Exploring Heidelberg

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Exploring Heidelberg
The Many Adventures of M&M The original plan for today was to take the train down to Stuttgart for the festival but after getting online and checking out train fare, we decided we'd try for next weekend instead (so we can book ahead and maybe save a little money...last-minute train fare is pricey!). So, not to waste a day sitting around, we took the Straßenbahn into Heidelberg instead. The Straßenbahn is the local train...it's a lot like a subway works and just as affordable but above ground so we get to see Germany as we're traveling through it.

Before getting on the train we stopped at a bakery (because we missed the free breakfast at the hotel) and Matt got a huge soft pretzel and I got something wonderful that I can't remember what it's called, but it reminded me a little of my Grandma's nutroll that she makes at Christmas...mmmmmm 😊 We had to go to a couple of different stores to find STILL bottled water...they love the fizzy water here and you have to make sure you ask for water with "no gas" or you get the carbonated stuff.

So, armed with our baked goods and non-fizzy water we jumped on the Straß and headed to Heidelberg. It's about an hour by train (probably 30 minutes by car). We got off at the Bismarckplatz stop and walked down Hauptstraße (Main Street). It was packed, being a Saturday and all, and we stopped into the shops and checked out the souvenirs. No rush though...since we live here and all lol.

We eventually made our way down Hauptstraße and turned off to head up to the Heidelberg Schloss (Heidelberg Castle). Now, when I say we "headed up to it" I'm not just saying that. It can be a pretty steep climb if you're not in shape, which of course I'm not but we made it eventually and it was well worth the climb! There was a gorgeous park at the top with an awesome view of the city! We walked around the park for a little bit and decided to be like the locals and rest on the grass. Everyone had blankets out on the grass and was laying around talking and reading...note to self: bring a blanket next time!

After our little rest in the park we continued on to the castle itself. Heidelberg Castle was built in stages and the first one was built in 1400! The Powder Tower (picture below) was blown up by the French in 1693. There's also a picture of the keystone carving of two twin angels below. This keystone can be found on the Ruprecht Building, the oldest building in the castle (built in 1400). Here's what my guide book says about the carving:

Legend has it that the charming twin boys came almost every day to visit their father, the master-architect, at his work. Shortly before the building work was completed, they both fell to their deaths from the scaffolding. Their inconsolable father wove them a funeral wreath of white roses every day, and was unable to bring the building to completion. Then, one night, his sons appeared to him in a dream as angels, and next morning he found beside his bed the wreath now full of fresh and fragrant flowers, even though he had seen them withering on the grave the night before; furthermore, the white roses had changed into red ones. the master set to work at once and carved the magnificent keystone depicting his boys, the wreath of roses, and the compasses as the symbol of his profession.

I thought it was a nice story 😊 Anyways, you can see that the keystone itself is very new (bright new concrete). They've removed all of the carvings from the outside of the buildings and replaced them with replicas to preserve them. In fact, the next picture below is of the Otto Henry Building and you can see many different statues on it. The statue of David holding Goliath's head (below) used to be on the outside of this building but can now be viewed up close and personal inside! The building and the statue were built around 1556. Every time a new king came into power, a new building was built, so they all look very different. We have a picture of the castle as can be seen from town by the Neckar River.

We didn't see all of the castle today but with Heidelberg being so close I'm sure we'll spend lots more time there over the next few years. When we go back I'll be sure to post more pictures 😊

Slightly Off Topic

I've noticed that not very many women wear shorts here, or at least that's how it seemed in the crowds of Heidelberg. I saw a few women with the longer board shorts and of course capris and pants but a good portion of the population were in skirts and dresses. There's also a lot of people that ride bikes here. With the towns being so small and compact people tend to ride their bikes and walk to go to the store rather than drive. Everyone has baskets on the front and back of their bikes and I've seen women in skirts and pumps riding past with a loaf of french bread in the basket on the back of their bike 😊

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Photos

Hauptstraße (Main Street)
Hauptstraße is lined with shops, cafes and bakeries and was packed full of people...but cars do occasionally feel the need to drive right down the middle of it all :)

David...and Goliath
See his head at David's feet?

Comments

[Darryl]

Jealous
Ok, I'm missing Germany like crazy now...Thought I would be there in September, but now with the extension it will be December.... You guys need to go to the festival of lights this summer there...They light up the castle with a laser show and fireworks...It's pretty amazing!!