Heidelberg

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It was a bit of "culture shock "when I arrived at Heidelberg. Baden-Baden was elegant and clean.
Heidelberg was chaotic, not so elegant and not so clean. Nevertheless, it definitely has its charm and beauty that attract so many visitors yearly.

Heidelberg Schloss, landmark of Heidelberg, sits on a hill overlooking the Neckar river. I was fascinated by this majestic ruin and its eventful history. I will just let mark Twain describe its beauty.
A ruin must be rightly situated, to be effective. This one could not have been better placed. It stands upon a commanding elevation, it is buried in green woods, there is no level ground about it, but, on the contrary, there are wooded terraces upon terraces, and one looks down through shining leaves into profound chasms and abysses where twilight reigns and the sun cannot intrude. Nature knows how to garnish a ruin to get the best effect. One of these old towers is split down the middle, and one half has tumbled aside. It tumbled in such a way as to establish itself in a picturesque attitude. Then all it lacked was a fitting drapery, and Nature has furnished that; she has robed the rugged mass in flowers and verdure, and made it a charm to the eye. The standing half exposes its arched and cavernous rooms to you, like open, toothless mouths; there, too, the vines and flowers have done their work of grace. The rear portion of the tower has not been neglected, either, but is clothed with a clinging garment of polished ivy which hides the wounds and stains of time. Even the top is not left bare, but is crowned with a flourishing group of trees & shrubs. Misfortune has done for this old tower what it has done for the human character sometimes−improved it. -Mark Twain

The following morning, we got up and climb the "Philosophers' Walk". This Walk derives its name from the fact that Heidelberg's philosophers and university teachers are said to have once walked and talked here. As I was walking on this trail left behind by the great thinkers, I pondered very hard about the age-old questions: Who am I? Why am I here? (Well, I tried to think deeply but it was too early in the morning, and I was pretty much out of breath from this walk). There, the great view of old town Heidelberg, from Philosopher's Walk. It was a hazy morning. The sun was peaking through the heavy clouds, shined atop Heidelberg Schloss. Heavenly view!

Heidelberg reminded me my own college days. It is evident that hanging out at bars, drinking, causing minor transgressions are universal activities for college students. Not only universal but also timeless! It seems that these student-prisoners had a good time in this "detention hall". They decorated the wall with graffiti and paintings, play cards, and gambled.

Heidelberg, a fusion of historic beauty and modernity. I finally figured out how to describe my conflicting feelings for Heidelberg.

PS. I didn't take any pictures of the Old Bridge gates. They were under restoration. Again, just our luck!

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