Heidelberg and Back To School

We made a short trip (1hour and 10 minutes from our home) to Heidelberg this past Saturday. It was a busy, bustling place compared to where we live. I love how our villages are small and quiet. We are considered living in the countryside of Germany. Tractors on the roads are a daily occurance in our villages. Heidelberg was filled with people, traffic, and bikes. We enjoyed the castle and scenery though.  Can you tell we are traveling with kids? Yes another castle. This is the third one we have explored. We try to pick places the kids will enjoy, and there are hundreds of old castles here in Germany.

The castle was built in the 13th century. It was a defending castle originally. It was destroyed twice in 2 different wars (not the world wars) and the third time by lightening, where it then burned for several days. We took a tour and learned some great history and facts. One of the family owners began to eventually turn the castle into a palace. And now it is quite the site. The beautiful Neckar River runs through the town of Heidelberg too. Parking was scarce and tiny. Good thing Steve is an amazing driver. Smart cars were made for cities like Heidelberg.

 

This is one of the castle owners and an original statue. The lion represented the family. Heidelberg is very picturesque. A beautiful city indeed.

The kids started school. They are each in their own buildings. There are mass amounts of kids here and it is a little crazy. Nevertheless the teachers seem great and the principals seem to know what they are doing. There are about 62 buses that arrive in front of the elementary (K-2nd) school. The older kids then walk on the walkway to their schools.

Kate was ready to go Monday morning. School starts at 8AM for them all.  It ends at 2:50PM. 

Steve received his hospital privileges and his credentials are all in order finally. He began work today. Our express shipment is here and will be delivered Monday. We are so excited about that. It will feel like Christmas when everything finally arrives. I miss our things so much. Living in temporary housing just doesn't feel like home. Can't wait to get settled.