The fireplace at our hotel was elaborate:

The streets are narrow. Stairs to the other rooms and rooftop terrace are narrow, too. We were lucky to sleep on the main floor, and not carry our luggage up there.

We ate dinner outside. Speaking of which, the weather has been surprisingly warm and humid. I suppose with all the plant life, one expects humidity!

Clare met a tall dark knight in the wine cellar of the hotel.

This is the front of one of the bath houses.

Things we did not investigate: Baden-Baden is famous for a casino. We would not be allowed there during gambling times because we did not bring the correct clothing, especially shoes. What a weird concept! The area is also famous for horse racing, and statues of horses decorate the streets. Most are white, but we found one that had been painted. We heard that many Russian people visit here, and also that they own a lot of the businesses. We did not hear any Russian being spoken, but a couple that we met on the rooftop (biologists from Florida) heard that language when they went to the baths.

• Europe 2018