Burg Hohenzollern (5th June 2014)

Located 50km south of Stuttgart, Burg Hohenzollern (Hohenzollern Castle) sits atop Mount Hohenzollern. It is the ancestral home of the Hohenzollern Dynasty, which is today headed by Georg Friedrich, Prince of Prussia.

While not as popular as Munich's Schloss Neuschwanstein, what it lacks in size is certainly matched up by its beauty. The fact that it is less popular meant that it wasn't swarmed by tourists even though it was already June.

Would have been really pretty with snow and all but I'm thankful that there was really good weather because the photos turned out great. Turns out there is a lot of history behind it and hopefully, I'll still remember most of it as I recollect the stories from here.

Ended the day back in Stuttgart at the really beautiful Schlossgarten. Headed back to Austria for the weekend before heading home to Graz.

(Written and Posted on 5th August 2014)

After a challenging hike up Mount Hohenzollern, the gates of the castle greeted us.

Some bits of interesting information of the castle is that it is a host to children in the summer, where they are guests of the Prussian Prince.

Towering guards that seemingly protected the castle from harm. I can imagine there used to be actual guards instead of statues in the past.

From the viewpoint of one of the castle guards, looking out towards the hills and the little towns and villages around the castle.

The Chapel of St. Michael, the only Medieval remains of the castle. The rest of the castle had been replaced by the 3rd version of the castle which was built for the Prussian King Frederick William IV.

The view of the South-Western side of the castle along with St. Michael's Chapel from the Bastion Garden.

The same view, only this time without the "historical" colour tone and with Jason standing on the bench.

My turn to go on the bench and as you can see from the comparison in size, the castle is huge!

At the castle courtyard with as much of the castle as possible.

It's same photo at the castle courtyard, taken from the castle garden up, only that I've now invaded into the photo.

After a quick lunch, it was my turn for a shot with the castle courtyard.

The highest point of the castle is simply called, The Point. Here, you see it with the flag finally flying.

The Gate Tower. The same one which the statue guards were seemingly guarding earlier.

The need for a zoom lens can't be emphasized more with this photo. Captured a few good shots of the entire Hohenzollern Castle on the way back to Bahnhof Hechingen. Chose this one not because it's the most central, but because it seems to emphasize on the towering presence of the castle.

Back in Stuttgart at the Oberer Schlossgarten, where the fountain from the Eckensee, along with the evening sun set up a very beautiful photo. Credit to Jason for the photo idea.

The Eckensee and the Staatstheater Stuttgart (Stuttgart State Theater) with the pretty sunset glow!

A full day out at the Hohenzollern Castle  ends at the Neues Schloss at Schlossplatz glowing from the evening sun.

I think I remember it being a tiring day but we got by. Dinner was some Spätzle with mushrooms if my memory didn't fail me.

S2ttgart (4th-6th June 2014)

Back in Stuttgart for the 2nd time because the day trip back during Easter just left me asking for more. Was convinced by Jason to come back also because of Burg Hohenzollern, which is featured in another story album.

The Swabian Metropolis continues to strike me as a very organized city surrounded by well-designed, well-engineered and well-built structures. I'd go as far as to say that Stuttgart is one of the best Science and Technology cities I've come across.

Was delighted to get a second chance to explore it in greater detail, not just the architecture and museums, but also the Swabian food too.

Here's the very beautiful Ludwigsburg Palace in all its glow under the 6pm sun!

(Written & Posted on 5th August 2014)

Arrived in Stuttgart in the midst of gloomy weather and light rain. So by the time the rain (kinda) stopped, we were past Schlossplatz, done with the Landesmuseum Württemberg (Württemberg State Museum) at the Altes Schloss. So here we were at Schillerplatz with Schiller and the Stiftskirche in the background.

Here's someplace you'll only go if you've got the Stuttcard: the Schweine Museum. Anything you can dream of being piggy is right in here, from Christmas trees to buses and even to Mick Jagger! If you're asking "why the coat?", then I can only say, "Spring never came and Summer's not coming"

Here's a Swabian delight at Kursaal Bad Cannstatt. It's a Zwiebelrostbraten, which is grilled beef served with a red wine sauce, sauteed onions and roasted potatoes. Not too sure if it's the right place to have it, because it was quite a pinch on the pockets. Ouch!

