Our trip to Antibes, which today is the major port for the Côtes d’Azur, was mainly due to visit the Musée Picasso. From Nice, by way of the SNCF train system, we disembarked from the main train station at the upper part of town, near the base of the port and walked into town.
Antibes – The Old City
Antibes – The Old City
The old city is some 15 to 20 minute walk along the Avenue de le Liberation, Avenue Paul Arène and Boulevard d’Aguillon.
Boulevard d’Aguillon
Patti Walking The Boulevard d’Aguillon
Antibe – Start of the Boulevard d’Aguillon
Foutain at the Gate of Rue Aubernon
Antibes is not as impressive as some of the other towns and cities you will find along this famous coast, but we found that it has its own kind of charm.
Antibes – Old City Charm
Antibes – Old City Charm
It has many narrow side streets filled with shops and a very large plaza, Place Nationale, where vendors of all kinds sell different things. While we were there, a market similar to one we would call a flea market in the States, was in full swing. Everything from furniture to estate items were offered for sale.
Antibes – Place Nationale
The old city is also a great place to just wander along street to street. Turning a corner you never know what you may find. In some small streets there are still old-style electric wires on glass insulators, a throw-back no doubt of the 1950’s or 60’s.
The Sea from the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse
Pointe Bacon from Antibes
Beach from the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse
Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse and the Colonne a la Mer
Antibes – Alleys behind Ramparts
Antibes – Houses
The Ramparts from the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse
Beach as Viewed from the Ramparts
Antibes – Alleys behind Ramparts
Antibes – Ericka and Patti walking the Streets
Pointe Bacon as Viewed from Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse
Below the Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse
Additional areas we wander through are shown above, enjoy.
Where To Eat
As with most tourist spots, there are plenty of places to eat and there are some tourists here; no doubt drawn here for the same reasons we went, Picasso.
On the tip of the main plaza, Place Nationale, just around the corner on Rue Sade, is Le Chaudron. After a quick survey of what was available outside, we choose it because of its menu and decor. It turned out to be a cozy little place with good food.
Risotto with Bacon, Squash and Parmessan for Lunch – Bon Appétit
Le Chaudron – Door to Dining Area
Le Chaudron – Patti Enjoying Lunch
Le Chaudron – Looking out to the Street
All in all with the addition of the museum stop we consider Antibes a very nice place to visit. It one of the remaining if not the last active working port on this coast so you will also see plenty of maritime shops and stores as well as those for tourists.
Picasso Museum
Located at Promenade de l’Amiral de Grasse and Montée Dor de la Souchère right next to the sea is the Musée Picasso. Housed in a very well-kept structure called the Grimaldi Castle (1368-1608), it commands a space in the old city few other buildings are afforded, not even the churches. The castle was built on top of the ancient Greek acropolis of the former city of Antipolis.
Musèe Picasso
The building was purchase in 1925 by the city of Antibes to become what was known then as the Grimaldi Museum. Picasso actually spent time here in 1946 and used it as a workshop. He subsequently made a very generous donation to the museum, some of which were even created there.
Pablo Picasso – circa 1946
The exhibit is impressive and contains many of his works from his 1946 period. There is probably something here for every taste but the main themes nudes and shellfish (apparently inspired by the meals he partook while there).
Pablo Picasso – circa 1946
There are also several photographs of the artist along with text and one can also purchase an audio guide for the entire collection.
Note: Aside from the sculptor if there is any interest at all in me providing captions for the works below, then please send me a review with your request. I will also remove this comment after I have done so. Enjoy!
A small triangle of the city of Niceexists, what was originally the old city. If one were to trace it on a map, they would start from the Petit Train monument along the coast, then around Castle Hill, down the Promenade du Paillon (which actually is a covered up old river) and back to the monument. Within this triangle, the visitor will notice the streets are ever so narrower and older, this is the old city.
Old Nice – Place Rossetti
Old Nice – Narrow Streets
Old Nice – Up To Castle Hill
Old Nice – Narrow Streets
Old Nice – Interesting Restaurants
Old Nice – More Narrow Streets
Old Nice – Near the Chapelle of the Visitation
Old Nice – An Old Portal in the City
Old Nice – Interesting Indian Restaurant
The best thing to do here, is just take a half a day, usually around lunch so you can enjoy one of the many restaurants. There are also plenty of shops and other tourist venues you can visit, to satisfy any knickknack itch you may have.
