On our way to Heidelberg, we passed Mannheim. It looked like an industrial, not an artistic, city but the Mannheim School of classical music composers had a far-reaching effect. One of the things the school did was establish the number of musicians and the number of each type of instrument in an orchestra. These numbers are now used around the world as standard. The Mannheim School also introduced grace notes to musical composition and a three-note sequence (da-da-DUP’) referred to as the Mannheim roller. A dramatic effect introduced by the Mannheim School is the Grand Pause, where playing stops for a moment, resulting in total silence, only to restart vigorously.
And then it was on to Heidelberg. Before I insert pictures of Heidelberg, see if you agree that our tour guide brings Mary Poppins to mind.
Mary Poppins had no accent at all, and her English and diction were so good that I asked where she learned English. I wasn’t surprised when she said “Canada.”
Heidelberg is set on the Neckar River. It’s a very picturesque city and definitely has a university feel to it. Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Europe. (circa 1615?) Trivia fact: Robert Bunsen, inventor of the Bunsen burner, attended Heidelberg University.
Heidelberg Castle dominates the city. This castle is the most popular ruin to visit in Europe.
This is one of the castle towers.
The ruins allow visitors to see the layers of construction in the castle walls. Using various sizes of rock in the walls added to the stability of the structure.
I’ve learned to recognize the holes in these stones. They were formed when the builders raised the stones with pincers.
Grass now grows in what used to be the castle moat. On another modern note, concerts are now held in the large castle courtyard.
This wine cask is in the castle cellar. It’s empty now, but has the capacity to hold 55,000 gallons of wine.
Walking near the university campus, we saw this store. Our guide explained that a Schmuckatelier is a jeweler. Then she added, “Not that we don’t have schmucks in Germany.” (Mary Poppins has a sense of humor.)
We had time to walk around Heidelberg on our own. I spotted a sporting goods store and bought a new pedometer to replace the one we wore out in Paris.
Another trivia fact: Dueling is still allowed in Germany, but combatants must be 18 years of age and are required to wear face and neck protection. It’s not like the old days.
