Frankfurt and Wine Region Tour

My last day in Düsseldorf was a bit hectic. I planned a farewell brunch for those who wanted to give one last "goodbye" before going on my last European adventure. I picked out a local tavern called "Locos" down the street from my colleague's place (where I was residing for the last week, so I wouldn't have to pay for the whole month of April at my old place, when I would only be there one week in April). I scoped the tavern out the day before and it seemed pretty comfy with outdoor seating, as well as convenient location and good signage on the corner of an intersection. However, my colleague Thomas and I arrived before 11am to find it opposite of comfy: too chilly to sit outside, menu overpriced, waitress kinda rude, acoustical nightmare with hardwood surfaces, furniture, and tall ceilings, complimented with a screeching espresso machine and a chattering triad of young moms. With this and the fact that we only had two other confirmed guests, we decided to relocate to Thomas' cozy apartment and make our own brunch.

After the amazing meal fresh from the bakery, I left my good friends and fellow colleagues Thomas and Martin, while Soo Jin helped carry some bags to the train station. My destination was Franfurt and the transportation involved meeting a complete stranger who had some kind of train pass, while trusting it would be valid enough to get me to Frankfurt. I wished this situation worked out the way I originally planned: search online for a driver to Frankfurt, set up a time to meet, pay $15, ride comfortably on the Autobahn. However, the deal changed and I had to brave the German Rail System. So, the officials made everyone switch trains TWICE on a nonstop ride for reasons unknown, then the pony-tailed man dressed in nothing but black with the train pass needed to exit the train one stop early, also for reasons unknown. Luckily, my good friend Cathy was willing to come the extra distance to pick me up.

Luggage and all, we spent some time looking at the very flashy and spacious new shopping center by Italian architect Massimiliano Fuksas. Besides being jealous of his cool name, I was also pretty impressed with his building: twisting envelope of glass, floating terraces and escalators, painted spotlights on the floor, and comfortably detailed handrails. It was generous to the public, offering plenty space to walk around, relax and shop. The conditions suited Cathy and I for a while until our stomachs demanded some food. We treated ourselves to some traditional Hessen food and apple wine at a tavern in the old town of Frankfurt. It was quite enjoyable.

The next day, we toured various towns around Frankfurt in the wine region, famous for Riesling. The "Kloster Eberbach" was the most fascinating visit for me: a beautiful cloister from the Middle Ages with additions built on top of each other, marking different stages of history. The pictures speak well for themselves, but seeing those old wine presses up close was really impressive. There was also a collection of artwork, sculpture and scripts made in the cloister. Unfortunately, they stopped giving out samples of the wine.