Shawn's European Adventure - Heidelberg, Germany

Shawn's European Adventure: Heidelberg, Germany

F, 3 June 2005 (train to Heidelberg, Germany)
I got a later start than expected and it took 20 minutes to walk to the train station (yikes!). The language barrier wasn't a problem in finding the train, but the lack of a clear understanding was. But just in time I did find the right section. Then as I figured out how the reservation system worked I had tos tart walking the train while it was in motion. At least I finally found an open seat.

The countryside is nice and the train system very interesting. It's mostly flat here and very green (lots of trees).

Below are pictures of the student prison, near the old university. This is where they would put unruly students (from 1778 to 1914). You could land yourself here for such crimes as drinking, singing, and womanizing. It seems they found ways to cope with the incarceration.

Near the prison was a part of the old university that had been turned into a museum. It was fairly interesting (though I was walking through it dehydrated by this point...I seemed to do that a lot my first few days, in part because Germany has NO PUBLIC WATER FOUNTAINS, but also because it was hot and I was still adjusting to so much outdoor foot travel). Anyway, the guy running the place took me upstairs to a rather large lectue hall. It's still used for all sorts of events, from lectures to recitals. I don't know if I'll ever get to teach in a room like this (or play piano in one; there was a piano in the corner) but now I have proof that I've at least stood by the lecturn in one.

F, 3 June 2005 (Heidelberg, Germany)
Made it! Got a little lost on arrival. The city map is user friendly, but only if someone can show you where you are on it. I'm beginning to realize the true blessing of finding people that speak English! I don't know how I would have gotten some things done otherwise.
I'm at the Schloss (Castle). Wow! I start a guided tour (in English) in five minutes.

Above: recreations of the Schloss. On the top left is what it would have looked like in its prime; top right is what it looks like now.

What follows are more pictures of the Schloss from along my guided tour. The guided tour was so neat! Though, I nearly passed out a few times, partly from dehydrations and partly from foot and leg fatigue. I think my walking yesterday wore me out in more ways than I realized.

I'm exhausted. I'm resting in the shade in the castle courtyard with my feet propped up on a bench. I want to keep tromping around this area (I think there's more to explore...and less touristy?), but I need a break and water (and I'd rather have tap water).

And the people here smoke way too much!

So, great story about these barrels. They are (supposedly) actually used to ferment wine! The one in the first three pictures is about 4-5 times larger than the one I'm standing next to! It's hard to fathom the process actually working. But it's all down in the wine cellar of the castle.

Aren't these some amazing views of the city of Heidelberg? I thought the whole thing was just stunning...and of course, pictures can never fully capture what captivates the heart in person.

Much of the castle was destroyed by battles with the French. These pictures of the towers show how they were bombed and the sides just fell away to the ground. One is only still standing because someone came along and put in some steel bars to hold the wall in place!

On to Austria!


Near the prison was a part of the old university that had been turned into a museum. It was fairly interesting (though I was walking through it dehydrated by this point...I seemed to do that a lot my first few days, in part because Germany has NO PUBLIC WATER FOUNTAINS, but also because it was hot and I was still adjusting to so much outdoor foot travel). Anyway, the guy running the place took me upstairs to a rather large lectue hall. It's still used for all sorts of events, from lectures to recitals. I don't know if I'll ever get to teach in a room like this (or play piano in one; there was a piano in the corner) but now I have proof that I've at least stood by the lecturn in one.


F, 3 June 2005 (Heidelberg, Germany) Made it! Got a little lost on arrival. The city map is user friendly, but only if someone can show you where you are on it. I'm beginning to realize the true blessing of finding people that speak English! I don't know how I would have gotten some things done otherwise. I'm at the Schloss (Castle). Wow! I start a guided tour (in English) in five minutes.