We drove back to Marburg for what was to be our last evening there. Harald drove Jeff and I back to Manuela's apartment. Are plans were to all meet again for dinner at 7:00 at a restaurant in town. As we were driving into town, Jeff and I noticed the large stone watchtower high on the hill behind Manuela's place.
So, when we arrived, I asked how difficult it would be to hike up there before dinner. Manuela said it was not hard, as there was a hiking trail nearby that goes there. She also offered to lead us there. Sounds great, let's go! But first, Manuela had to put her apple strudel in the oven. Apple strudel? That sounds very good! Fortunately, Philipp was home and would be able to watch the oven while it was baking.
So, Manuela lead us out the back door of her apartment and up the back street toward the hill. The steep road soon ended at the base of the woods where a wide trail began. This was apparently part of a park. Well, the hike was taking longer than I expected and I was wondering out loud whether this was such a good idea or not. I tried to keep the complaining to a to a minimum, but it was hard. Finally, we reached the top and looked up at the base of the tower.
We could only walk up one level on the outside of the tower. The door to go inside was locked. We stood and watched the sun set over the next hill while we caught our breath. On the opposite ridge was the castle we had been in a couple of days before. The view was fantastic! Too bad we didn't have much time to enjoy it. We had to start back down if we wanted to make it to dinner on time.
When we got back to Manuela's place, the strudel was done. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to have any. We had to meet the others at the Altes Brauhaus for dinner. Philipp stayed behind as we started off on foot into town.
It had gotten very dark as Manuela led us down a shortcut though the university. At one point, it was so dark I could barely see where we were going. Manuela was surprised when I told her how unsafe it would be to walk in the dark streets of the towns back home. I guess the crime rate is low in Marburg.
After about a 15 minute walk, we arrive at the restaurant. It's a classic, half-timber building. It looks even better at night, as it is decorated in an array of lights. We went in and joined the others who were already seated at a table.
Altes Brauhaus
The food was very good. I got another meal with some terrific sauerkraut! Sauerkraut has quickly become a favorite of mine.
Altes Brauhaus staff in traditional attire
After we finished eating dinner and before we left, Marty presented Cäsar with a gift. It was a pair of books about Longwood Gardens. Marty picked out the books as a gift before we left on the trip and before he knew who he would be staying with. As it turned out, it couldn't have been more perfect for Cäsar, given his love for gardening. Cäsar was overcome with emotion as he examined his gifts. It was a very touching moment.
As we left the restaurant, we gathered on the front steps for a group shot.
Someone had the idea of going to one last place before we called it a night. After some discussion, we followed Harald up a couple more blocks until we came to a small college bar called Quadlibet.
Quadlibet was a crowded and smoky bar. The atmosphere reminded me a little bit of the Deer Park Tavern in Newark.
We found ourselves a section near the bar to invade. It was a good spot because we were able to get quick service.
We had several more beers there. I hope somebody can remember what we had!
We stayed rather late. None of us wanted the night to end because that meant saying goodbye! In just a few short days we made great friends with some wonderful people in Marburg! I know we will never forget them! Alas it was late, so we said our goodbyes and headed home for the night.
Next, Hello Cologne!
