Frankfurt
Just returned from a long weekend in Frankfurt, Germany. It is becoming an annual affair. This time it was five days, and included a visit to Stuttgart. The greatest part of this visit was to collect specimens for my succulent collection. The visit definitely included the wonderful succulent collection of the Palmengarten, where I was kept quite busy with my digital, updating photos of some of their special caudiciforms. I was particularly impressed with their Uncarina collection. These Madagascar plants are truly spectacular. Probably they have the largest of its kind in any botanical garden; certainly among the gardens that I have seen, none have a collection of this size. And engaging the different species was a delight.
Stayed at simple, but adequate accommodation close to the River Main, which connected adequately with the rest of the city. Most of the time I lived on the cheaper end of the food market, avoiding fashionable restaurants. I was delighted to find a five euro pizza, and used the opportunity more than once. Indulged one evening in half a watermelon which was very cheap; I can't remember the last time I ate watermelon. Most fruits seem reasonably priced, and weere usually easily bought at the bahn stations.
One day I will do a real visit to Stuttgart, but this time it was just another day trip. A quick snack at the Haupbanhof, and then a rush visit to Wilhelma - the large botanical garden and zoo complex. Absolutely enjoyable, and certainly a childen's delight. Enough time to get a few more digital photos, especially from the surprisingly beautiful orchid collection.
Later, after getting meticulous instructions from the tourist office ( Bravo for the Germans attention to details ), I headed for Kernen to visit the famous Uhlig Kakteen nursery where I spent some money buying cacti and other succulents. Uhlig lived up to its reputation, and it was shame that I could not carry much more; but I did manage to bag my first white epiphullum. Then it was back to Frankfurt by inter-city train to continue the holiday.
Sunday started as a lazy morningI spent a couple hours in the afternoon visiting the university's Botanical Garden. Very different from the Palmengarten, and yet a very enjoyable place to relax.
You cannot fail to notice how efficient the German transport system is. Particularly impressive was the urban transist system, and at a cost which was quite reasonable. And that certainly added to the enjoyment of the holiday. The weather was superb, and most of the visit went totally according to plans. I will be going again. Maybe the next time I should head for Stuttgart.
Just returned from a long weekend in Frankfurt, Germany. It is becoming an annual affair. This time it was five days, and included a visit to Stuttgart. The greatest part of this visit was to collect specimens for my succulent collection. The visit definitely included the wonderful succulent collection of the Palmengarten, where I was kept quite busy with my digital, updating photos of some of their special caudiciforms. I was particularly impressed with their Uncarina collection. These Madagascar plants are truly spectacular. Probably they have the largest of its kind in any botanical garden; certainly among the gardens that I have seen, none have a collection of this size. And engaging the different species was a delight.
Stayed at simple, but adequate accommodation close to the River Main, which connected adequately with the rest of the city. Most of the time I lived on the cheaper end of the food market, avoiding fashionable restaurants. I was delighted to find a five euro pizza, and used the opportunity more than once. Indulged one evening in half a watermelon which was very cheap; I can't remember the last time I ate watermelon. Most fruits seem reasonably priced, and weere usually easily bought at the bahn stations.
One day I will do a real visit to Stuttgart, but this time it was just another day trip. A quick snack at the Haupbanhof, and then a rush visit to Wilhelma - the large botanical garden and zoo complex. Absolutely enjoyable, and certainly a childen's delight. Enough time to get a few more digital photos, especially from the surprisingly beautiful orchid collection.
Later, after getting meticulous instructions from the tourist office ( Bravo for the Germans attention to details ), I headed for Kernen to visit the famous Uhlig Kakteen nursery where I spent some money buying cacti and other succulents. Uhlig lived up to its reputation, and it was shame that I could not carry much more; but I did manage to bag my first white epiphullum. Then it was back to Frankfurt by inter-city train to continue the holiday.
Sunday started as a lazy morningI spent a couple hours in the afternoon visiting the university's Botanical Garden. Very different from the Palmengarten, and yet a very enjoyable place to relax.
You cannot fail to notice how efficient the German transport system is. Particularly impressive was the urban transist system, and at a cost which was quite reasonable. And that certainly added to the enjoyment of the holiday. The weather was superb, and most of the visit went totally according to plans. I will be going again. Maybe the next time I should head for Stuttgart.
Comments