The first photo shows the spiral staircase - my toe and purse handle appear at the bottom. The photo on the right is the amazing view from 161 meters (500 feet appx) atop the world's tallest church tower.
Friday 6-17-2011
The city of Ulm and the tallest church tower was today's destination, over 750 steps, most of which were in a spiral staircase. I had a case of the dizzies several times, but made it to the top for an incredible view. The landscape, dotted with villages,fields, and green rolling hills was amazing to see from 160 meters high. Ulm's city center was large and open with many inviting shops. We ate our sandwiches along the way and headed to the waterskiing park. This is quite different than skiing at Enemy Swim. There was a cable about 20 feet high that circled the perimeter of the lake, attached to steel platforms at each end. It was sort of like a ski tow rope. There was a platform on the dock and a fellow was manning the ropes. When you were ready, he gave the green light, handed you the rope, and you waited for the tow rope to take off. The kids all did well. Tyler and Alexa both agreed it was challenging because it didn't go as fast as they are accustomed to behind a boat, so it was a bit sluggish in the water. Still great fun though. The only problem is if you fall anywhere along the way, you have to swim to shore and walk around the lake back to the dock. Luckily when our kids dumped it, they were quite close to the dock. There was a great patio with umbrellas, and the grown-ups just enjoyed snapping pictures and watching the kids. Back at home, we were invited to another Friendship Club family, Norbert and Sorg's home for a barbeque. Prior to that I went to choir practice with Claudia. I sat with the altos and did my best to follow The Lord's Prayer which was in German. They also sang a piece from The Lion King and a song from the musical Cats, the last two in English. It was just another peek into a typical day for Claudia. I enjoyed myself. On our way to the barbeque, we took a slight detour to see a church that Claudia thought I'd like and we walked through a garden area with a labyrinth made of hedges. There was a wooded passageway, with leaves and branches intertwined to create a green archway. Lovely peace and beauty here. Claudia is such a terrific hostess, so willing to go out of her way to show me little treasures. Arriving a tad late for the barbeque was fine. We arrived just ahead of the rain, so the gathering was moved indoors. Another beautiful modern home with such friendly hosts. A few glasses of great wine and some decadent chocolates made my night. The students were heading to the disco, which made me nervous. But those under 18 must leave the disco promptly at midnight, and Sandra was heading over to pick up the kids a bit before 12. Claudia and I said our goodbyes as well and Adrian was home just shortly after us with a good report, no student incidents. Another sigh of relief, I have been so pleased, all the students have been terrific, showing respect, proper manners, and kindness. So far, so good!
The city of Ulm and the tallest church tower was today's destination, over 750 steps, most of which were in a spiral staircase. I had a case of the dizzies several times, but made it to the top for an incredible view. The landscape, dotted with villages,fields, and green rolling hills was amazing to see from 160 meters high. Ulm's city center was large and open with many inviting shops. We ate our sandwiches along the way and headed to the waterskiing park. This is quite different than skiing at Enemy Swim. There was a cable about 20 feet high that circled the perimeter of the lake, attached to steel platforms at each end. It was sort of like a ski tow rope. There was a platform on the dock and a fellow was manning the ropes. When you were ready, he gave the green light, handed you the rope, and you waited for the tow rope to take off. The kids all did well. Tyler and Alexa both agreed it was challenging because it didn't go as fast as they are accustomed to behind a boat, so it was a bit sluggish in the water. Still great fun though. The only problem is if you fall anywhere along the way, you have to swim to shore and walk around the lake back to the dock. Luckily when our kids dumped it, they were quite close to the dock. There was a great patio with umbrellas, and the grown-ups just enjoyed snapping pictures and watching the kids. Back at home, we were invited to another Friendship Club family, Norbert and Sorg's home for a barbeque. Prior to that I went to choir practice with Claudia. I sat with the altos and did my best to follow The Lord's Prayer which was in German. They also sang a piece from The Lion King and a song from the musical Cats, the last two in English. It was just another peek into a typical day for Claudia. I enjoyed myself. On our way to the barbeque, we took a slight detour to see a church that Claudia thought I'd like and we walked through a garden area with a labyrinth made of hedges. There was a wooded passageway, with leaves and branches intertwined to create a green archway. Lovely peace and beauty here. Claudia is such a terrific hostess, so willing to go out of her way to show me little treasures. Arriving a tad late for the barbeque was fine. We arrived just ahead of the rain, so the gathering was moved indoors. Another beautiful modern home with such friendly hosts. A few glasses of great wine and some decadent chocolates made my night. The students were heading to the disco, which made me nervous. But those under 18 must leave the disco promptly at midnight, and Sandra was heading over to pick up the kids a bit before 12. Claudia and I said our goodbyes as well and Adrian was home just shortly after us with a good report, no student incidents. Another sigh of relief, I have been so pleased, all the students have been terrific, showing respect, proper manners, and kindness. So far, so good!
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