Nice – Garibaldi Square
Nice – Typical Upscale Street
Nice – Area Just Outside The Old City
Nice – Area Just Outside The Old City
Nice – Area Just Outside The Old City
Nice – Boulevard Jean Jaures
We walked along the Promenade, up to Giuseppe Garibaldi Square, then to Castle Hill and made our way back down the hill to visit the old city, after having lunch of course.
Niçose Cuisine
In Nice some of the best restaurants to visit specialize in the Niçose style of cooking. This is a blend of French and Italian influences that go back many generations. They offer daily specials and usually an adequate, if not great selection of French and Italian wines.
Restaurant Voyageur
Restaurant Voyageur
One very good restaurant that is the epitome of Niçose style, is Restaurant Voyageur. Not only is the food great, but the service is very good and they understand English very well.
Restaurant Saëtone
Restaurant Saetone
Restaurant Saetone – Inside the Front Door
Restaurant Saetone – The Bar
Restaurant Saetone – The Great Interior
Another very good restaurant is Saëtone. This one is rather small, so you must get there early if you hope to get a seat for lunch. They usually have a very dedicated lunch crowd and every chair and table will be full by the time lunch hour is in full swing.
Both of these are situated on Rue d’Alsace-Lorraine. Of course, before heading out always check the times for when they are open and have a backup plan. You can always get there to find the restaurant to be closed, for whatever strange reason. We found the Voyageur to be the more dependable of the two.
Museum Marc Chagall
A short walk from our hotel is the National Museum of Marc Chagall. We had to take a circuitous route via the Avenue Biassini to get there, but it wasn’t too much of a problem. If you are walking, it is on a hill, so keep that in mind.
Marc Chagall Museum – Tickets For Two
The entrance fee for the museum is at this time 10€, so we bought tickets for two plus one (Ericka).
Marc Chagall – Abraham and the Three Angels (1960-66)
Marc Chagall – Jacob’s Dream (1960-66)
Marc Chagall – Adam and Eve expelled from Paradise (1961)
The works by Chagall include most of his Bible-inspired works, including Noah’s Ark, Descent from the Cross and Adam and Eve Expelled from Paradise.
There is also the blue rose testing window that was created for his work, for the Metz Cathedral.
In a far corner, there is also a wonderful mosaic across a reflecting pond, where one can quietly sit in the room and contemplate the mandala.
Of course, the best and my personal favorites are the blue stained glass windows. These are fantastic and remind me of the stained glass windows of Saint Stephan’s Church in the Altstadt of Mainz, Germany.
Clément Cogitore
While we were in Nice this young visual artist and movie maker had some very interesting displays. Some may not like his artistic talents, since they usually display less color and movements, and may appear almost machine-like. But those who enjoy movies and computer games with a dystopian twist will probably be captivated by them. What follows has been broken up to make just one of the videos I saw there easier to upload.
Also known as the Queen’s Villa, the villa is situated in the Borgo Po district of Turin. Though the villa was first constructed in the 16th century by Cardinal Maurice of Savoy, it did not come into fame until the Savoy family ascended to the throne in 1713. Since the Duchess Anne d’Orléans, who was married to Duke Victor Amadeus II still owned the premises it automatically became known as the “Villa della Regina“, or the Queen’s Villa.
Strada Comunale Santa Margherita – Villa dell Regina Entrance
Strada Comunale Santa Margherita – Villa dell Regina Gate
Strada Comunale Santa Margherita – Villa dell Regina
Strada Comunale Santa Margherita – A long but gentle walk
Borgo Po – Turin does NOT use chemicals to fight Weeds
Villa della Regina – Pond
Villa della Regina – Reflecting Pond and Foutain
Villa della Regina – Tickets for Two
Wines produced at the Villa
Corso Fiume – Villa Crimea
Corso Fiume – After Crossing the Umberto I Bridge – Residential Neighborhood
More History and Tourism
In 1865 the Villa became a boarding school for girls until World War II, when it was later bombed and received extensive damage. Finally in 1994 the Tourism ministry or Turin finally obtained it and started restoring the structure which had badly fallen into disrepair. It was finally opened in 2006 to the public for tourism, but even now shows signs of decline with the difficulties of the Italian economy.
Examples of Landscaping Issues and Disrepair at the Villa
The Villa Inside
After purchasing a ticket which costs €5/person (unless you were lucky enough to enter on a free day, check the Turin website for dates), the Villa’s main hall is a real wonder and in very good condition.
