swear I've not anytime recently felt so in love with nature! There were children running around; people lazing on the bank, soaking up all the sun (I can never understand that!); kites being flown; ducks waddling in the water; students studying; artists painting; the works!

The long walk along the bank of the river leads to the castle, for which Heidelberg is chiefly known and flocked to. The castle itself is in ruins, but one look at it reveals the magnificient and opulent structure that it once was. A huge wine cellar (housing an enormous, enormous barrel), an ancient apothecary and the castle gardens are open to the public and are worth a visit.

After having trudged all along the river bank and up a steep slope to reach the castle, we had a nice lunch at a tiny Persian place (the dishes were called Dschudsche and Sereshkpolo).

We also met up with a couple friends and decided to go on a paddle boat. We exercised those legs on the Neckar and I must say it was the best workout ever!

Although it's considered to be a very touristy town and the castle is not thought to be any great shakes, I was pleasantly surprised by the beauty of the whole place. The walk was definitely the best part of the trip and I'd go there again anytime, without batting an eyelid!