It’s too late now. About fifty-seven years too late. Instead of looking out of the classroom window onto the playing field, wishing I was out there kicking a ball, I should have paid more attention to my German teacher. Then I would have understood now, what “Ich bin ein dichead” means!
The young ticket lady confirms that the majority of information up top will be in German only. My unbelieving English face reveals astonishment. What!? “Well” she sardonically replies, “you are in Germany . . . “
The 118 metre cable-car lift across the Rhine is swift and smooth. Provides a 360 view. We only need half of that as we look back to where we came from. We step out onto the huge plateau that Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and surrounding grounds occupy. It feels like a smaller version of Cape Town’s Table Mountain. Only more ordered.
To the non-initiated military brain, these types of fortresses seem to be constructed to a most bizarre design. Yet, as this one is still standing, obviously successful. A conglomeration of pointy angles, emulate the pointy hats of their day. Create a massive maze of tunnels and alleys. Das (I’m guessing) Haus der Archäologie houses an immaculate presentation of historical artifacts. Our first port of call. We disdainfully brush past each cabinet. Ignore the information boards that fail to divulge a semblance of sense to two of its paying customers. We give it ten minutes max – out of bored courtesy. Move on. Go explore the numerous nooks and crannies.
Give it a . . .
A shoal of security guards swim past us and down. They’re on a private tour. Possibly in preparation for a forthcoming event. I lean over and listen. Become a Creepy Peeper. Can’t understand a word! If only . . . I was a pigeon.
The photography house, is more up our alley. Six artists show off their talents. Each in their own unique way.
Some ideas and concepts are universal. Need no assistance from Herr Google’s translator app. We always love a bit of hands on. In the tech house we come across a couple of fun, yet ingenious interactive concepts.
Then it’s time to make our own bit of art . . . “Black Rectangle on White Wall”
Then it’s back down to base to finish the day and meander the Aldstadt sites. As usual, the churches provide some of the best and most interesting architecture.
