Tag: Germany

A devil’s point-of-view

· 10 Comments ·

Yesterday I was looking up, today I am looking down.

Our group was on a hike and we had a break at the Teufelsfels (devil’s peak) which is crowned by a tower called Langer Heinrich (long Henry). The mayor who was influential in having the tower built in 1985 was called Heinrich Heimfahrt – I wonder why they didn’t use his last name for the tower, it means literally “the drive home”. Which is what we did soon after.

But not before changing the perspective completely and looking out over the Hunsrück, the low mountain range stretching towards Luxembourg.

My Square Perspective no. 4 is linked to The Life of B.

Not just what, also how

· 3 Comments ·

This bodes well for the coming month: I had my first square post all set up and decided at the last minute to change it.

For the first square with the theme perspective I thought a juxtaposition of two perspectives would illustrate not just the perspective of the photographer but of her subject as well. Hand-pedalling bicycles are not uncommon these days, it may be a matter of choice but for this cyclist it is a necessity since he is a paraplegic.

I am so looking forward to all the different perspectives I will encounter this month. Yeah! for squares, perspectives, and Becky!

My Square Perspective no. 1 is linked to The Life of B.

Fading light

· 5 Comments ·

A couple of days ago, I went for a walk late in the day. I took my camera but more out of habit and the photos I took were mere snaps.

I passed this lamp and just when I took a rather fuzzy picture of it, it was switched on.

The spire of the village church with the mountain range of Rhineland Palatium in the distance.
The tv tower is about 20 km , the mountain behind it double the airline-distance.
The view over the Rhine plain – not managing a proper sundown.

Linked to A Photo a Week: Dusk.

Trains (should) have priority

· 1 Comment ·

Vorrang

Trains and trams have priority at this pedestrian crossing – a German traffic sign. I wish it were true for traffic policy as well.  Less cars, more trains!

2025 tracks e

A quite nostalgic looking section of the Odenwald Bahn which curves through our backyard (literally, in my sister’s case).

2025 tracks d

This is the half-way station of the Heidelberg funicular railway which leads up to the hill called Königstuhl on the slopes of which the ruin of the Heidelberg castle is situated.  It has been in operation since 1890 and has seen many modernisations throughout the years.  In 1910 the upper section was added.

It’s difficult to see as there is dense woods on both sides. I should try to get there in winter next time!

Heidelberger Schloss

Linked to Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Trains and tracks.

Black-&-White-Banner

Surfing in the city

· 7 Comments ·

Living near the Odenwald – said to be the mountain range furthest from any sea in Europe – surf is kind of difficult to come by.  But I visited Munich a few years ago and came across an unusual phenomenon: inner city surfing.

The river Isar runs through Munich and is part of the famous Englische Garten, a huge urban public park.  At one point the Isar is split and the section known as the Eisbach (icy creek) has an artificial permanent wave, just before the Prinzregentenstraße bridges over it.  In summer, particularly during lunch time, there is a permanent crowd gathered – the surfers on the banks, the spectators among the trees and on the bridge. 

Eisbach

Eisbach

Eisbach

Eisbach

Eisbach

It’s no easy surf and a beginner wouldn’t dare to go in.  But even for experienced surfers it is no mean feat to pass before such a crowd – the uninitiated tourist and the skilled fellow surfers.

Linked to Friday Fun: Surf.

Memorial

· 2 Comments ·

den Opfern

Very unlike the usual war memorials I know, this monument is dedicated to all the victims of the first world war.

It was inaugurated in 1920 on behalf of the City of Frankfurt.

Linked to Friday Fun: Memorial.

Throughout the ages

· 7 Comments ·

2023 graffiti a

This mural was created in 2005 on the walls of an underpass by a dedicated arts class of the local Carl-Benz-Gymnasium in Ladenburg. It illustrates figures from the history of the town.  Here are the figures in historical sequence:

  • Ladenburg was founded by the Romans and an important centre from about 100 – 300 A.D.
  • The Roman period was followed by medieval courts with knights, ladies and jesters.
  • In the 13th and 14th century Ladenburg was the centre of conflict between the bishops of Worms and the Pfalzgrafen (Count Palatines).
  • In 1817, Karl  Freiherr von Drais invented a forerunner (sic!) of the bicycle and his first ride took place from Mannheim to Schwetzingen passing Ladenburg.
  • Transportation stayed important as Carl Benz, the inventor of the first automobile, lived here and his wife Bertha Benz undertook the first long distance ride of 106 km in 1888 in the area.
  • The next figures show children at play, a dog, a girl in a 50s pettycoat with a cigarette in her hand, an 80s punk, and a millenial – possibly a self-image of the creators of the mural.

And in case you missed the cat:

2023 graffiti l

For Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: graffiti & murals.

CFFC