Trams, Ski Lifts, and Boats

Last Sunday, we ventured to Rudesheim, a small winemaking town on the Rhine river.  For our first day trip, we sought a close destination - a 40 minute drive from Frankfurt.  Although the town boasts a tram and a river boat ride, Google lacked directions to either attraction.  We relied on our GPS and instincts to guide us.  We arrived, found a parking lot - Dave squeezed the mini-van into the tiny European space - and figured out the German parking meters.  We left the lot hoping to run into a tram.

We quickly found the TI - the tourist information place where guides point out the best sites to visit and provide brochures for the town.  I had read about these shops in Rick Steve's books and apparently, almost every town has one.   Our guide sold us tickets for a tram ride up the mountain side, followed by a ski lift down to the next town, and finally a boat ride back to Rudisheim.

We sat by the river at a cafe and enjoyed amazing cappuccino and chocolate croissants before heading to the tram.  The whole scene felt surreal.

I lack the skills to capture the breathtaking views.

Owen wanted to know when we could pick the grapes.

A two hour walk and a visit to castle ruins led us to the ski lift.  As we waited in line, Dave and I wondered how the 40lb double stroller would make it down the mountain.  Once we reached the front, we wondered how WE would make it down the mountain.  The lift seat consisted of a bench with no straps.  I envisioned Emily and Owen sliding right off the chair.  Every time Owen turned around to wave at Emily and I,  I said a prayer.

We ended the day with ice cream sundays in the boat, and a few pictures of Emily's new German hairdo.