Villa dell Regina – Main Hall Right – Apollo and Daphne
Villa dell Regina – Main Hall Left – Adoni’s Death
Villa dell Regina – Main Hall Windows toward Turin
Villa dell Regina – Hallway to King’s Rooms
The King’s Rooms
The visitor next sees the rooms the King would have when he was at the Villa. All of the floors in the Villa are parquet, with few exceptions.
King’s Entertainment Room – del Trucco
King’s Entertainment Room – del Trucco
King’s Entertainment Room – del Trucco
King’s Private Room – Chinese Style
King’s Private Room – Chinese Style
King’s Private Room – Chinese Style
King’s Private Room – Chinese Style
King’s Private Room – Chinese Style
King’s Private Room – Chinese Style
King’s Private Room – Chinese Style
King’s Private Room – Chinese Style
King’s Private Room – West Lobby
King’s Private Room – West Lobby
King’s Private Room – Typical Old Door
There is a short hallway with another beautiful ceiling before entering the Queen’s rooms.
Villa dell Regina – Hallway to Queen’s Rooms
Villa dell Regina – Main Hall
The Queen’s Rooms
The rooms that consist of those for the queen are unfortunately not in as good a condition as those of the King’s. This is most likely due to the extent of the damage from the bombing during the war to be more concentrated in this area.
The Queen’s Rooms – West Lobby
The Queen’s Rooms – West Lobby
The Queen’s Rooms – The 3 Tables in Scagliola
The Queen’s Rooms – The 3 Tables in Scagliola
The Queen’s Rooms – The 3 Tables in Scagliola
The Queen’s Rooms – West Bedroom
The Queen’s Rooms – West Bedroom
Five Appliques called Le Ventole – Giuseppe Maria Bonsanigo
The Queen’s Rooms – Dressing Room
The Queen’s Rooms – East Lobby
The Queen’s Rooms – East Lobby – Ceiling Painting Lost by Fire
The Queen’s Rooms – East Lobby
The Queen’s Rooms – East Room – delle Ventaglyne
The Queen’s Rooms – East Room – delle Ventaglyne
The Queen’s Rooms – East Room – delle Ventaglyne
Once you have finished the Queen’s rooms you find yourself again back at the Main Hall and your way out to the grounds, which at one point in their lifetime must have been beautiful, all the hallmarks are there.
The Grounds
Though poorly kept and in some cases falling still further into disrepair and eventual collapse, they are nonetheless impressive. The fountains though still functioning stand their vigil over empty pools of water that once might have kept chinese carp or goldfish but now just harbor algae.
Villa della Regina – Roman Style Garden with Statues and Fountain
Finally, more photographs of the grounds and surrounding area.
Recently while taking a break from planning our next big set of travels for September and October, we decided to visit another set of museums in Turin which one could call unusual if not down right odd. I would say odd because when one thinks of a museum, at least the first one below would not immediately pop into one’s mind.
Tickets for Two – Museum 1
Tickets for Two – Museum 2
Tickets for Two – Museum 3
The cost for each of the two museums above was €5 each. However, one can purchase a €10 entrance pass which includes the first two museums as well as the Museum of Fruit.
Museum of Criminal Anthropology
This Museum of Criminal Anthropology is located on the same block as the Museum of Human Anatomy. At via Pietro Giuria, it is housed in a somewhat unassuming building and if you were not actually looking for it you might pass by it altogether.
Entrance to the Museum of Criminal Anthropology
The building inside, like so many in Turin, has a grand architectural style inside and was probably under the influence of one of the many great architects that have worked in this city.
The Beautifully Adorned Ceiling before the Entrance to the Museum
So as to not bore you with the benefactor’s history of this museum, you may visit the website to learn more if you wish, let’s just say that once inside you get a very good idea of just how backward science and medicine were in those days. The main displays in this museum are those of skulls and artifacts from criminal patients who were often labeled crazy or insane. Many of the skulls were labeled with the crimes that each of the individuals committed, all of course written in Latin.
Cases Housing Patient Skulls
The adjacent side of the floor contained numerous examples of the implements used in many of the crimes that were committed.
