Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland

Frankfurt was not a planned out day trip, but while in the surrounding area, we thought "Why not?" Because I am curious about everything that this land has to offer, I really plan to leave no road untraveled. It would've been a matter of time before we visited Frankfurt anyway.

Finding parking was a major bitch. Our GPS is able to locate car parks, or 'parkhaus' locations, but nearly every parking area we'd approach would be cut-off due to construction or an event. That's just how it is in any big city, world wide. 
People by the bunches. Bicyclists by the bunches. Cars by the bunches. 

Roaming the streets via vehicle was exhausting, but we finally found a place to park our rental! 
Frankfurt, in my opinion, is more 'business-y' than other cities we have been to in Germany. I can't find an large appreciation for such things here (like sky rises, industrial settings, etc,) because I am used to them in the states. I guess what I am trying to say is that if you have never been to Germany, or traveled around it, Frankfurt isn't the best place to get a great cultural experience. It's a bit too modernized for my liking. But it's definitely worth a stop, or worth seeing, just to say that you have.

This corner actually reminds me of a corner in downtown Atlanta, Georgia, US. Near/on Peachtree Street.

Yes, they have a Starbucks. I cannot think of a single larger scaled city that we have visited that does NOT have a Starbucks. I found three Starbuck locations just this one day in Frankfurt. I know of four in Nuremberg! Tis nuts.

You get used to seeing bubble people around big cities. I had read about folks who peddle goods or performers that blow bubbles, make balloon animals, etc,. Most TripAdvisor people will tell you to stay away because they have a scheme to distract you while their partner can pick-pocket you. Bah! Haven't been pickpocketed yet. Not to say that it will never happen, but sometimes I think these people are genuinely trying to earn a few bucks without some elaborate scheme to rob you. Anyway, my kids love the bubble folks.

There were a TON of police (excuse me, Polizei) wandering around this day. We knew something was going on, and something big. We just couldn't figure out what it was. I was secretly hoping the Duchess of Cambridge had made a trip here, or maybe Angelina and Brad had decided to take a weekend trip with their brood, but we later realized what was happening. You'll see soon...

I knew I needed to find the Römerplatz. If you do not visit the Römerplatz while in Frankfurt, then I wonder what the heck it is you came for?! 

The 'Romer' is one of Frankfurt's main landmarks (it's the old city hall, but has been used for a variety of purposes). The Römerplatz is actually the entire plaza area that the Romer sits within. Across from the Romer, you'll see Frankfurt's famous half-timbered houses. 

Behind the Romerplatz, you'll find a church by the name of St. Bartholomew. It's a handsome church, and of course I had to go in.

What's interesting is that I am not religious by 'society's' standards, although my mother is a devout, fundamental Christian, and I was raised under her beliefs. However, I can appreciate a person's spiritual beliefs, no judgement. But there is something about cathedrals that excite me. I almost always have to go inside if we are passing one. My children are generally noisy people, but as soon as we enter a place of worship, they know to shut their mouths, and how to be respectful. Maybe that's another reason I like visiting the cathedrals around Germany. It's a 'time out' for mom. No noise, no hustle & bustle. It just is, therefore I just am. I am at peace, even if just for a few minutes.

After visiting St Bartholomew, I had a favor to complete. Someone I grew up with in the states had asked if I could photograph her late sister's grave site if I were ever in the area. My answer? OF COURSE. 

If you have read my bio page, you know this would be something I would jump at the chance to do! If you actually know me, you know that I practically live in cemeteries. My ideal home would be a large mausoleum, but I'm pretty sure getting the permit would be difficult. 


We set on foot to Frankfurter Hapfriedhof, or Frankfurt's Main Cemetery. I didn't realize how far on foot it'd be, but it was nice to escape the city center and explore the surrounding neighborhood. Lots of parks, people living their everyday lives; away from the hustle of what is downtown Frankfurt.
Before coming to the area, I had done my research of the cemetery. Finding a grave is not easy if you have no idea what you are looking for, especially if the cemetery is in a different country. I have completed MANY find-a-grave requests back in the states, and some of which were like finding needles in a haystack, even with a plot number in hand. I followed a previous grave finders directions to the Kinderfeld within Frankfurt's cemetery. The Kinderfeld is a burial place for children of American military servicemen between the years of 1960s-early 90s. It took us about an hour to locate because the written directions started at the main entrance. We thought we entered the main entrance when we arrived; a grand pillared archway, tall as shit. Later we realized that wasn't the main entrance, which is why finding the written clues weren't exactly working out in our favor! Once we found the section, we had to uncover many headstones to find the sister.

We finally found her! It took some work to uncover her name. Moss had filled the lettering, and foliage debris was stuck to it as well. My husband had his handy dandy pocket knife on him, and was nice enough to get his hands dirty. It took a good 10 minutes for him to make her headstone legible.

*Because I know the person who requested the grave photo, I would feel odd posting the picture in my blog, but she gave me the go-ahead. 

I had bought some roses on our way to the cemetery, placed them, and got to snapping pictures. I'll speak for myself, not my family, but it's actually enjoyable to fulfill grave requests. I feel like it's a treasure hunt. The reward is reuniting a person with a loved one. My kids have been out with me numerous times to a variety of cemeteries in the United States. They're used to this. They may not seem to enjoy themselves, but from my perspective, it's neat to work as a family to find something of importance for another family. Maybe they'll realize this when they are older.


Well since I was there, I snapped photos of other neat headstones, markers, and statues. The Frankfurt cemetery has some of the largest mausoleums I have ever laid eyes on, in person. 

We left the cemetery and headed back to the city center. Our daylight was running out, and we wanted to leave Frankfurt before it got too dark. I snapped a few randoms on the way back (below). I was excited to see the "Perfection" wall art. I had once stumbled across it on pinterest, but never knew where it was located. Now I know!

Once we reached the area where our car was parked, we figured out what the Polizei fuss was all about earlier: A protest/demonstration by displaced Turkish people. These things have been known to happen, and we are always advised to stay away from them for safety reasons (American status reasons. Not everyone loves the good ol' US of A). 

Usually the Army/German government will alert us of what's taking place & where, but on this fine day, they didn't. We just kind of sat around, out of the way, waiting for it to pass. We watched a crap ton of Polizei dressed in full battle-rattle running by; beat sticks, weapons, helmets, etc. Riot gear. It was an odd feeling.


I utilized the time by taking more photos of random junk. haha.

Once the protesters passed us, we crossed the street, and I stopped to take a few more pictures. We decided to have quick stroll along the Main River before getting in the car to leave. It's a beautiful little area with neat side views of Frankfurt's downtown.

Our day in Frankfurt had come to an end. I am happy to say I had the opportunity to visit Germany's fifth most populated city, but I don't know when or if I will return. Frankfurt reminds me of many metropolitan areas back home: Tall buildings lining the horizon, businesses, coffee shops. I *almost* felt like I was in Atlanta or St. Louis. 

Maybe on the way to somewhere else I will make a stop in Frankfurt again, but until then, onward to new places!