Drupa - About Town

Traveling around Dusseldorf has been an experience - some good - some bad.

For example did you know you can order a liter sized mug of beer? Now that is darn right civilized I'd say. When I was in London last weekend the best you could do was order a half liter mug of beer. Now I have to admit that I did like the beer better in London, but I don't think 'bitter ale' is a form the Germans go for.

I went for dinner my second night in town and ended up down on the Reine river. Outdoor eating seems to be a big thing over here. This was the day before May Day - which is a holiday - so everyone was out to have a good time.

Seafood is very popular hear, and ordering is very fast and casual.

I found a place to sit - which was a real challenge - and then ordered a beer. After the beer came I went to get some food - using the beer to mark my table - but when I got back these three woman had parked themselves at my table. Oh well, I guess that is how things are done over here. They did not actually steal my table cause they knew someone had left a beer there, but they figured space is short and let's be friendly.

The woman on the left is 'Erica' (what a coincidence) and was the only one who knew a little English.

After dark when things start cooling off they turn on some heaters to help folks keep warm. Now these are some kick-ass heaters they have going here. Yes folks that is a one meter high open flame - wha-hoo. It was not all really that cold - at least for me - but I guess not everyone has my metabolism.

I have to say having dinner outside next to the river this was a real treat.

The other thing I noticed is that people walk along the river, or sit on the grass beside the river with open beer, wine and coolers - public drinking seems to be totally OK here - something I would just never imagine anywhere in North America. Even in town, people walked out of bars and pubs with their drinks and finished them while walking about the sidewalks.