A day visit to Mannheim- A small city on the banks of Rhine
by 
by
Mannheim
I still remember I was in Frankfurt and it was the last night in Europe. The most important work was still left for which I had landed in Germany. Yes, it was a much awaited destination. I haven’t planned, but it was on my bucket list.
Mannheim, Pedestrian-friendly and fun to explore, the cultural heart of the city revolves around the historic Marktplatz with its Old Town Hall and the Lower Parish Church erected in 1723, along with the nearby Jewish Center with its Synagogue. The shopping areas focus on the Planken and the Kurpfalzstrasse, which intersect in Paradeplatz. Be certain to spend time exploring the port region with its harbor cruises and the historic paddle steamer, Mannheim, now a museum devoted to the history of navigation along the Rhine.
It was only 80 kilometres from Frankfurt. Either you can get a bus or DB train from Central Station. I reached at 11.30am and as I get down from the bus I saw someone was waiting to see me and there she is. We embraced each other and the spirit was like we know each other from very long time. By the way I just met her on Internet in Sept’14 and it’s been only six months. She was an Indian girl born and taken up in Germany and was a chef by profession. Isn’t it exciting? Yes, it is. A traveller meets a foodie.
My first stop was at Wasserturm, it was a walking distance from the Central station. This water tower is a landmark of Mannheim. It was established in 1889 by the Stuttgart article. Behind that Tower there was a surprise for me as what she stated. And yeah, it was genuinely a neat view of the Gardens with fountain. Big thanks to her!
It was a rainy day and very less people away along the route. But nonetheless it was fun to walk and speak. I was really hungry and we went to eat something exciting. Yes, Chinese food made with a German Twist.
After lunch we went for shopping, sip a coffee, clicked photographs, even we print it also and then there was some other surprise which was waiting for me. It was 2pm now. She called for me- “Are you ready to do something crazy”, I immediately said- “Yes”. I was having no idea what she was intending to do.
We straight away, walk towards the station and she told me we are moving to some other city- Ludwigshafen. She told we will go without a ticket. I was like- Are you delirious and she said- Oh, now only you figured it out. I have never travelled without ticket in India too and this was Germany, if caught the fine was 40 Euros. But I didn’t dedicate it a second thought and said yes, let’s manage it. It was only 3 mins journey and nobody came to check the tickets.
The urban centre is situated along the banks of River Rhine and is mainly known as an Industrial city. It is home for the largest chemical giant BASF and many other societies. It was so picturesque and beautiful. We went walking towards the Rhine. It was so amazing to look at. We arrived at Rhein-Galeria. It was a home to local shoppers. Now the time was 4.30 pm and it was time to go back again to Mannheim. The return journey was also without a ticket.
We both were looking at each other and it seems no-one wants to go back. But I possess no other choice but to pass on. I wish I could have spent some more time with her. Finally, it was time for her to catch a train. My coach was a little belated. We hugged each other again, but this time it lasts for some more seconds and we promised each other that we will be in touch and will definitely meet again.
At last the long awaited Euro trip came to an end.