Lahr Part 1

While bragging about sunny days we had a day of rain in-between, I had to laugh. We went to a big box store called Zoo Burkart. I have been before to get Lexi's food but never really toured the store like this time. There are many small animals for sale e.g. rabbits, gerbils, mice some with stripes, birds and fish of many kinds and colours. They also sell equestrian stuff. Quite the place! I really liked watching the rabbits, they crawl all over each other even though there is room enough for everyone in the cages.

I'm putting this in two posts because I couldn't edit enough on the pictures, too various and interesting in my opinion. Plus my internet connection keeps bouncing like a yo-yo.  So look for Part 2 also but I'll send another note...

Went to Lahr via train about 35 minutes north of Freiburg. Fall clours on the hills were wonderful. Took the bus into town, glad I planned it a bit this time, walking would have been impossible. Down to the old town where there is a chrysanthemum show all over town! And, yes, we knew about it...

Absolutely beautiful and I took so many pictures of the sculptures and arches. Everyone had a camera out and so I also captured people unintentionally but if you waited for a clear shot you'd be there until sundown!

There were displays coming out of windows, on lamp posts, up the sides of buildings ... It seemed like every square inch was used, only giving enough room for people to walk around. Most of the plants were growing in gunny sacks so they could be secured easily. There were sculptures too, one of a ballerina, a kaleidoscope, an artist, all on wooden carts, my guess is so they could be put away at night.

Many shops had sellers in the streets outside their businesses with samples of products like tea, marmalade made with chrysanthemums, of course, and muesli etc. They are really using the advantage of so many tourists in town.

There were walking tours led by red robed guides. They also had one of those mini-bus trains but we didn't take it. Had a yummy lunch of panini and salad and watched the tours go by. A bit off the beaten track so it was reasonable and very good. The festival runs from October 19 to November 10th so it certainly gives a person lots of time to go to their favourite events. In the main square there is a large stage for music events with food vendors and long tables to share, typical of Germany's festivals.

I had heard of Lahr from a friend who lived there while her father was stationed there with the Armed Forces. We saw the housing, now they are used for apartments and businesses.

Back to the Mundenhof this week, our "local" zoo. It was a very windy day! I kept getting pelted with leaves that somehow missed Bruce. This baby monkey was hard to capture, it was so active and mom was protective.

Look for Lahr Part 2 coming up next.