As some of you know, I’m writing a biography of Alexander Kluge, a contemporary German author, filmmaker, and social philosopher. Although I came late to the biography game, I soon found out that it was important to have some feel for the places the person lived. In writing about Walter Benjamin, I was able toContinue reading “Off to Germany, yet again…”
Category Archives: Germany Spring 2023
Jet lag in Frankfurt
Our enthusiasm for Singapore Airlines has been considerably dampened by our experience in Premium Economy. The seats are narrow and, although they do recline further than those in steerage, that advantage is countered by the leg rest, which comes up just enough to cut off circulation in the calf. We also had pleasant memories ofContinue reading “Jet lag in Frankfurt”
A little of this, a little of that…
W e slept like the dead and got going pretty late. We had discovered a nice modern cafe around the corner with really good coffee and pastries, and had a quick breakfast before heading across town. First stop was the “Bockenheim” or original campus of Frankfurt’s university. The Johann Wolfgang Goethe-Universität–to give it its officialContinue reading “A little of this, a little of that…”
And on to Marburg!
We got going fairly early, especially considering that the water nymph swam a mile and a half before we left! After another breakfast at our home away from home cafe, we took the S-Bahn to the main station and were soon on the train to Marburg. Our hotel, the Vila Vita Rosenpark, exceeded all expectation.Continue reading “And on to Marburg!”
Wiesbaden, where Dostoevski lost a fortune…
We got off to a leisurely start; it would have been easy just to loll around the hotel for another day–it was that comfortable and relaxing–but “duty” called. The first leg of our trip to Wiesbaden wasn’t the most pleasant part of the trip: we were on a regional train that doesn’t take seat reservations,Continue reading “Wiesbaden, where Dostoevski lost a fortune…”
So many memories in Mainz!
We started the day with a stroll to the Kurhaus, the large building that houses the headquarters of the spa and the casino. The Kurpark behind the Kurhaus is lovely….and the visitors aren’t bad either. There was also an antique car show, with some very cool old sleds…like these Alfa Romeo Spiders. Sure, I’ll admitContinue reading “So many memories in Mainz!”
Wine Tasting on the Nahe
We started the day with a quick stroll to take in some of the thermal baths in the center of town. This is perhaps the best know, the Kaiser Friedrich Bad. Peter picked us up at our hotel in the late morning and we headed for the Nahe River, a tributary of the Rhein, andContinue reading “Wine Tasting on the Nahe”
Closing the circle
After a leisurely start to the day in Wiesbaden, we boarded the train for the airport in Frankfurt, where we wanted to drop our bags before going into town. So you think the airport is a nightmare as you try to get to your gate, right? Try finding the airport hotels, for which there isContinue reading “Closing the circle”