Blog of the Day Award

WOW! What an honor!





Thank you for your recommendations. Look for another update soon as I venture to Wilhelma, one of Europe's most beautiful zoos! Please continue to leave your comments, I love to hear from you.

Thanks again!

Jackie

Killesberg Park

The sun decided to come out for me a little this morning after a week of rain, so I thought I'd stroll through Killesberg Park. I started out from the house and walked ten minutes through a small, hidden path that takes you to the park.





The park is located directly behind the Killesberg Messe, which is used as a place for exhibitions for large audiences. The Ubahn is located here as well in case anyone prefers to use public transportation. I went the back way and visited the animals first. The animal area is quiet and calm, in comparison to most zoo attractions. You can feed and pet the animals through the wooden fence, and there is a variety to see; donkeys, ponies, goats, llamas, and pigs. Nearby, there is a quiet lake with flamingos,and ducks that enjoy bathing around the fountain.


(this tree is my favorite in the whole park)














I had an instant connection with two of the animals. The first was the white goat. I was wearing a green t-shirt, so maybe he just thought I looked like food and decided to approach me. The other was a pony named Jana (pronounced "Yana"). I fed her some grass and rubbed her nose for a few minutes. When I started to leave, she began to follow me around the fence. She had a very peaceful look about her, but I imagine she just wanted some company.

(Jana)




I passed a small playground for kids that had a zipwire line. It was tempting not to try it out for myself, but I figured I wouldn't interrupt the long line of kids anxiously waiting to ride it. You sit down on a circle tied to a rope and then leap off the edge. When you hit the end of the line, it jerks you hard in the other direction and you start to slide back towards the starting point. Two people decided to go at the same time in this photo.



The park is known for its beautiful gardens. In September, you can actually come and take some of the flowers home with you. (Don't quote me, I heard through someone else. However, the local newspaper will usually have a statement about this in case you're interested.)









I decided to drop three euros on some lunch and ordered a plate of currywurst. It was fast and quick, and I was able to enjoy a nice view of the garden area as I ate.






After lunch, I thought it was time to climb the tower for a better view of the park. This is a really cool (and free) attraction. As I was climbing, I noticed that each step had a sponsor or dedication. The view from the top was beautiful, and I was able to catch the park train as it rounded a corner of the park.









There is a fountain area near the Messe where you can go and wash off if you're hot. I stood in front of it and let the wind do the rest. On the way back, I noticed a small memorial for those that had died in the Holocaust. I was told that this was only one of many memorials that you could find as you headed towards Munchen (Munich) to the south.









I intend to go back again for some pictures. I'm especially looking forward to the winter, as I'm sure it's beautiful there when snow has fallen. Check back for more updates, or visit my flickr to see more photographs!

My Flickr Site

Ulllllm...

Ulm, Germany is the birth place of Albert Einstein and home of the tallest church in the world; the Munster Cathedral. Rising to a whopping 530 feet high, let me tell you (let my LEGS tell you), it's quite an impressive building. You start out on the bottom floor where you can view the main cathedral area, including a memorial trail you can follow along the floor, a candle lighting circle, a prayer room, and the main services area (the stained glass windows were truly breathtaking). Then you enter a tiny cement spiral stairway, big enough only for two people at any point, and you climb straight up to the main platform. There are a few smaller platforms at the lower levels for you to stop and take a break, as it's an exhausting feat. The climb is not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia, as many times you have to climb over a group of people who are pressed against the wall and taking a break.

Once you get to the main top floor, you can walk around and take pictures. There is, however, an optional platform that you can climb to. The steeple stairway is smaller than the main stairway and is a two-way lane; meaning you have people coming up and down in the same stairwell. It's quite a squeeze to get through at some points, but the view is worth it. The very top is also extremely limited in moving space and relies on the group present in when/where you move or leave, so we stayed and took pictures until everyone began to climb back down.

view from top






We managed to get around some of the back cobble streets, where we found a small tea shop and some beautiful scenery. We even managed to find pieces of the wall, which was built to surround Ulm. The city itself is situated on the Danube river and we found some magnificent views as we followed the wall.





The library is located in a central area of the city and looks like a fortress of glass. The stairs wind in a large circle throughout the library, and just outside the building you can find cafes and bistros with umbrellas, tables, and chairs for dining.




Jen and I had lunch after our 530 foot climb (quite literally!) at a restaurant outside by a fountain. We shared a small stack of ribs, a salad, and a baked potato. Afterwards, we walked around, browsed through some shops, and finished the day with an italian ice cream. I also ended up buying a handmade basket from one of the dealers outside the cathedral during the market sale.










I recommend visiting Ulm if you're ever in Germany. If you plan to climb the cathedral stairs, make sure you're in shape and prepared for tight, closed in spaces! Those aside, the hike is worth the effort.

Naturally, when Jenny and I got home we purchased some fruit, sushi, and bread from the local grocery store. We had our fruit salad on the balcony and watched the sunset over Feuerbach.







for more pictures, please visit my flickr site.