Knives and other Handmade and often Strange Implements used by the Patients
If I were to sum up my thoughts of this very interesting museum it would be one of great curiosity. Not only for the obviously poor people who were involved and in some cases mistreated and misdiagnosed by their treating physicians, but for the times in which they lived. Many of which would have benefited from our medical knowledge of today, perhaps to the point of never turning to crime. As for the doctors and scientists involved it must have been a time of great discovery, however misguided some of them employed their influence and knowledge.
It took us a little over an hour to visit the entire museum and we would recommend it, though we would consider it a bit on the morbid side.
The Museum of Human Anatomy
On via Corso Massimo d’Azeglio and the adjacent street and same block as the previous museum one can visit the Museum of Human Anatomy. This is another museum where some may not be appropriate, especially if they are uncomfortable with anatomy, blood, brains or guts. So plan appropriately.
Museum of Human Anatomy
It can however be used as it had been in the past, as a very good pedagogical device for learning more about oneself and what composes the human organism. Having been used in the past as part of the medical university system in Turin it still offers valuable insights to visitors.
Internal Entrance to the Museum
This museum is also housed on a single floor. As you begin your tour you first learn of basic anatomy and view examples human and other animal skeletons.
The Introductory Case showing Human and Animal Skeletons
Once you move through the internal entrance door, after purchasing your tickets, you will see examples of human dwarf- and gigantism. This is followed by displays of the anatomical differences between the human sexes. After that, each successive colonnade displays in both wax and actual human form (samples that have been preserved in solution) specific areas of the body.
Curios filled with Human Anatomical Samples
Finally in the back of the museum one will find an in-depth study of the human nervous system, brains and actual examples of how individual nerves are routed and connected in the body.
A Large Figure showing how very important Anatomical Features are related
I would greatly encourage anyone with children to visit the museum. Though not for everyone, it can be used as a great teaching aid and perhaps put some young mind on the path of becoming a doctor of medicine or forensics. It’s also great just to learn how the scientific community in the late 18 and early 19 centuries learned about and taught anatomy.
Museum of the Risorgimento – The Apartment
Our next visit was actually triggered by an offer on Turin’s official website of free admission for a tour of the apartment associate with the Museum of the Risorgimento. The Risorgimento of course was the political and social movement that consolidated different states of Italy into a single state, or what became the Kingdom of Italy in the 19th century. It began in 1815 in Vienna and was completed in Rome after it became the capital Italy in 1871.
The Museum of the Risorgimento
Entrance to the Museum
Our Tour Group
The Facade of the Apartment
The part that we actually saw is not open often and is not actually part of the museum proper, but rather an adjunct to it. Special tickets are provided at a specific time during the day, so you must watch the website for when these are available.
Cities and Towns where Baroque Architect Guarino Guarini had influence
The apartment and the museum itself owe their legacy to Guarino Guarini, an influential architect or the baroque style of his day. He is responsible for many important architectural works of this style, none more so than the examples he left in Turin. However, he is also responsible for many other important works in a wide area that covers both Italy and France, as shown above.
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Bed Detail
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Chandelier
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Bed
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Wall Portrait
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Baroque Details
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Baroque Mirror Walls
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Baroque Ceiling Fresco Bedroom
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Baroque Ceiling
The Apartment and Rooms of Emanuele Filiberto di Carignano – Floor and Hallway/Galley Way
Emanuele’s rooms as styled after the Baroque influences of Guarini are impressive. Though one can say the gold leaf is a bit overdone the parquet flooring is amazing, even though it is showing its age.
Spiral Staircase Leading to Basement
The Oval Shape of the Spiral Staircase as seen from below
The Cellar
Typical Ovens and Dumbwaiter as Designed by Guarini
Though our self-guided tour took all of thirty to forty minutes it was nonetheless well worth the time, since absolutely no other expense was incurred (thank you Turin!) for us by doing so. If you are also fortunate enough to have the opportunity to visit these impressive rooms and architecturally significant buildings, we suggest you do so. We found them very compelling.
For the next few months, the Museum Reali here in Turin is sponsoring an exhibit of some of Leonardo da Vinci’s works. So my wife and I thought it would be a great opportunity to see the originals of his work for which up to now we have only been fortunate enough to see in books.
The tickets are actually purchased at the ticket office, for which there are plenty of signs to point you in the correct direction (you shouldn’t get lost.) The entrance fee is a bit high, 15€/person, but we thought it is Leonardo and his works usually do not disappoint. So we purchased our tickets and headed to the museum.
