KARLSRUHE THE CITY WITH MANY FACES.
My Visit to Karlsruhe where I experienced the diversity that Baden’s culture capital had to offer with its wide variety of Theatres and Museums. Karlsruhe is the venue for the European Days of Culture and the Handel festival.
Legend has it that Margrave Karl Wilhelm of Baden once had a vision of a star-shaped city in a dream, which gave rise to the initial idea for Karlsruhe’s fan-shaped or radial layout.
I was taken on a 3 hour walking tour of this city my guide was Ursula Friede. Ursula certainly knows the city and I was enthralled by the city of many faces. We explored the Baroque Palace, the Botanical Gardens, The museum of literature, The city landmark: The pyramid on the market square (The city’s founders’s gravestone ) The Town Hall on the neo-classical market square by the architect and master builder Friedrich Weinbrenner. To be seen in this Town Hall is the curious device – “the walking machine”
This was the first bicycle and was invented by Karl Friedrich Freiherr in 1813. Also to be seen in the City Hall is the model of the first Car by Carl Benz, likewise a Karlsruhe resident, who in 1886 invented his three-wheeled, single-cylinder, four-stroke gasoline engine-driven car.
The city is a mix of modern and old architecture which seem to blend with no problem at all like the Federal Supreme Court and the Federal Constitutional Court. Also a beautiful new addition is the modern temple for muses: The Baden State Theatre, a contrast to the Concert House with its beautifully restored portico.
I was hosted at the Schlosshotel, located on the Bahnhofplatz which was a stone’s throw from the Oasis of relaxation the Municipal Gardens and Zoological Gardens which is home to the beautiful Polar Bears. These gardens are a pleasure to wander through with the birds, flowers and water features.
The Hotel, staff and the people of Karlsruhe stood up to their reputation that of being extremely friendly, and hospitable. My only complaint was that there was too short a time to really experience this City with Many faces and I look forward to returning sometime soon.
Monday, 02 June 2008
Baden Baden Germany
A PLACE WHERE TOP WINES THRIVE
Baden-Baden’s own vineyard: The Baden-Baden Rebland
The villages of Neuweier, Steinbach and Varnhalt make up the Baden-Baden Rebland, with its wonderful countryside, a mild climate, fine food and wine and traditional hospitality – the perfect place for taking a break from the rigors of everyday life. It is a harmonious blend of nature, relaxation and enjoyment in the company of friendly people. I was privileged to sample this wonderful City and hospitality just recently when I was invited by Dr. Sigrun Lang , President of Skal Baden-Baden/Karlshrue after we had twinned our two Clubs, mine being, Skal Winelands Cape Town at ITB in Berlin on the 7th March. 2008.
The fertile soil, mild climate, long sunny days and favourable humidity on the western slopes of the Black Forest I was told, provide ideal conditions for grapes – especially the Riesling to develop into wines of great complexity that is rarely matched. Many other varietals also thrive in this setting, including burgundy, Muller- Thurgau, Baccus, Sauvignon, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Kemer and Scheurebe.
It is therefore no surprise that I learnt that the local vintners have received countless decorations and awards. ( A curious titbit: growers in Baden-Baden are officially permitted to bottle their wine in the flagon-shaped “Bocksbeutel”) a privilege they share only with their colleagues in the Franconian wine regions.
On the other side of the hill, within a few kilometres, is the heart of Baden-Baden. The spa, culture and festival town which boasts one of Europe’s largest concert Halls. Here culture is spelt with a capital “C”. It is also home to the world famous Baden-Baden Casino with its ornate interior and the historic kurhaus.
At the spa in Baden-Baden spend a day of relaxation, in the hot, curative thermal waters of the modern Caracalla Therme or in the historic Friedrichsbad with its “Roman-Irish bath”
Baden-Baden a place to simply make yourself at home! As I did and leave the stress of everyday life behind – Quality, friendliness and good service is to be found in all the hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. I was hosted at the Dorint Hotel in Baden- Baden where the Emperor and Empress once held court, today the guest is king and I certainly felt like one.
Baden-Baden’s own vineyard: The Baden-Baden Rebland
The villages of Neuweier, Steinbach and Varnhalt make up the Baden-Baden Rebland, with its wonderful countryside, a mild climate, fine food and wine and traditional hospitality – the perfect place for taking a break from the rigors of everyday life. It is a harmonious blend of nature, relaxation and enjoyment in the company of friendly people. I was privileged to sample this wonderful City and hospitality just recently when I was invited by Dr. Sigrun Lang , President of Skal Baden-Baden/Karlshrue after we had twinned our two Clubs, mine being, Skal Winelands Cape Town at ITB in Berlin on the 7th March. 2008.
The fertile soil, mild climate, long sunny days and favourable humidity on the western slopes of the Black Forest I was told, provide ideal conditions for grapes – especially the Riesling to develop into wines of great complexity that is rarely matched. Many other varietals also thrive in this setting, including burgundy, Muller- Thurgau, Baccus, Sauvignon, Merlot, Gewurztraminer, Kemer and Scheurebe.
It is therefore no surprise that I learnt that the local vintners have received countless decorations and awards. ( A curious titbit: growers in Baden-Baden are officially permitted to bottle their wine in the flagon-shaped “Bocksbeutel”) a privilege they share only with their colleagues in the Franconian wine regions.
On the other side of the hill, within a few kilometres, is the heart of Baden-Baden. The spa, culture and festival town which boasts one of Europe’s largest concert Halls. Here culture is spelt with a capital “C”. It is also home to the world famous Baden-Baden Casino with its ornate interior and the historic kurhaus.
At the spa in Baden-Baden spend a day of relaxation, in the hot, curative thermal waters of the modern Caracalla Therme or in the historic Friedrichsbad with its “Roman-Irish bath”
Baden-Baden a place to simply make yourself at home! As I did and leave the stress of everyday life behind – Quality, friendliness and good service is to be found in all the hotels, guesthouses and restaurants. I was hosted at the Dorint Hotel in Baden- Baden where the Emperor and Empress once held court, today the guest is king and I certainly felt like one.
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