Day 18 - Airport Security and Mike & Jane Without a Tourguide

We were up early, picked up Mike and headed for Frankfurt and the airport. Along the Autobahn I continued to count castles until I lost count.

I was able to print out my ticket at an internet cafe a few days before, so I was expecting the cruise through, but there was a hitch - my bag was too heavy! All that chocolate, I suppose. The attendant was kind enough to allow Jane and me to go behind the counter and nearly empty my big bag into my carry-on. We made an absolute mess.

Kissed Jane & Mike goodbye and proceeded through security...over, and over, and over. It's really annoying - you go through security, having your bags checked and going through the metal detector, then walk 20 feet and do it again! At any rate, my flight left on time and was perfectly fine.

Here's the scoop from Jane in an e-mail she sent after I left:

"Too bad the plane was packed, but at least you had a good flight. I hope you hit the chili stand before the flight. OH! How did the repacking your suitcase go? I was worried about you!

I got back to the car with 1 minute to spare. And within 2 minutes, a meter maid was walked up and poised her pen above her pad of tickets and waited for me to leave. FFS.

We went to Schloss Auerbach, which we passed on the way to the airport. Very cool. We did climb one tower which was only about 1 flight up. Then we drove to a nearby village and shared 2 salads, Mike had a large beer and I had an Apfelschorle. Then we went back to Heidelberg and it turns out stores (mostly souvenir) were open. Mike got a bottle of wine at an open store and had Fergus put it in the fridge for him. We went in and out of shops, then got a newspaper, sat at an outdoor restaurant and played Quiddler and (of course) had beer. We each had one. Walked around more, bumping into each other like a couple of zombies without their tour guide, then went to another outdoor restaurant and had a beer. Then at Mike's suggestion, walked down by the water. We could have gone to the funicular but I was tired.

Got Thai carry-out at the same place we 3 ate and went back to Mike's room. Shared an appetizer and main course. I fell asleep during True Lies (TAFS).

At 8:30 I went home. I gave him my cell phone last night, have not heard from him yet but it is only 9:30. Tonight we are either going to Schwetzingen to play Kick the Goose, or going to Heidelberg and up the funicular. Will keep you posted.

I MISS YOU ALREADY! In fact, I started missing you as soon as I left you. The ghetto just isn't the same without you. (And your being here just made me realize how really lonely I am up here.)

I cannot wait till Schwesterfest 2008 - Return to Prague!"