Town Hall, Wernigerode, GERMANY

Extra 1 -- a couple of really cute horses
Extra 2 -- the smallest house, open to visitors, but we had no time to queue
Extra 3 -- an Airbnb-type accommodation that has welcomed guests since 1546

It was a loooong trip to Wernigerode, and we drove through all kinds of weather.  It rained in several areas but not where we had to be.  It also kind of stormed inside the car as the WiFi for GPS did not work, almost right from the moment we left Hannover.  While I was driving on a parallel highway, the A2, we actually should have diverted to the A39 as early as the Wolfsburg exit.  Back we went, and then the map appeared again and we were able to figure out the correct route.  Huge thanks to AW who dictated the right exits and turns.  By that time, though, the sun was behind a thick layer of clouds and, for a bit, I was sorry we had even left.

Wernigerode = 5 syllables = 'Wer-ni-gehr (hard G)-roh-duh'
It's main attraction is its town hall.
It's other attraction is the castle on top of a hill, clearly visible on the A36.  This schloss would have been lovely to visit had it not been for the late hour, as well as the fact that a large part of it was clearly being renovated.  Working platforms lined the sides and part of it was covered in something protective.  I might return after five years to check it out, and hopefully it will be finished by then.

The medieval 'centrum' was crawling with tourists.  There was almost nowhere to park, and one had to jostle between the crowds in the main square photographing the town hall, where, unfortunately, town officials had decided to set up the tree.  Never mind, we strolled about for an hour or so, admiring the medieval houses.  The smallest house is a tight squeeze, but they allow a dozen tourists at a time.  Unfortunately, it was scheduled to close at 15.00 and we would not have been able to join the last group, because there would not have been enough space for two more people.  Anyway, would I have been able to shoot anything inside with 'everyone' in the way?  What I found amazing was the 1546 house that has functioned as a kind of private inn for almost 500 years.  What would its original owners have thought about it today!

Despite the lack of GPS, we found our way back to Hannover without a hitch.  I am somewhat familiar with the lay-out of various motorways,  thanks to past day trips, and we both knew which exits we needed.  GPS started working again when we had almost reached 'our' parking garage, which was almost a joke.  We had dinner at the Block House, joining the queue around 17.30 and finishing a little past 19.00.  This time I ordered chicken while AW had the steak he had last time.

I did mention yesterday a series of texts and mails from the Viking and Mimi.  Unbelievable.  They all poured in in the wee hours.  Should have put my phone on 'silent', but I would not have the alarm then.  He is bursting with energy, I can tell.  Alas, I am not, most likely due to the busy schedule I had before we left.  We look forward to going home now.