Dan’s very loud alarm went off at 6:45, and my watch haptic also alerted me to the fact that we had to get up early today. We were both almost completely packed, so it didn’t take long to be ready.

When I saw Jan she mentioned that the time she had set for us all to get up was earlier than necessary. No problem … we can deal!

Then I went on the app to purchase our train tickets to take us to Mannheim: Greg had already purchased our seats for the Mannheim train, but we did have to get from Heidelberg to the Mannheim station. First we had to catch what I think of as a light rail train to the Heidelberg station and then a train from Heidelberg to Mannheim. Hmmm. Trains were running behind … something like thirty minutes behind, in fact. So never mind about us getting up too early. We quickly got our jackets on and grabbed luggage so we could catch an earlier ride.

We caught the rail train pretty much right after we bought our tickets. A few stops later we were at the Heidelberg train station and figured out the train we’d need to go to Mannheim. We had a bit of time to wait, but it wasn’t horribly long and it really wasn’t enough time to relax and get coffee. After maybe twenty or so minutes (I think) we got on our train. It was a bit crowded, but we didn’t have a ton of stops so we just stood.

Arriving at the Mannheim station we checked the board. Platform one was where we would board, but we had close to an hour to wait so it was time for coffee and a small bite. When we got closer to boarding we were staring at the board that shows our track. Suddenly it changed to platform two. Okay then. Off we went! After a rather short wait the train appeared and we quickly boarded. Luggage was stored above us and we were seated. Not long after that the train started moving. I was reminded that while one doesn’t have to get to a train station very early one does have to pay attention the board that lists the platform number and one can’t dilly-dally once a train arrives.

The ride itself was uneventful and easy

and then there we were …

Hello Paris!

Of course we did still need to get a car to our VRBO, but that was easy. Then we had to wait for the host to get there and open it up for us, but that, too, eventually was done. It’s a nice place, but I now know that when a place says every room has a bathroom they mean a shower or tub, but not a toilet! There are two couples upstairs and we will share the one toilet. I think we’ll deal.

Our place is called “Out of Africa” and you might see why.

After Greg, Jan, Dan, and I got situated we then got a text from Margaret and TImothy and they were here as well. Oh what fun to have them here as well! Shortly after they arrived we headed out to find something to eat: our opera tonight meant a good lunch (it was actually near 3:00 anyway) would be better than trying to do a dinner a bit later.

After that Greg, Jan, and I did grocery shopping and Timothy, Margaret, and Dan picked up some bread: we don’t plan on going out for every meal so we needed to get supplies. Getting back from our tasks we had only a bit of time before all of us minus Margaret walked to the Opera Bastille to see the first of the four Ring Cycle operas. They gave everyone a free glass of champagne, so we enjoyed that, but I confess I wasn’t always fully awake for the opera and I’m sure that the champagne didn’t help.

Prior to going inside we walked by a protest on the steps to the building (steps that are never used, apparently, even though it seems as if it should be the main entrance).

The opera itself was … well … not entirely my cuppa as far as the direction and sets were concerned, but the singing was quite good.

When we were walking back to our place another couple walked near us and heard us talking. The man was actually quite angry about the production. I’m willing to give it a chance still, but I sure wonder what’s going on in it sometimes! But whatever. Back home we walked.

When we got back in our place Margaret had cheese, bread, and more prepared for us. Thank you, Margaret! We enjoyed one another’s company until well after midnight.

And now bed calls. I doubt we’ll be up early.

Bonne nuit!