Philosophenweg

Heidelberg is famous for its University, its Castle, the Old Bridge and its medieval character.  All is still existing since our last visit ca 30 years ago.  The climate is mild in the Neckar valley and Spring had arrived which invited to go for a walk. After crossing the Old Bridge and climbing the steep path (not much talking there) up and up, we reached the Philosophenweg. There the reward was the classic view of the Castle on the other side at the Koenigsberg and the town along the river framed by budding trees.

Walking and talking we philosophized about time and the pleasure of 'going home again'.

http://www.heidelberg-marketing.de/content/tourism/sights/viewpoints/philosophenweg/index_eng.html 

Fighting Evil

This is the inner court of the University of Munich where in February 1943 students of the resistance group 'Weisse Rose'  threw their sixth and last leaflets from the balcony to the right.  They were discovered, jailed and executed by the Nazi regime.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Rose

A memorial and small museum is now in the University and all visitors, young and old, feel deeply touched and inspired by the courage and humanity of these five students and their philosophy professor Kurt Huber.  To keep faith in the good of humanity and to fight all evil is a never ending task.

The French Premier Minister J-M. Ayrault recently visited Munich and honored the Weisse Rose heroes in the name of all French citizens.

Inspired by Imogen

From Winter we jumped to Summer with everybody soaking up the rays and all flowers open up.

An interesting photography exhibition in a Bavarian Insurance headquarter's lobby made us aware,
that Imogen Cunningham (1883 - 1976) not only created flower photos but portraits and pioneering nude photos of her muscular husband....  

See for yourself http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3P7xxrsQnA&list=PL0A2EECAE8234D20F

Did she have an influence on me with her black and white magnolia photos?

Munich's Acropolis

Leo von Klenze (1784-1864) was the architect who followed the wishes of the King Ludwig I to create an Acropolis in the heart of Munich.  No hill to built on, but a spacious flat square. 

To the North side the Glyptothek with Ionic columns:

The Staatliche Antikensammlung to the South with Corinthian columns and a copy of a gilded Athena:

To complete the column demonstration:  Doric columns at the Propylaen to the West.   

 

Walking in the warm (!) spring weather from building to building we admired this massive neo-classical style. The antique collections of Greek vases, small bronze sculptures and large marble sculptures kept our thoughts in the classical world 2500 - 2000 years back.   

More information: http://www.inside-munich.com/koenigsplatz.html

The Residence in Munich

Another surprise inside the Residence is the Cuvillies theater.  Blinded by the gold and baroque ornaments it is advised to come early to look around and then digest this opulence of decoration.
It took us 15 minutes to then be ready for a (very good) performance of Kafka's Metamorphosis.

This theater itself built in the 18th century went through changes since it was destroyed 1944  and now it is skillfully renovated in all its details - a pleasant metamorphosis!

More info: http://www.residenz-muenchen.de/englisch/cuv/index.htm 

A rule of thumb

The region of Alsace in France is known for the hospitality of its hotels and restaurants. Nestled between wooded mountains and the river Rhine it is blessed with a mild climate and fertile land which gives good wine and good food.  Ideal for a stop over between Paris and Munich.  What hotel to choose between the hundreds offered?  Using our rule of thumb of judging the places by judging the appearance of their flower pots outside:

we chose the Hostellerie Au Cygne in Wissembourg.  It worked!  Great service, wonderful dinner, comfortable beds and a breakfast with Gugelhupf.  We will return!  

To find other good places: http://www.restaurateurs-alsace.fr/dn_dossier_de_presse/ 

What time is it?

With the changing to summertime we had to check the correct time more often.

The first public clock installed already in 1370 here in Paris you can see above. It is shiny and newly renovated as part of the Conciergerie.  Compare how it looked before which you can see here: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/p/m/1ba807/    Not only was this historic clock renovated during the last two years but its tower and the whole front of the Conciergerie was refreshed too.

The days of the Easter holidays in Paris 'flew by' and we return to Munich where we will check the sundial on the Frauenkirche if the time is correctly changed to summertime.....
I will remember the advice:

"Mach es wie die Sonnenuhr, zaehl die heitren Stunden nur!" (Do as the sundial does, only count sunny times.)