The castle, up on mountain above Heidelberg, gives the city its famous charm. We take a tram up the mountain to the castle.
Grace looks out on the Nekkar River from Heidelberg Castle.
Heidelberg was the seat of various Prince Electors (electors are those that elect or decide who will be king). It was also the seat of several kings, including one (whose name escapes me at the minute) who married Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scott's daughter. I guess they were very much in love and had about 13 children. Unfortunately, the king's love for Elizabeth was so very strong that he completely redesigned the castle to make lots of gardens for his wife. Accordingly, the castle lost its fortified defenses and was mostly destroyed during the 30 Years War.
We take a tour of the castle. I really like learning about German/European history as I realize how little I really know. One of the sites to see at the castle (partially stored now) is largest wine cask the world. It hold thousands if gallons of wine. The king was paid taxes by the peasants in wine. It was all dumped in this huge (almost 2 stories tall) wooden wine cask. The wine was then pumped upstairs to the banquet hall and so as to easily serve to royal guests. The king himself drank better wine.
We buy some bread, cheese, lunchmeat and cherries at a groceres and have a picnic lunch under the old bridge. It is cool in the shade next to the river.
Tonight we attend the Women's World Cup playoff game for 3rd and 4th place between Sweden and France. It is strange to go to a game without the US playing. We have been lucky..I bought the tickets blind the night they went on sale and 3 of our 4 games have been the US. Although it is a good and close game between France and Sweden, it is not as exciting as when your own US team is playing. But the Sinsheim soccer arena outside of Heidelberg is sold out and it is great to see everyone so enthusiastic about women's soccer. Although France loses, they play great soccer and they have created a much better future for women's soccer in France. To put things in perspective, I read that the US has 2.5 million FIFA registered soccer players and France has only 50,000.
-Mom, Coach and Tour Guide
Location:Heidelberg, Germany
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