A Six Hour Tour

I just returned from a very long, but incredibly exciting day exploring downtown Augsburg. It was almost like a survivorman or Amazing Race episode except without the running all over the place or freezing in the tundra. After being dropped off in front of the Hauptbahnhoff (main train station, aka Hbf.) I begin to meander down Hbf. Straße (the ß makes a ss sound) toward Königsplaz (kings place). All I now at this point is that I need to get from the middle city to Bärenwirt (a bus/tram stop) by six or I'll miss the last #27 bus to Täfertingen which is where the youth center is. Upon arriving at Königsplaz I begin doing a little exploring. There are two churches on either end of this approximately five block stretch. In the middle is the Rathausplaz, a decent sized square with a large fountain in the middle and some coffee and ice cream shops. This square is conveniently located in front of the Rathaus (the city hall, I think it's funny it's called the RAThaus...politicians...rat...maybe it's just me), hence Rathausplaz. The Rauthaus is flanked by one of the two churches. This one bears the name of a Saint, but the name escapes me at the moment. Below the Rathaus (literally underneath) is the Ratskeller which is a restaurant in the basement of the Rathaus. I didn't eat there today, however, I hear they have pretty decent food. After exploring that end of Königsplaz, I made my way towards the other church. Apparently there had just been a wedding. It was interesting...anyway, there was much meandering and exploring and picture taking, none of which was extremely eventful so I'll spare you the details. I stopped for lunch at an Italian cafe' where I got to practice more of my German. I actually did pretty well I think, not great, but not too bad. Continuing to stroll about the city I learned that here in Augsburg PDA knows no bounds...none. So, realizing that it is about time to head towards the station I realize I have no idea which tram will take me to Bärenwirt. No problem, I'll just read the little map thingy at the station. I arrive at the station in Königsplaz only to find that there is no listing for Bärenwirt. Trying not to panick I sit down on a bench to consider my options. #1) I can just get on the tram that seems to be going to the right place (based on the main display of the tram) or #2) I can ask the very kind and helpful looking (can you fell the sarcasm through text?) gentleman sitting to my right. I opt for option 2, after all what's the worst that could happen? After an interesting conversation consisting of very broken German on my part (it didn't help that I thought he was going to rip my face off in mere moments) and much confusion on his part, he tells me tram 4 (he actually turned out to be semi-congenial, in a very abrupt sort of way). Not completely convinced that he knew exactly what I was asking I decide tram 4 it is. I board tram 4 and after a few tense stops I arrive at Bärenwirt just in time to catch the five o'clock bus to Täfertingen. It's on this bus that I learn the meaning of shake rattle and roll. Other than getting off at the wrong stop in Täfertingen and walking a few blocks, the rest of the expedition was uneventful. That brings us up to the present where I'm drinking a cappucinno and snacking on a few little choclate cracker things. No idea what they are, but they are GOOD!!