One word of caution, though it is advertised that there are some fifty plus works in the collection, they are not all produced by Leonardo. Some are only attributed to him through his working with colleagues and apprentices. So one must pay attention to the note cards for each piece or, if you have paid for it, the audio headset (we no longer get these since we have always found them not to work very well.)
Dioramas and Models
The collection boasts of a few models and dioramas which the visitor can enjoy. Though not directly built by Leonardo, they are from designs that he had put forth in his many notebooks and journals.
Allesandro Siriati’s – Scythed Chariot, 1956
Anatomical Studies and Drawings
Most the of original Leonardo works have to do with his studies of human and animal forms. He was particularly adept at musculature and studies of the face.
Hercules with the Nemean Lion, 1505-08
According to the museum, the above drawing was probably an initial sketch for a proposed statue that never was made. It was apparently destined to stand next to his statue of David in Florence once it was completed.
da Vinci – Male head in profile with a Laurel, 1506-11
There are several sketches and drawings of the human head. Some, like the above, just to capture the heroic nature of some of his models. Others for more exact studies into the human proportions of the face and all of its parts.
da Vinci – Studies of the Proportions of the Face and of the Eye, 1489-90
The one on the left above was a study in the proportions of the eye. This was subsequently glued onto another sheet to join it to his study of the proportions of the overall face. Both show Leonardo‘s interest in the mathematical proportions of his subjects and how they were involved with one’s ability to see, providing us evidence of his overall curiosity of the human condition.
da Vinci – Self Portrait, 1517-18
The portrait to the left is described by the museum as being a self-portrait of the master himself. Though an obviously brilliant work with its economy of lines, etc., it does evoke a sense of wonder as to whether he could have achieved such details from himself, given the deplorable state of mirror technology at that time. It is also very possible that it is either his idealistic image of himself or perhaps more likely of a philosopher of old. In either case it has become our accepted representation of the master who has earned the right to be so represented by his enormous collection of works and detailed analysis of everything he had undertaken.
Poetry and Literary Works
Though actually not known for it, Leonardo did some writing. The museum has several examples of his poetry on display.
Autographed Sonnet with Self Portrait while Frescoing the Ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, 1508-12
The most notable of which is the self-portrait above. The sonnet describes Leonardo‘s “Beard in the Sky” position while painting the Sistine Chapel.
Flight and More Familiar Works
Mechanics seemed to have been one of Leonardo‘s passions. Most of use are somewhat acquainted with his works on the subjects. Even the Wright Brothers read his works on the subjects as an introduction to flight mechanics.
da Vinci – Codex Atlanticus, 1493-94
In the above codex Leonardo explored the mechanics and structure of the bird wing. He was very interested in how this could be expressed mechanically with the use of wood and rope. The above design is also articulated in a model which hangs very near the above sketch.
da Vinci – Codex on the Flight of Birds, 1505
Finally his Codex on the Flight of Birds goes into great detail. There are some eighteen or so pages of documentation around this subject for which he had hope to pull together into a book on the subject, but never completed it.
Conclusion
An excellent primer on Leonardo‘s studies, as well as his excellent ability for detailing with pen and ink. There is also a short video on how the writing instruments and inks were developed in that time period which we found very informative.
Though a bit expensive, if you are at all curious and can afford it we think it worth the time and expense.
With Tristan departing for the States again on May 18th we all decided a short visit to Milan was in order.
Our two metro tickets to Duomo
After leaving Turin midday we arrived and checked in at the Just Hotel in Milan, very close to the train station so it would be easy on Saturday to get to the airport at Malpensa.
The Duomo
The Duomo, or Dome, in Milan undergoing major renovations and cleaning
Early today we awoke, had a quick breakfast and headed to the Duomo.
The Rooftop
Patti purchased tickets for us to see all that can been seen at the Duomo, including an elevator express trip to the roof.
Tristan and Patti on the rooftop of the Duomo
Though there was construction, even here there was plenty to see. It is amazing how much detail and sculpture the architects, builders and clergy put into parts of this dome that would not normally be seen by anyone.
Some forgotten cardinal or bishop hoisted by cherubs before a rarely used rooftop doorway
The architecture here, dictated by the physics of the day, is indeed impressive.
A forest of buttresses, piers and finials supporting Duomo’s massive inside
And another perspective.
Ornamental semi-flying buttresses
The roof of the Duomo is for sure decorative. Probably in an attempt to add some counterweight to the expansive and beautiful interior.
