Today, Wolfgang took us on a drive to a Roman settlement in the area. Along the way, the countryside is very beautiful and very different by car than by train, so it was very good to see smaller towns and farms in Munster.

At the Roman settlement Colonia Ulpia Traiana, near Xanten, one of the farthest outposts of the Roman Empire is slowly being discovered along the former banks of the Rhine. Remains have been found of the town wall, the bath house, the forum, houses, a harbor, and a harbor temple. Very interesting place, and one with a long history. We also enjoyed an authentic Roman soup with some authentic German beer.

Afterwards, Wolfgang took us to a cafe on the banks of the Rhine, where we enjoyed an erdbeere tarte (strawberry tart) and a coffee. Strawberries are currently in season here, and stands can be seen everywhere!

Finally, we returned to Ludinghausen via the famed autobahn, where Wolfgang showed us how Germans drive. Very nice! :)

(note: the picture is from our visit to Ludinghausen's castle on the 1st.. I didn't have the iPhone at the CUT, unfortunately)