Globetrotting to the Far East? Or to Australia or New Zealand and beyond? Then you just may find yourself taking a connection to one of the leading destinations in the European Union, from Paris to Amsterdam and countries on this continent as one more. And if you find yourself with around 6 to 8 hours or more waiting time, then don't pick up the latest James Patterson or John Grisham airport novel (although there are shelves of beautiful bookstores in these warm and friendly airport terminals to keep you going), browse duty free for stuff you probably wouldn't even buy for cheaper back home, or use your carry-on or your travel companions lap for a pillow to get some shut eye that will probably lead you to missing your red eye. Be bold and adventurous and leave the slick BMW and smart Einstein filled airport and take a tour, or better yet a train yourself to explore the city. And this from a guy who romaticizes airports. Don't worry, shoes off they would never let you pass through security if you didn't have the time. You basically have a whole day. Especially when it comes to Frankfurt.
Around a quarter of an hour away from the airport by rail (give or take the minutes of pondering whether you have enough time, or the right train. You know us Brits. The train could say "Frankfurt, Downtown...exactly where you need to be, Mr. or Mrs. (insert name here) and we'd still scan whatever wifi we could possibly find to search for, "do you speak English?" in German, before asking them if this is the right train, speaking the Queens. But, alas we digress. Even if this isn't your said awkward scenario you should take a direct flight to Frankfurt the next time you get a run of two days off or more this Summer. Because this fantastic city is something else. And worth it's own individual visit in itself.
Shining brightly in the Summer sun and home to some of the most beautiful people and warm friendliness. Not to mention shops, shops and shops. Museums, history and corner after corner of culture. The moment you step out of Frankfurt station and into it's compelling metropolis you feel like you've known it for years, even if you're in a place you previously thought little about for mere hours. And it's a town that will stay for you for a life of memories. You feel like you could see it all in a day. But also like you could set up shop and live here tomorrow. How many other cities do that for you on arrival? London? Paris? New York? Tokyo? It's up to you. But to be frank I guarantee you'll have no doubt about Frankfurt.
There's just a feeling about this place. The state Hesse's largest city. The five century former city state and Free City of Frankfurt was integral to the Holy Roman Empire. And even though it lost it's sovereignty in 1866, to this day it's lost none of its grace and beauty. From the Parisian blocks and sidewalk cafes to the botanical gardens of green trees that adorn these balconies (this city even literally has a forest). From the timeless medeival Romer building and the Romerberg streets that step back in the same time like the chimes of Frankfurt Cathedral. To the Alte Oper first opera house with a fountain in the front that still sings like its statuesque structure, or that lady. But from that central point of Hauptwache and all the testimonial traditions you can see towered by the Saalhof scraping skyline and it's 21st century Europaturm, night and day view make sure you take it all in. But don't worry. Whether you're here for a week, a day, or just an hour one things for sure. You'll be back. And as you tourist trap chow down on a frankfurter with your spare change and see the cities big, solidarity Euro sign structure, you too will think..."how could we ever leave"?! Get there while you still can. TIM DAVID HARVEY.
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