The Duomo’s Interior
Duomo’s huge nave, looking toward the choir and apse
The windows are traditional, depicting scenes from the Bible as a pedagical device for those who could neither read nor write.
The amazing stained glass windows in Duomo’s apse
And…
The amazing stained glass windows in Duomo’s apse from a distance
Duomo’s Archeological Museum
There is also an archeological museum below the dome. It is an on-going dig, after supporting the massive cathedral above using modern technology, which can be seen in some of the photographs.
Mosaics from Basilica di Sant Tecla
There were some impressive mosaic tile floors uncover from former churches that stood here once.
Tombs below the Duomo
There are also the obligatory tombs of former bishops, priests or rich benefactors littering the grounds.
Milan surrounding the Duomo
There are a few things to experience and see around the Duomo, including the old, simple yet very functional street cars or trams. I never get tired of their usefulness and simplicity as a convenience; sad there are not more of them in the States as they bring life to a city.
Old number 19 working its route
Of course there are always the overly expensive and necessary stores to see in the Galleria; the original glass enclosed mall.
The Galleria
Having exhausted ourselves and in need of some refreshment, Tristan recommended visiting Starbuck’s very large roastery.
Starbuck’s Roastery in Milan
And finally a departing shot of the Milanese Underground and back to our hotel for a rest before dinner.
After a beautiful evening in Heidelberg, Zeus decided it was time to change the weather on us.
Heidelberg in the evening
Hence, when we woke up that morning, we were greeted by a driving rain. Nothing like the downpours we would get in North Carolina, but a steady, bone-chilling, 48 degree shower on our vacation (we’re calling it that now, not to feel too much like retirees.) That’s not too bad, the last time I visited, it was in the 20s and snowing!
Hans Thoma Platz the stop closest to our Gasthof
After our hotel hostess provided breakfast it was off to the Altstadt and the Heidelberg Castle.
The Altstadt
The Altstadt of Heidelberg is now essentially an outside mall, commercialized with all the latest trendy stores from all over the world. Its nothing the way I remember it from years ago.
The beginning of the Hauptstrasse, Heidelberg
Some of the restaurants look the same but there are many new coffee shops, cafes and contemporary stores that fill the Hauptstrasse. It begins with the Kaufhaus right after exiting Bismarkplatz.
Along the Hauptstrasse
And after walking over a kilometer or so, ends with a church or two or three and the castle.
The Heidelberg Castle
The Heidelberger Schloss, or castle, sits atop the hill overlooking the city.
Heidelberger Schloss atop hill
From the Hauptstrasse it is a formidable structure. There are two ways to visit the castle. One may walk the serpentine street that has a number of switch-backs.
Its raining and I’m cold, two tickets for the train please!
Or one can pay the €8.00 fee to ride the funicular train up the hill which is better choice when it’s raining out, plus admission to the castle is included.
The castle looking towards the pharmacy museum
The castle contains the usual large room for the storage of goods in case the town was attacked. It also houses a pharmacy museum and the largest wooden wine cask in the world, able to hold 58,000 gallons of wine.
The largest wine cask in the world
The cask was used back in the day when the town produced its own wine label.
The smaller cask holding 300 liters of wine
Recently, an effort was started by a local vitner, Jörg Clauer, to restart the production of a Heidelberg labeled wine using the smaller cask that is shown in the ante chamber to the largest one. In it, they have stored 300 liters of Pinot Noir, reviving the wine making tradition here.
Heidelberg Overlook
From the castle one gets a great view of Heidelberg and its environs.
Heidelberg looking west
To the west and north looking toward Weststadt and Bergheim.
The old Heidelberg bridge
Then the old Heidelberg bridge and the last part of the Altstadt.
Heidelberg is still a beautiful little city, full of shopping and some interesting things to see. Though I was a bit disappointed in some of the old shops that are missing, I still think it is worth a look, especially for those who have not experienced its charm yet.
Weinwirtschaft Alt Hendesse
Our second and last night here we ate at the Alt Hendesse restaurant which ostensibly is a Weinwirtschaft.
Weinwirtschaft Alt Hendesse
It could be the establishment used to be part of some wine production at some point in their history. But there is no evidence of any label or production by them on their current wine list.
