I just spent 2 days in Cologne. It is another fabulous German city. It’s most famous as being the home of the Cologne Cathedral (a UNESCO world heritage site). After having visited I can appreciate why. Construction on the gothic style cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1880. It didn’t actually take 632 years to build; the construction took place in stages. Inside the cathedral you’ll find the shrine containing relics of the 3 Magi. This is why the Cologne Cathedral has been a pilgrimage church. If you ever visit I highly recommend the guided tour. Another thing you can do at the cathedral is climb the 509 steps to the observation platform within one of the cathedrals towers. Yes, I said 509. It’s a long way up a spiraling staircase. I’m not afraid ... read more

Hello Friends I’m finally posting a few pictures taken while sight seeing in Heidelberg. I’ve toured the Castle twice now and I’m certain I’ll give it a third visit before I leave. Most of the castle was built between 1400 and 1620. It is a ruin now. Some of it was destroyed in wars with France as the Germans and French battled over the city as well as by lightening. Inside you’ll find the Great Tun which, apparently, is the biggest wooden barrel in the world to ever be filled with wine. There are other buildings on the castle grounds which I have yet to visit, which is why I’ll need the third visit. ;-) Another popular attraction is the old bridge with spans the Neckar River. It has been destroyed at least 8 times by ... read more

Transportation in Germany tends to be expensive and it seems as though everyone in Heidelberg has a bicycle. So why shouldn’t I? That’s right…I bought a new-to-me Peugeot. This French-made bike is a sweet ride. It’s got 5 speeds, a bell, a kickstand, lights, a basket and you peddle backwards to stop. The back-peddling is taking some getting used to. Hopefully I won’t have too many collisions while I get used to that. The bike has proven to be convenient transportation for getting around town and running errands. But today, it is my means of transport for my excursion along the Neckar River. I traveled approximately 20km round trip east to a town called Neckargemünd. The path on the way to Neckargemünd (south side of the river) was a bit rougher than the path back to ... read more

Since nothing is open on Sundays in Germany it’s a good time to take advantage of the activities available in the great outdoors. I decided to take a hike on the Philosophers Walk (Philosophenweg). Philosophers Walk It’s located on the opposite side of the Neckar River from the old town and consists of 12 or so hiking trails that weave around up and down the hillside. From the old part of town, cross the river, take your second right and it’s a steep uphill climb past the physics and astronomy department buildings for the University of Heidelberg. Unfortunately there was mist hanging over the city so the view was a bit obstructed. But the pictures are still pretty. I’ll definitely be taking this hike again. ... read more

Yes…I have arrived. Only 4 nights in Deutschland and I think I know which way is up. The first few days where a little rough as I adjusted to the time zone, a new city, a new country and a new office. And, yes, I have been a little lonely but I’m starting to feel comfortable. Since I did not go in to the office on my first day I spent the day wandering Heidelberg experimenting with how many times I could get lost and still find my way home. I have a few key landmarks and as long as I can find those I know how to get back to my place. Speaking of my place, I’ve attached some pictures. Its small (bachelor apt) but it’s cozy. I have my stuff strewn everywhere so it’s ... read more