Fairytale Settings

One of the constant things in my life is waking up to my mom playing the piano. When I was much younger, I would sit beside her and look at her deft fingers gliding across the black and white keys. I always admired how graceful her fingers looked while she was playing and how she managed to make the music emanating from the piano sound so beautifully. Among the pieces she played that I favored the most were compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Christian Bach, and Johann Pachelbel. My early exposure to classical (piano) music led me to become an avid fan, sometimes preferring this genre over my much loved punk rock. But Beethoven, Bach, and Pachelbel had more in common than just being world-renowned composers - all three were also of German descent. Yep, next up would be a series of pictures and random chatter about my visit to Deutschland - the land that gave me, rather the world, perhaps the best of classical music.

(Misplaced) rain clouds, you ruined the picture!!!

Lake Titisee

The flowers are too lovely in this part of the world.

The flowers are more photogenic than I am. Ugh.

Our first stop in Germany was the municipality of Titisee-Neustadt. Titisee-Neustadt is actually made up of six communities, namely Neusdadt, Langenordnach, Rudenberg, Titisee, Schwärzenbach and Waldau. We, however, were only able to visit the community Neusdadt. Being that Neustadt was only a lunch and souvenir stop, we didn't have much time to thoroughly explore the place. Nonetheless, we were still able to enjoy the picturesque view of Lake Titisee.

Also, I think it would be worthwhile to mention that among the several places I was able to visit in Europe, Titisee-Neustadt sold the least expensive items. It was here that my mom and I stocked up on numerous Milka chocolate bars, which are manufactured in Germany itself.

My definition of a fairytale setting

Ruins of the Heidelberg Castle

That family in the background though. He he he.

Buildings of the inner court of the Heidelberg Castle

The view of Heidelberg from the ruins

After Titisee-Neustadt, we visited the setting for the inspiration of one of Jose Rizal's most famous poems - "To the Flowers of Heidelberg". Our first stop in Heidelberg was the ruins of the Heidelberg Castle, considered to be one of the prime tourist spots in the city. I could almost imagine being in a fairytale as I walked along the ruins, which in my opinion were still quite breathtaking, despite the fact that they are deemed as "ruins". I am still in awe at the fact that the facade remains intact, even though the castle was initially erected somewhere around the 1200s. And can you imagine - genuine royal bloods have dwelled within the walls of the Heidelberg Castle!!! Please do allow me to get lost in reverie as I imagine the royal balls and fancy dinners and Beauty and the Beast moments that could have taken place in that castle.

Aldstadt or Old Town

Pretty facades in pretty towns

Entrance to the Carl Theodor Bridge or the Old Bridge

Our tour's next stop took us right into the heart of Heidelberg - their version of the Old Town or Altstadt. It is in the Old Town that the famous (and aptly named) Old Bridge is located, which offers an enchanting view of the rest of the town of Heidelberg. Situated at the entrance of the Old Bridge (Alte Brucke) or the Carl Theodor Bridge are several statues, including a monkey statue which locals say will give you wisdom, fertility, or love should you rub its golden plate. Since it couldn't hurt to try, I have to admit that I rubbed on the golden plate pretty intensely... I need all the wisdom I can get for the coming academic year.

For our second day in Deustchland, we went on a Saint Goar - Boppard river cruise. The river cruise allowed us to see the scenic views that the countryside had to offer. Plot twist: Although the pictures depict a sunny-ish day, I was freezing while we were on that river cruise, and this is despite the fact that I had three layers of clothes on.

The Cologne Cathedral

Perfection in details.

In my defense, I wasn't posing - the wind was just blowing my hair all over the place.

Collage of the stained glass windows of the cathedral

Gothic exteriors

After the river cruise, we travelled to Cologne, Germany to be enchanted by the famous Cologne Cathedral. It is one of the most beautiful churches I have ever encountered, second on my mental list of favorite churches only to the St. Peter's Basilica in Italy. The "most visited landmark in Germany" has its title cut out for it - the stunning, intricate details of each nook and cranny of this cathedral are a must-see. The stained glass windows were works of art; the gothic facade is a masterpiece. Yet another fantasy/fairytale/Disney setting, it seems.

Germany, as far as I have seen, is a museum, housing some of the most beautiful relics in the world - relics, of course, in the form of architectural wonders and spectacular views courtesy of Mother Nature herself. Deutschland will perhaps always be my fairytale setting, what with the classical music, and castles, and gothic churches, and lovely towns, and tons of cute local boys that I could definitely picture as my Prince Charming. Paraphrasing Taylor Swift, it was definitely enchanting to meet see you, Germany.