Kursaal (Spa Hall) or at least that's what it was formerly used for. It's now used by Kursaal Bad Canstatt as a restaurant. It's located within Kurpark in the Bad Canstatt area, which is quite a distance out from Stuttgart's city centre.

Fast forward to Day 3 because Day 2 was spent at Burg Hohenzollern. Here we are, in the Mercedes Benz Museum going through some bits of its history.

I must admit that I know nothing about cars and to me, as long as it, along with its accessories (especially the A/C), works, I'm fine with it. Still, this is one nice car! :)

Here's an example of why I say Stuttgart buildings are well-designed. Most people might find the Mercedes Benz Museum weird because of its structure but it sure does stand out and it serves it purpose as a museum housing its history.

You've still got to get a picture with the Mercedes Benz insignia while at the museum even though there's one at Stuttgart HBF.

Spent a little too much time at Mercedes so we rushed over to the Porsche Museum which is at the opposite end. Certainly not as big, but its got its nice cars too. Love to see the Police "fitted" with speedy cars. There's a Need for Speed for cops too eh?

Here's the Porsche Cayman S... And that's as far as I can go in terms of telling you what car it is. I'm just clueless about cars.

Here's Jason being his usual cool self in the Porsche 911 S Cabrio.

My turn to take a seat in the Porsche 911 S Cabrio. That's as close I'll ever get to driving a Porsche, simply because this sort of car is just not for me.

Just outside the Porsche Museum. Another example of a building that's designed and built in a very unconventional way. The idea of these "specially built" buildings is, to me at least, signature Stuttgart.

Even though Stuttgart is full of modern buildings, the historical ones are still very well preserved. Here's the majestic fountain within the garden at the Ludwigsburg Palace.

The opposite side of the Ludwigsburg Palace. Probably not as popular as the Schönbrunn, but most certainly more impressive.

When in Germany, you've just got to have Schweinshaxe (Pork Knuckle)! Unbelievably huge one served at the Brauhaus Schönbuch and way more affordable as compared to Kursaal.

When I arrived in Stuttgart for the first time, it was this signature tower at the HBF that welcomed me. So on the last night I was there, it had to be the same one to bid me farewell, but this time, it's nicely lit up just after sunset.

Stuttgart was lovely once again and I really enjoyed it even though it was my second time. Who knows, I'll be back again in future for other reasons. Until then, Auf Wiedersehen, 

Schwabenmetropole!

Munich loves you TWO! (3rd June 2014)

A return to München just about 2 months after I first arrived. Was just a one-day stopover point before heading over to Stuttgart (also for the 2nd time).

The first real sequel to my photo albums because Munich is among a select few cities I visited twice. This follows on from München mag dich! (Munich Loves You!) from April. Decided to do the album title in English for obvious pun reasons.

While nothing much had changed, it was a perfect opportunity for me to head to the other sights I've missed the first time round. And of course to tell the legend of the Devil's Footstep.

(Written and Posted on 4th August 2014)

Paulskirche (St. Paul's Church), located in the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt are of Munich. It was built mainly with limestone but was heavily damaged during WWII air raids. The 318-foot steeple is not seen here, where it was hit by the  Convair C-131D in the 1960 Munich C-131 crash :(

Münchner Residenz (Munich Residence), the former palace of the Bavarian monarchs. Here's the Festsaalbau portion which faces the Hofgarten (Court Garden).

Bayerische Staatskanzlei (Bavarian State Chancellery) is the state agency of the German Free State of Bavaria. It was built between 1989 and 1993 around the Hofgartenkaserne Bavarian military facility.

Locals playing Boules in the evening at the Hofgarten. It's not exactly a German ball game though cos it's actually a French-Italian game.

A return to Odeonsplatz and the Theatinerkirche St. Kajetan (Theatine Church of St. Cajetan). Its unique yellow makes it a symbol for Munich.

Der Feldherrnhalle Löwen or one of them anyway...

Frauenkirche, Munich's landmark remains under construction, so nothing new here. Except maybe to tell the story of the legendary Devil's Footstep. One legend says that Jörg von Halsbach had made a deal with the devil to finance its construction as long as the church would have no windows. He tricked the devil by positioning the columns in a way that was not visible when he stood at the foyer. When he realized he was tricked, the church was already consecrated and he was so angry he stomped his foot and manifested the evil spirits and left in a hurry while also forgetting to take the spirits with him (hence the windy church of today).

