I spent some time researching cell phone cameras because of my comment on the last post that I should have upgraded to a smart phone and use the camera on that. Well, while cell phone cameras have come a long way, the picture you often get isn't as good as what you get on a camera. That's the general conclusion anyway. So we'll stick to using two devices for now, predictions are that models coming out next year will have better cameras (of course, along with everything else). It was interesting to do the research because I also found out we bought the best point and shoot camera on the market, a Canon for about 100 euros. Not too shabby!
We've been wanting to take day trips and just haven't done so, until this week when we went to Bad Krozingen, a spa town. It was a puddle jumper bus which wound through all the small towns before getting there. Fabulous views of vineyards and villages! A bit of a foggy day so didn't take any pictures on the journey there. Very picturesque though, with tractors hauling vats of grapes and loads of grapes on the vines. Many wineries in this area and so close to Freiburg - bonus! We've got to plan another visit and pick up some. The area is called the Badische Winestrasse literally meaning bathing wine road. Baden Baden is a few kilometres up the road, the bigger and more famous spa town.
So we land at the bus terminal and wander around vacantly for a few minutes until we find the rail station and bathrooms. From there we can see the entrance for the town itself, doh, you would think we would research before going but there is something to be said about spontaneity. There are many water sculptures in the town spouting out in different configurations.
The buildings are painted brightly and it has a somewhat touristy feeling about it although we were there on a week day so more of the locals were out.
Many businesses in Germany close up mid-day for a family lunch and that was very evident in BK. At least half the shops and restaurants were closed. Didn't really matter to us because we mainly window shop anyway but would have driven a true shopper to distraction.
The muni people were hanging large wreaths on lamp posts and we didn't know why, but I've just found that they are having an Oktoberfest there this weekend. The town will not look so sleepy then! The wreaths were made with straw, blue ribbon and sunflowers. Very pretty and again, sorry, no picture.
We took the train back, much faster but sans the views.
Found these little statues in Freiburg in a floral shop. So goofy but cute.
Very pretty garden and the second duck looks red but isn't, probably reflection off the red plants around the pond.
Many German cities have frescos on their walls, Freiburg is no exception. This building actually has a dry cleaning business in it. I liked the woman holding the wine glass while bathing!
I watched this TED talk with awe and wonder so am sending it along for you to see. Magnificent!
If the link doesn't work just go to www.ted.com and do a speaker search for Paul Nicklen, he's a National Geographic photographer.
http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_nicklen_tales_of_ice_bound_wonderlands.html
Again, Happy Thanksgiving to all our Canadian friends!
Cheers, Bx2 & Lexi Cat
I stand corrected, my thanks to Erwin's knowledge.
ReplyDeleteI’d be careful with literal translations though (The area is called the Badische Winestrasse literally meaning bathing wine road.}
since it actually to the region of Baden (or Baden-Wuerttemberg) and not to the verb (baden), even though the region likey got its name from the number of hot springs and Spas in the area.
Also, your statement that Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Germany is not strictly true. While it is quite a different celebration compared to ours, it probably has a longer history and religious roots. Check this web site http://german.about.com/cs/culture/a/erntedankf_2.htm