Regensburg - Frankfurt

Our train for Frankfurt didn't leave until 1430, so we packed, asked for late checkout, and walked down to the Dult. We figured we'd seen it go up, so we might as well see the finished product. It turned out to be more than an amusement park. There are vendors selling dishes, kitchen implements, spices, even a hunting/military place. At least, I think that's what it was--I took a picture of a fluffy camo outfit that made me laugh.

And there was lots of beer. Including a Bier Himmel and a Bier Garten, right next to each other. What the difference is between a Beer Heaven and a Beer Garden is, I don't know. Other than the Himmel was much larger. There aren't the same restrictions on alcohol here that there are in the U.S. It's sold everywhere, even in convenience stores, and you can drink on the streets. The beer gardens are social gathering places, always with groups of people talking and laughing. Never saw anyone drunk, and saw lots of people enjoying themselves. The same was true at the Dult. Many families, all ages. Everyone appeared to be having a great time.

One thing we've noticed is that the traditional Bavarian dress of lederhosen and dirndl skirts is commonly worn as everyday dress, not special. Men young and old wear the lederhosen, which appear to be very practical. The dress for women can vary from simple cotton to fancier fabrics, but they look very comfortable. We also saw young women in a more feminine style of lederhosen, shorter and made of different kinds of leather.

We of course had to check out the Ferris wheel, since we'd seen it being set up. It wasn't rattling or anything, which was a comfort (g). The gondolas are different than I'm used to--not just a chair, but enclosed, and very prettily painted.

There was a Ghost House Ride, complete with vampires and zombies. No Zombie Apocalypse, though, dang. A very garishly painted house rocked from side to side. And then there is the Flip Fling. Oh. My. Gawd. The riders are strapped into a chair that rocks back and forth. The chairs are in clusters that spin around a hub. All that is on a pole that goes in a vertical circle. So basically riders are spinning in three directions. Three. Spinning constantly. And fast. AND they're upside down at one point. I couldn't get a good picture, but trust me, it looks absolutely terrifying. You would need a strong stomach and an up-to-date will to ride that thing.

We even saw a parade! Marching umpah bands, people in traditional costume, dancers, the works. Very fun.

The last picture is something you see everywhere--the running figure marks the exits. I saw it years ago in someting, put a print of it up on my bulletin board at work. It definitely gets the point across--and it makes me laugh.

Then the ICE (fast train) to Frankfurt. Tomorrow the airport and home.