Patti and Ericka waiting for their Aubergine dishes
However, the food was very good and satisfying. I can only say that for the short time we were there between 8 and 9 PM they were turning people away constantly. They actually somehow made room for us shuffling some locals around to other tables.
Since I have been here several times, I asked my family what their first impressions of Munich were and their response was, they thought it to be a very livable city. Clean and vibrant with a very cosmopolitan population.
From the Innere Ludwigsbrücke (bridge)
For one, the Isar runs directly through it adding to its luxuriant greenspaces and parks. So it is a very green city.
From Ludwigsbrücke am Gastieg (Rosenheimer Strasse)
The city itself, like many other European cities of this age, is comprised of an older inner (alt stadt) city, surrounded by the more contemporary version of itself. Our hotel, the Hilton München City on Rosenheimer Strasse, is situated in the perfect spot just outside the old city to enjoy the use of its mass transportation system (which is extensive by the way) and of course walking.
Isartor
Walking over the Ludwigsbrücke from our hotel we meet the Isartor, the eastern gate to the old city. It no longer protects the old city from tourists and vagabonds, but once was a stalwart against unwanted invasions.
Neues Rathaus with famous Glöckenspiel
The Altstadt
The city core is comprised of numerous catholic churches, kneipes and bräuthauses, somehow proving the proverb that faith and beer are somehow strongly tied together. In fact everything in Munich is tied to beer.
Glöckenspiel in Marienplatz
The famous Glöckenspiel of the Munich Rathaus still works, but now its on a specific schedule. You must consult the working hours in the front of the Rathaus for specific play times.
The Frauenkirche frontal view
Other points of interest include the famous Frauenkirche with its dual towers and cupolas. The church inside is nothing special, I myself preferred Saint Peter’s from what I could see. Taken for granted that we attended some of the Latin high mass on Easter morning at Saint Peter’s, which may have swayed my opinion a bit.
The cupolas and towers of the Frauenkirche
The cupolas of the Frauenkirche from a different perspective.
Tristan, Patti and Ericka in front of the Theatinerkirche am Odeonsplatz
The Deutsches Museum
We ventured around on foot a bit to discover the two famous hofbräuhauses and the Odeonsplatz. We also took the time to visit a few museums, including the Deutsches Museum, which we highly recommend, especially if you have any kind of mining background. The mining display is extensive.
Tristan investigating mining exhibit equipment
It is also very dark and there are numerous crags and unlit crevasses where anything creepy can hide.
Erick having some fun…
The museum has many other exhibits including naval, airplane and electronics (our personal favorite).
IBM System 360
They even have a System 7501 and System 360 from IBM, as well as a Cray and numerous early PC models.. Two tickets anyone..?
Two Tickets to the Deutsches Museum
So that just about does it for this whirlwind blog entry about Munich.
Yesterday, we went to the Royal Museums of Turin. It includes the Royal Palace and its Gardens, the Royal Library and Armory, the Sebaudian Gallery (Dutch & Flemish paintings) the Museum of Antiquities and the Chapel of the Holy Shroud.
Tickets for Three
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
The Holy Shroud
Cathedral of St. John the Baptist
Royal Palace of the Savoys
The Entrance
Photos of the Royal Palace. Some rooms were quite gaudy.
Views from the Royal Palace
Chapel of the Holy Shroud
A fire destroyed part of the Chapel in 1997 and is undergoing restoration
When Erick and I visited Turin last Fall, we decided to visit the Mole Antonelliana; home of the Cinema Museum with sweeping views of the city. Unfortunately, while the museum was open, the elevator to enjoy the views was closed due to renovations. Instead, we decided we would visit, when we moved here.
Last Tuesday we attempted to return, but again we failed. The museum is closed on Tuesdays.
On Thursday, we were finally able to see the Cinema Museum and although it was a hazy day, the view of the Alps was “postcard-like”. The museum’s construction began in 1863 and was originally meant to be a synagogue. The exhibits are organized on various levels starting with the Archeology of Cinema, to digital technology.
We ended our day with lunch at Pizzeria da Michele.
Our tickets for the museum/lift
The elevator to the top. We were sardines in a can. Views were visible from all 4 sides, so if you don’t like heights, would not recommend.
View at the top
Multi-level Exhibits
Video with “lights”. I will have to post on Facebook for the video to work.
Does anyone know what movie this creature is from?
So my wife and I thought it would be a great opportunity to see the originals of his work for which up to now we have only been fortunate enough to see in books.
