Hi Katie,
How exciting! We're about 45 minutes drive northwest from Heidelberg. I've only been there once so far but I thought it was very beautiful. Hmm..I guess it took us 2-3 weeks to get our internet connection (and 2 months to get our computer from when they shipped it) and I have no trouble visiting the forum almost everyday.
I'd love to have you come visit me--I live in the tiny village of Neuleiningen which has its own castle ruin and the older part of the village is inside the castle walls. Crooked narrow streets, gingerbread house style half-timbered houses, window boxes full of flowers--just too lovely. I live in the newer part of the village but it's just a short walk away. And besides, I'll let you use my computer to visit the forum if you're visiting before you've got your computer and connection.
I'll attempt to email you a letter I wrote for someone else who was about to come here that'll give you more info on what to expect, and I'll be glad to try to answer whatever questions you want to ask. --Karen