Wandering in Esslingen

Our first full day in Esslingen saw Mommy heading off to work on the train, leaving Jacob, Lucy, and I to explore the area. Of course, the first place the children wanted to go was the playground we visited last night in the dark. I didn't object since that would lead us to the other side of town to see some new sights. They loved to see what they were playing on:

Lucy begins her ascent!

Jacob climbs the slanted play area

Lucy enjoys a good web

After they had their fill of the playground, we went on to see some more of the historic stuff. We found another city gate. This gate is the Wolf Gate or Wolfstor. There was no explanation about the name, but what a great name, right?

This is the view from "inside" town, though the town has expanded beyond the old walls

We had a little snack at a bakery. Jacob wanted something with raisins in it and I wanted some tea. We were both satisfied, though I had to clarify that I wanted schwarz tea. I suspect the other types the lady was offering me were herbal or some other concoctions. Jacob wanted to explore further, which meant finding the bathroom. It was upstairs. Luckily, the bathroom had no hand dryer, so Jacob was not upset.

From the bakery we headed back through the Wolfstor and found the Franciscan church in town. It was more austere than other churches in town. Jacob liked it anyway.

Jacob looks on in awe!

"Someday, it could be me up there!"

Closeup of the window-style in this town

Lucy like the playground just outside of the church, though she thought better of the mere see-saw and headed for something new.

Leaving behind the hard work for...

Where everyone should be on a sunny day!

A wonderful fountain caught Jacob's eye on our way back to the Marktplatz. Some people were dressed up and taking their pictures there.

Jacob also found a gigantic microphone (I guess that'd be a megaphone)

Were they celebrating something?

And an accordionist was busking by the old town hall or Altes Rathaus. He invited Jacob and Lucy over with a charming smile. Jacob zeroed in on him and was fascinated with his instrument. The guy let Jacob play on some of the keys, making sure to squeeze the box so sound would come out. Jacob really loved that. Lucy wasn't so interested but did put some money in his box.

That looks like fun!

Jacob plays a jolly tune.

Lucy will handle the money for the band

We eventually headed off to the market area. We heard some honking behind us. Turning, we saw a wedding party coming out of the Altes Rathaus. The accordionist immediately played wedding music in celebration (and probably in hopes of some donations). We continued across the plaza and found the smallest of all possible playground. Well, we thought it was the smallest.

Only two rides at this attraction!

Jacob saw a red half-sphere across a path from the playground and asked if it was more playground equipment. I thought it looked like a spotlight for the building. Closer examination revealed the true nature of the object. But why tell you when I can show you?


Jacob and Lucy both took turns with this again and again and again. When they couldn't take any more happiness, we headed back for lunch and nap time at the hotel.