After the very enjoyable time in Hamburg, we board the train to Nuernberg, our next stop, where we will spend some time with my brother-in-law and nephew. James is absorbed with the news, or his email, while I enjoy the comfortable ride in 1st class. We bought a ticket for 3 days of train travel for 2 people for a very reasonable price, and decided to splurge and go first class. The added advantage was that we were always able to get a seat, even without a reservation.
After a warm welcome by my brother-in-law, we set off together to shop for some provisions: chocolate, trail mix, and fruit. Thomas, the trip leader, has warned us that we won't be able to buy anything in the first few days. No stores in the small villages, and besides, it's Sunday. I also realize that the black leggings in my suitcase are not long underwear but cotton leggings, so we go to Woehrl and I manage to get a full long underwear outfit. It's 3 sizes to big but the price is right, and it's warmer than what I brought.
We take the opportunity to have my brother in law snap some pictures of us posing in front of the Ehekarussel, James' most favorite fountain (you can find information about this controversial piece of art on Wikipedia and elsewhere).
After we get home, James and my brother-in-law pose in his cabrio, but they only go for a short spin because it's rather cool and wet. Indeed, James is wearing his Schietwetter hat. Regardless, it's fun to watch how the little car unfolds itself. Several videos of it on Youtube, I'm told.
In the evening, we briefly meet with my nephew, who's on his way to an educational trip. He just started renting his own flat and he's very excited about it.
The next day, we go back for a pair of long underwear for James. He did not bring any because he's always hot, but the weather is starting to worry him and he splurges on an extra fancy pair of ski underwear - a wise investment, as it turns out. After fortifying ourselves at a nearby Starbucks, we go to the Museum of Design, which is an interesting building and one of my favorite museums in Nuernberg. I like to be reminded that it's not just about the old stuff, but about both the old stuff and the new stuff.
The free-standing stairs are quite a feat of design, and contrast with the old houses outside.
I enjoy the colorful chairs.
There's also a movie about the production of felt chairs from recycled plastic bottles. It's quite fascinating how complicated the process is.
In the gift shop, I'm intrigued by James, the bookend.
