Hi all. First time visitor to Europe. Heading to Kaiserslautern to stay for two months (yay!). Frankfurt is nearest airport AFIK. Have no idea where to start as far as travel to get there and once I arrive! Never been out of the US. I have been to local towns in MX but that's a whole different experience.

Trip is approximately Sept 23-Dec13 or so (dates flexible, but I have to be there no later than Sept 28th, return date is open). I have my passport in hand and working on my German! (I speak English and Spanish). And I have a ride from FRA to KS arranged and I have accommodations when I arrive.

Thoughts and asking for help:
"Fly straight to FRA, keep my head down and hope for the best?"(haha)

But, seriously, I am thinking of flying into another city and take a train or other public transport to KS.
Hopefully this is affordable and allows me to see some landscape on the way, meet people, etc.? Suggested cities for arrival? Or better just to fly to FRA?
Best or cheapest city to fly out of from US?
Should I plan on using only cash when I get to EUR? or is there a local prepaid debit that is available? I don't have or want a CC.
Better to buy my att international mobile plan or buy a local mobile when I arrive?

Thanks for any feedback!