Goodbye Adi and Karin....... Hello Gerhard and Gabi.

After a delicious and satisfying breakfast at Adi and Karin's we all went out to the garden to lower the Australian flag (which had been raised prior to our arrival) and raise the German one. It was an amusing 'ceremony' and a great way to say goodbye. 

We then began our journey to Henry's home town of Bad Honnef to stay with his youngest brother, Gerhard, and his wife Gabi. I had stayed with them in 2008 and was looking forward to experiencing their hospitality again.

We took the scenic route along the Rhine and marvelled at the abundance of medieval castles. These were all erected when the Rhine was used extensively as a trade route and the castles were 'toll points' for passing ships. There is even one called Castle Katz but unfortunately it is not open to the public, having been purchased by a rich Japanese family for holidays! Apparently we could visit the Castle Mouse up the road though (built by two brothers with a good sense of humour).

After lunch on the Rhine we boarded a car ferry to cross the river and continue our journey to Bad Honnef. We were greeted with much affection by Gerhard and Gabi and we all enjoyed some coffee and Gabi's amazing bee-sting on the verandah. Daniel enjoyed it so much he had nearly half! The kids loved exploring the extensive garden, complete with a pond, whilst the adults planned some great adventures for the next 4 days in Bad Honnef.
We all enjoyed our first morning at the Bad Honnef pool, where we spent most of the time on the water slide!

One of the impressive castles along the Rhine.

We had a ball on the waterslide!