Tanz in Dusseldorf!

A friend I studied with here in Vienna who is also from the States, had some friends traveling with a dance company from Philadelphia to participate in the Tanzmesse in Dusseldorf last week.  Since it's still summer break around here, we decided to head up there for a few days and see them and enjoy this new city a bit.

It was cold and raining the entire first day we were there, so much of that was spent visiting with her friends, but we did get a picture perfect day on Wednesday to spend running around town.

The Rhine river, with lots of restaurants and bars set up along its banks

Looking down Königsallee

Frank Gehry designed three buildings along the harbor here, each with different materials for the facade.

Dusseldorf is also known for its Altbier, and the old part of the city is dotted with these breweries.

And some mustard to go with the beer, Löwensenf has a shop and a little museum which allows you to taste each of their 30 varieties of mustard.

Little Haribo packets on our pillows instead of mints!

Thursday morning we headed toward the edge of town to visit Benrath Palace and the gardens around there.  Dusseldorf had some really strong storms back in June and many parks are still closed as they work to clean them up and repair the damage.  Luckily a section of these particular parks were open.

Of course the main purpose of this trip was to see dancing, which we did, but it was nice to also get to see the city a bit as well.  Back in Vienna we've had about 3 full consecutive days of cold rain now, so I'm looking forward to this weather pattern moving on so we can enjoy the outdoors again.  Things are definitely switching into fall mode around here, the food and movie festival at the Rathausplatz is finished and is being dismantled, clearing space for the next thing.  Our attention is turning quickly towards the grapes in the vineyards, anxiously awaiting harvest time and all the fun that brings.  It's amazing that summer is rapidly ending, but I have some exciting travel and things on the calendar to look forward to as well!