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".

Stuttgart: Das neue Herz Europas (14th April 2014)

Stuttgart: Das neue Herz Europas (The new Heart of Europe)

After “München mag dich”, Easter #2 is Stuttgart.

Schwabenmetropole (Swabian Metropolis), as the Swabian natives call it, is probably most well-known for Mercedes Benz! But hey, they don’t have the city’s name on their logo, unlike Porsche! And if you’re a chocolate lover, you have to know that Ritter Sport is from Stuttgart too!

Coming here on a Monday meant that the Porsche and Mercedes Benz museums were out of bounds. No worries though as the city sure has enough to keep you occupied for a day. From the Königstraße shopping street, to the museums and the beautiful Schlossgarten… maybe one day wasn’t enough.

Which is why I’ve decided to head back! For more Ritter Sport!!! 

While chewing onto some Ritter Sport, these are the stories from Stuttgart.

Quadratisch. Praktisch. Gut

(Written on 29th May 2014)

Starting off with Königstraße with the iconic Hauptbahnhof tower in the background. The main shopping street of Stuttgart is perhaps the equivalent of Orchard Road back in Singapore, only that it's pretty much a pedestrian-only street. It literally means "King Street" and is said to be Germany's longest pedestrianised street.

Das Neue Schloss (The New Palace) and Schlossplatz. Built in a late-Baroque style, it was badly destroyed when the Allies bombed the place during WWII but was restored during the early 1960s. It is now home to the State's Education and Finance Ministries.

Altes Schloss (Old Castle). If there's a Neue Schloss, there has to be an Altes Schloss. Like the Neue Schloss, it was subjected to Allied bombing damage but was restored in the late 1960s. It stands just adjacent to its "successor". Here is Count Eberhard on his horse just after the bells go off at noon. The Old Castle runs along Karlsplatz and there is a museum there dedicated to Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, best remembered for Operation Valkyrie.

The Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church) is an Evangelical-Lutheran church. Unfortunately, like the two castles, it was subjected to the same treatment from the Allies and has been gradually restored since the 1950s. It's Romanic style makes it stand out from most churches.

The Stuttgart Rathaus (City Hall). It's modern outlook comes as a surprise because it has been the way it is since the mid-1950s. The bells in the clock tower plays Swabian folk songs at very unique timings daily (11:06, 12:06, 14:36 and 18:36).

The Leonhardskirche (St. Leonard's Church), the 2nd oldest church in Stuttgart.

Staatliche Hochschule für Musik und Darstellende Kunst Stuttgart (State University of Music and Performing Arts Stuttgart) This new main entrance building was designed by Brtish architect, James Stirling who also designed the acclaimed Neue Staatsgalerie just a short walk away from here.

 Museum der Bildenden Künste (Museum of Fine Arts) is the Old State Gallery, a part of the Staatsgalerie Stuttgart which also includes the Neue Staatsgalerie.

As part of Stuttgart 21, many reconstructions and changes have been initiated. While the pretty flowers blossom in Spring, this photo clearly disguises the protests against the project where posters were put up all over the place around the HBF.

Consider the flowers of the field, how they grow: they neither labour or spin. And if God cares so wonderfully for the flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, He will certainly care for you...

...Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Kultur- und Kongresszentrum Liederhalle (Culture and Convention Center) where there are 5 halls, of which 4 are in here, with the names of each hall in memory of these great musicians.

Hospitalskirche (Hospital Church): a Medieval church built as a three-aisled Gothic hall. Restoration efforts saw this tower (along with its bronze bells) added to the main building.

To feed my obsession over the Stuttgart HBF, Ching had taken over at least 2 dozen photos for me. Had to return him the favour, even if it were just this one.

After a big roundabout around the city, it's a return to Schlossplatz where the rainclouds from the morning have departed.

RITTER SPORT!!! Was initially harbouring slim hopes of a return to Stuttgart to get more. But I'm most certainly going back now! Yay! More chocolates! :P

This is the tool you use to measure chocolates!

Selected by UNESCO for inclusion into the World Cultural Heritage list, the Stuttgart 21 project threatens to demolish parts of the complex. The fact that the Mercedes-Benz star sits atop the 12-storey tower probably shows how important it is to the city of Stuttgart. I've only caught a glimpse of Stuttgart and I'm looking forward to coming back here next week! But that's a story for another time.

For the continuity of the Easter stories, it's time to go along the River Neckar and head to Heidelberg!

München mag dich! (11th-13th April 2014)

“München mag dich” or “Munich loves you” has been the city’s motto since 2006.

This follows on from “London Town” and marks the beginning of an exciting Easter break from 11th to 27th April 2014.

People may remember Munich for Hauptstadt der Bewegung that brought along with it the monstrosities and horror of World War II or the terror of the 1972 Summer Olympics. To most people, the nicest thing they can think of to talk about the city is the annual celebration of Crown Prince Ludwig’s wedding to Princess Therese (more well-known now as Oktoberfest). Unfortunately, alcohol is not my thing, so I would describe Munich to you as a prosperous city that’s at the forefront of modern-day technology but also rich in cultural heritage.

