About thirty minutes west of Kaiserslautern, there is this museum of sorts that opened about seven months ago. Its called: Gondwana, the Pre-Historic Museum. I ended up spending the day there yesterday....well....three hours anyway.
First those curious....the web site is here.
First, I would advise you to print the map out and utilize a GPS device if at all possible. There are few signs leading to the place....even though it's the only thing within ten miles worth seeing.
Second, it's not cheap...almost $20 for an entry ticket. Kids run around $12.
Third, this town where they built the facility....is a old coal town that was fairly desperate for any kind of money-maker. I'm sure that government funds were used to a huge degree.....it has a substantial amount of parking...although barely forty cars were there when I left.
Fourth, the reproduction of events from 250 million years ago was probably a great teaching tool. If you have a kid seven to twelve years old.....it ought to be mandatory in going to the place.
Fifth, after the tour ends....there is this pub of sorts with a garden area and lots of tables and chairs. It's actually a nifty place to sit and sip a cold beer. They have cake too....but skip it....it's third rate.
Finally, don't have huge expectations.
Oh, you ought to know this....they actually had enough money left over at the end of the construction phase that they could afford Al Gore as the grand opening speech dude. It was Al's first visit to the Saarland....back in December of last year.