Back to the Neue Rathaus but this time in the evening. Nothing too different from April except for the fact that it was much warmer.

Altes Rathaus in the sunset. Left it out of the previous album but this time, it had to be included.

Münchner Stadtmuseum, the city museum of Munich founded in 1888 by Ernst von Destouches with a late Gothic finish.

And of course, you've got to end the night in Munich with a proper Munich meal!

Ich hab' mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren (14th-15th April 2014)

Ich hab' mein Herz in Heidelberg verloren (I Lost my Heart in Heidelberg) was written in 1925 by Austrian composer Fred Raymond. This world famous song is the theme song for Heidelberg, Easter #3

It is claimed that the insanely strong winds here kept it safe (most of it at least) from the Allied bombs during WWII. The same insanely strong winds threatened to freeze me over and blow me away too. Heidelberg lies along the River Neckar and is home to the oldest university of Germany. No prizes for guessing the name of the university...Heidelberg University.

More interesting facts are that it is also "the home of the Bunsen burner” as well as the birthplace of the young Magneto, also known as, Michael Fassbender.

These are the stories of why I Lost my Heart in Heidelberg...

(Written on 29th May 2014)

Spring begins to spread throughout Philosophenweg (Philosopher's Walk). It's easy to see why professors and philosophers would take a stroll here to philosophise. The beauty of His creation engulfs the route and its peace and quietness soothes the soul.

Pondering, like a true blue Philosopher...

Across the River Neckar and on higher ground, stands the Heidelberg Castle

Looking over the River Neckar and towards Heidelberg Castle and Altstadt. I'm no philosopher but as I look at what used to be a fortress, I'm reminded that the Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold!

Going down by zig-zag stairs of Schlangenweg, which offers another route to Philosophenweg from the Old Bridge.

The River Neckar, that also runs past Stuttgart (and past Daimler AG) is a favourite spot for avid rowers. Despite the strong and cold winds, you can always find a couple of people rowing away.

On the Karl-Theodor-Brücke or Alte Brücke (Karl-Theodore Bridge or Old Bridge) with Heidelberg Altstadt in the background. The twin towers, or Brückentor was historically part of Heidelberg's fortifications. It was so incredibly cold and windy that morning that I needed a double scarf. 

Heidelberg Castle and the statue of St Mary from Kornmarkt

From atop Heidelberg Castle, the River Neckar and Altstadt in (almost) full view

As rainclouds beginning covering the Heidelberg Castle... the sundial continues to tell time.

Just outside the museum, you could find tools they used to pound medicine in the past. It sure was heavy alright...

Robert Bunsen, the inventor of the Bunsen burner died at 88 here in Heidelberg.

By virtue of being the only photo that my buddy took with me throughout the 10 days of interrailing, this has to be here. Reminiscing the good times...

"I may be young but don't underestimate me. I will achieve great things!"

Among the greenery of Hortus Palatinus (Garden of Palatinate) with Heidelberg Castle in the background. The Baroque garden was attached to the castle and has received the status of "Germany's greatest Renaissance garden".

One of my favourite photos taken during Easter, just because of the beautiful colours.

Heidelberger Schloss (Heidelberg Castle) is Germany's famous ruin. The ruins were a result of damages to it by wars, lightning bolts and fires.

Heiliggeistkirche (Church of the Holy Spirit) is the tallest and most famous church in Heidelberg. It's also the centre of Marktplatz, Heidelberg.

Jesuitenkirche (Jesuit Church) is more renowned for its church tower but was added in 1872 only after the initial church was completed, hence the main tower was intentionally left out here.

Hauptstrasse, the main shopping street of Heidelberg is Europe's longest car free zone. Sounds like it conflicts Königstrasse of Stuttgart, but pedestrianised and car-free, apparently has a very different meaning.

Far away from the old town and close by the HBF, the sun begins to set in Heidelberg. Easter #3 is also the last city in Germany before crossing over to France. The picturesque cityscape and romantic beauty of the city is why "I Lost My Heart in Heidelberg".