Football fans will see it as the home of the best team in Germany but I was in Munich to jinx them and was successful as they got thrashed by my German team, Dortmund (hence the gloating at Allianz Arena)!

It’s been more than a month but it means I’ve been able to reflect on the whole Easter Break. Since I’ve got a little time on my hands, it’s time to share the stories from Munich.

(Written on 24th May 2014)

The München Maibaum (Munich maypole). The story behind it is that you wouldn't want to allow other villagers to steal it because if they do, you'll have to buy it back. Knowing the German culture, make a clever guess what "currency" you use to buy it back?... Bier, of course!

Munich's opera house, the Nationaltheater. The people of München were not happy with it when it was built. When a fire broke out here, The Hofbräuhaus (which is just a short walk away) offered to use its beer to put it out. The Müncheners all helped by transporting the beer. For some strange reason, the fire raged on. Apparently, the Müncheners felt that they were better off downing the beer than saving the theater!

Hofbräuhaus, the liquid symbol of München. We were told that Mozart was inspired to write Idomeneo after drinking here. A couple of "unsavoury" stories were linked with the royal brewery though, a certain Lenin and the infamous Beer Hall Putsch.

The Neues Rathaus and the Frauenkirche. Managed to catch the Rathaus-Glockenspiel at 11am. Apparently, the bells returned more out of tuned after being sent for tuning... The Frauenkirche in the background has a Devil's Footstep at the entrance. The Legend behind that is a story for another day...

First stop for Day 3: The Home of Bayerische Moteren Werken (Bavarian Motor Works), more commonly known as BMW

Based on the current price of COE in Singapore, I'm quite certain that you can buy 2 of these here in München.

Probably the only time I'll ever get to be in the driver's seat of a BMW

The BMW bikes were state-of-the-art too

Bayerische Motoren Werke Welt (Bavarian Motor Works World): Showcase of the current series of BMW products, including Mini and Rolls Royce. Calling the BMW Welt incredibly huge is in itself an understatement.

Welcome to the Olympiapark on a quiet Sunday morning!

Rolling back the years in the Rock Museum, as the jukebox rocked on with Sir Elton John's Crocodile Rock!

Atop the Olympic Tower that overlooks the Munich Olympic Stadium. The surrounding Olympiapark is probably the only place around the Olympic area which is actively being used. Was certainly great to see the place in "patches of yellow" with fellow Dortmund fans walking around.

By the time Ching got down to take his shot, the wind was so strong he could barely keep his eyes open. It honestly felt like the hole top of the tower was going to be blown away!

Imagine my surprise when I realized the revolving restaurant on The Olympic Tower was serving Singapore food! No deep pockets to afford that luxury though.

We decided to head to the Deutsches Museum next to spend the rest of the afternoon. Didn't know about it until a friend recommended it a couple days before. Was glad we took her advice because this museum was so awesome!

Here's Ching with a Lufthansa plane in the aviation section of the ginormous museum!

The Deutsches Museum is how I'd like to remember München. A paradise for the little kid in me that still loves science. I reckon it's probably one of the largest science and technology museum in the world. Unfortunately, it was too big and there was no time to finish seeing everything before getting chased out...

The Allianz Arena, home of the already crowned German champions, Bayern München. As a neutral, Bayern's football is enthralling. But as a United fan, you just don't care about the team we beat with "And Solskjær has won it!" in 1999.

Gloating at it's very best! After Bayern were destroyed 3-0 by Dortmund the night before, it was the best place to be to rub salt in! Echte Liebe, Dortmund!

Earlier in the week, our beloved United got beaten by the Bavarians. So after celebrating Dortmund's win among Bayern fans and making it out alive, we had to come here to do it all over again.

1999 will forever be etched into the memory as the most crazy Champions League Final for us. Unfortunately, United have lost our way after Sir Alex left and there is much rebuilding to do.

(Update: At least we have a certain former Bayern manager in Van Gaal to work that out)

The sun sets in Munich at the Allianz Arena as it also set for United's 25 consecutive years in Europe. Took the board long enough to realize the mistake of appointing Moyes. Nice guy, but like Roy Hodgson was to Liverpool, wrong man for the job.

The Feldherrnhalle: site of the infamous Beer Hall Putsch. Wilhelm von Rümann's lions also had subtle political statements. Probably sums up how München has kept all unhappy happenings subtle.

The Nationaltheater again. Returned here at sunset just to capture this photo and I wasn't disappointed

Augustiner Bräu, probably the best beer in Germany, so I'm told. Sustained by the Müncheners because it is the only one that has stayed truly local. It's interesting to note that they do not engage in advertising campaigns either. I guess when you have a good product that's unbeatable, what the heck is advertising?

3 days (or effectively 2 days) in München was just about right to understand a little about its cultural heritage, but there's so much more to learn here. Who knows, I might be back? Stuttgart's next!

(Returned here 2 months after, in June, as a stopover before heading to Stuttgart and Burg Hohenzollern)