Tuesday, 27 June. Offenburg to Kirchheim unter Teck

Said goodbye to my lovely apartment in Offenburg and set off for the station, allowing plenty of time as I had luggage this time. The morning was pleasantly cool and before I knew it I was sitting on Platform 3 with an hour until the train was due. I’d perhaps allowed a bit too long but I didn’t mind the wait as it’s so much better than running late.

Heaps of people arrived just before the train and it was a bit of a bun fight getting on. Someone was sitting in my allocated seat but rather than make him move I grabbed a vacant seat nearby. My journey on this train was only half an hour, to Karlsruhe. This first train was an ICE, the really fast long distance train.

I was ready at the door as the train pulled in to Karlsruhe because I only had 8 minutes to change platforms and get on the next train. No lifts or lovely young men unfortunately so I dragged my case down the stairs and up more stairs onto the next platform. The train, an IC (inter city), was waiting by the platform so I raced down to my carriage and scrambled on, gasping. This was a two level train and a man, who saw me scramble on, kindly helped me down the few steps to the lower level, where my seat was right there by the steps. I think I made it with less than 2 minutes to spare. This was a really nice uncrowded train so I enjoyed my hour long journey to Stuttgart Untertürkheim. 

Some confusion when I got off because I had expected the main station, however after a couple more staircases I was pointed in the right direction to a platform with a lift. There was no rush here as I had a 30 minute wait. Eventually I was on the train to Kirchheim, the last station on that line, and there to meet me were Sally and Lott. Fantastic to be met and to reunite with two lovely people.

Lott drove us to my apartment where we were met by the lady with the keys. She gave us a quick tour and departed. I dumped my belongings and then we were off to Neidlingen. Lott dropped us at Sally, Joe and Laura’s hotel where we had a very welcome cuppa.

A little later Alex picked us up and took us to his and Lott’s place. They live in a lovely apartment a floor above Lott’s sister and brother-in-law, in a house built by Lott’s grandfather. They have a gorgeous view of the surrounding hills. We saw lots of paragliders who apparently take off from a cliff nearby.

Spent a lovely afternoon and evening with Lott’s lovely family and was introduced to a Schwabian dish, Maultaschen, for dinner. Alex and Joe brought me home and after a bit of a wrestle with the door we were in. It’s been a big day but so lovely to finally be here with friends and looking forward to the wedding.

And happy birthday Jenny Mc!!!