Castle Frankenstein

Nothing helps better against the jet lag after a 12 hour flight than a little exercise and outdoor activities. So a little light rain didn't stop us from a walk to castle Frankenstein. Its at the outskirts of Darmstadt a 30 minute drive north of Heidelberg. It's not clear if the author of the famous novel picked up the name when they were visiting nearby.

The walk from the parking lot took about an hour

It was damp and cold so a warm soup at the kiosk was welcome

There was not too much to see in the inside

 
At least there was a tower to climb

With an restaurant attached an old chapel turned into a wedding chapel it seems to be a popular place for weddings with extra parking spots reserved for groom and bride - a one hour hike through the woods would not be too attractive

We brought back some local beer as a souvenir

Last Days of Shanghai Visit

Because Mia's cousin was in school his mother thought she should take us to the new Disney Land at the outskirts of Shanghai.
Mia was a bit disappointed though when we didn't go in and just had a look from the outside.

We only took a look at an American style outdoor shopping mall where the buildings had some Chinese touches. 

The two interesting stores for Mia were the Lego store and one with wooden toys. 

After a dinner at a dumpling restaurant we found and liked during our last visit in 2016 we went to  Ji's parents neighborhood on our last full day in Shanghai.

Mia took some pictures of the alley cats there - which she already liked on her first visit there in 2010

She also noticed signs whth an interesting  English translation

Since it was raining she tried out a few things at the Decathlon sporting goods store across the street
Hula Hoops

Wave Board

Skate board

Shanghai Zoo

We started the new year with a visit to the Shanghai zoo. Luckily it was a nit sunny and since the area is really big it was only crowded at the first few exhibitions

We had been at the zoo once in the summer of 2012 when it was really hot and Mia and her cousin were four and three and a half. Without the heat it was much more fun.
Mia took many pictures with here own camera

Feeding the goats with carrots and salad was a big hit

So was the cotton candy

The two also enjoyed some of the rides that were offered at two or three places

 

The  next day Mia's cousin had to go back to school so it was great they could spend the day together