Ladenburg, Germany

Greg's mother (Ann aka Nana) and brother (Joel) are currently in town visiting for the holidays. Today we got a late start and as a result, decided to do some sightseeing close to Heidelberg.  We handed a list of day-trips (obtained from the local USO office) to Ann and put her in charge of that day's activities.  She chose to see the town of Ladenburg which is located only about 25 minutes north of us. We left home at the leisurely hour of 12:30pm and arrived in Ladenburg a short time later.  We had no idea what to expect and were impressed with this sleepy little town.  Unfortunately, the weather was not cooperating and it rained practically the entire time we were there, but that did not take away from the town's charm.  The town is comprised of old stone streets and colorful half-timbered buildings. The downtown is practically a maze, with lots of twists and turns among its very tight streets.  Filled with history that dates waaaaay back, this town is the site of a 1st century Roman settlement.  Germany seems to be filled with hidden gems such as this one!

The family in the Ladenburg square (where the Weihnachtsmarkt was being held).

The girls stumbled upon this "wishing well" and begged to have their picture made with it.

Nana and the girls try to stay warm and dry.

We went in search of a famous landmark in this town called the Witches Tower (Hexenturm).  Walking down the street, we thought that this tower could be the one we were looking for, so we stopped to take a picture.  After we walked through the gate, we asked some locals who confirmed that we should not be guiding ourselves.  This is, in fact, Martintor (St. Martin gate tower).  It is the only one of the fortified gatehouses that is still there. It was named after Saint Martin, whose image is depicted on the outward side above the gate.  Part of the wall that used to surround the city is still attached to this gate.  Further down, houses are actually built into the wall. 

In front of the gate of Martinstor.

After we walked through Martinstor and rounded the corner, we found what we were originally looking for and stopped for another picture.  The Witches Tower was built around 1200 as a watch tower, but was later used as a prison for "witches"or women who were thought to be witches.

Joel and the girls in front of the Witches Tower.

Joel and the girls try out this playground in front of the Witches Tower.

Turns out that Ladenburg is where Karl Benz (of Mercedes-Benz) lived.  There was a great museum there and we got to see some pretty cool cars!

The girls in the first car ever (and it's not a Ford!).  The 1886 Mercedes Benz.

 The girls run into a shady, barely put-together Santa at the Benz museum.  He had a sack of goodies, so all was good!

The girls next to a 1926 Mercedes-Benz!

Taryn in front of a 1893 Mercedes-Benz.

The running joke of the day came at Ann (Nana's) expense.  At lunch, she commented how she had not seen a single Mercedes since she had been to Germany (excluding the ones in the museum).  What???  How can this be!  We assured her that she was wrong and that there were a lot of Mercedes here.  She insisted that there wasn't.  So we left the restaurant and were able to quickly and easily spot no less than 7 Mercedes in a two block radius.  For the rest of the day, Nana had to hear "look Nana, a Mercedes!".  To her defense, the models are different than what we are used to seeing back home.  However, all the cabs are Mercedes as well as many commercial trucks.   How could she miss them??They stand out to her now!

On our way out of town, we found the Weihnachtsmarkt to be crowded and pretty lively.  So, we stopped in for some Glühwein and some bratwurst.  It was a good time (rain and all)!

 Enjoying the Weihnachtsmarkt in the town square.

The girls stay dry for a while by decorating Christmas cookies in the Kinderhaus.