A statue of Hercules on a column (1703-1706) forms the centerpiece of the Market Square. He symbolizes the efforts that Heidelberg’s residents made to rebuild the city devastated during the 1700s. Locals also told us that he was built to scare off the Duke of Heidelberg living in the castle then. It apparently worked because the Duke fled to Mannheim.
John "thinking aloud" on the Philosopher's Walk!
The river gods and goddesses (symbolic of the Rhine, Danube, Neckar, and Mosel rivers) on the Carl Theodor Bridge, built it in 1786-88.
The brass monkey that looks more like a baboon at the town entrance of the Carl Theodor Bridge has become quite the attraction. You're supposed to rub the brass plate held out by the "monkey" for good luck but people end up rubbing his butt instead! You can also put your head in his hollowed out face for double luck.
You can have a perfect view of Heidelberg from the Philosopher's Walk (philosophenweg), a historic path that teachers and students have "walked and talked" for 250 years. To loose weight we decided to add to the legend by walking the trail on a regular basis. Great minds think alike!
I enjoy approaching our Heidelberg apartment's doorway. It has such classic charm, unlike the metal door in our London studio. After switching on the hallway's light I would go out to the stairwell to look at the illuminated door.
Had latish dinner at Konomi, a Japanese restaurant tucked away along the river Neckar that caters mostly to tour groups. Heidelberg is one of the stops of the "Romantic" tour popular with the Japanese gerontocracy. Considering that we're in a remote city the food is pretty authentic.
Heidelberg might be medieval but it has some cool spots, the latest being the arthotel next to the Institute of East Asian Art where John is "gastprofessor." arthotel's trendy glass section extends from an old building built against the town's medieval wall. Click here for Stadt Heidelberg's glossy brochure.
The university cafeteria, the Marstallmensa, is one of my favorite lunch places. The mensa (cafeteria) is in a medieval brick building that has a long bar, restaurant and café. The courtyard has ample seating and is a great place to study or hang out. There are also outdoor/indoor concerts and an adjacent disco.
On our first night in Heidelberg we went with friends to Kulturbrauerei, a historic microbrewery and beer hall, to sample their beer. You can choose from three: kraüsen, kellerbier or hefeweizen dunkel (lager, wheat or dark beer). Apparently there are about 300 restaurants, beer halls, wine bars and cafés in this tiny town. I think I'm going to be fine here.