Wiesbaden. 5.4.2014

Sure, I'd love an extra gross sandwich.

Someone left their luggage in front of the train station. (They're cast metal sculptures) And the walkway under the intersection was pretty cool. One wall had all the blue light and graphics while the other was all mirror. The reflected image was warped by the irregular mirror and created a really cool space.

I had to pee and found this.

There was a flea market going on at Schlachthof, which is the music venue I came here to find. It turns out this area of town used to be a major art center. The abundance of graffiti made that obvious.

The flowers are staring to bloom here and these pink trees are one of my favorites. I just like color. There were tulips growing underneath also.

 I walked around and found a kitchen store with some cool stuff. These utensils are great, but only for right-handed people. Sorry lefties. The cups were cool because the handle was solid. It was concave to provide grip, but not fully open to loop one's finger through. I dig it.

When I saw these spires in the distance, I had to check it out. I'm glad I did.

 

 There was a large open air market going on which probably happens every Saturday. I was stoked to find a Saftbar (juice bar) so I bought a carrot, orange, pineapple juice. I think it had something else in it, but I couldn't read all the words.

This family was amazing, and it looked like they were all having so much fun. The small Dad on guitar was so excited to be singing. He was grooving and jamming on that guitar. They had a good group of people watching, and I gave them a couple euros for being awesome.

 Germans cater to the blind with mini city scapes like this. I tried to find where I was, but couldn't until a nice woman pointed it out. I was staring at it like a lost tourist. Wow! Because I AM!

Marktkirche: "Market Church"   

 Completed in 1862, this isn't a very old church, but I still think it's pretty sweet. I dig churches. I may not be religious, but I can appreciate the atmosphere churches create. They're great places to find quiet time because many of them are always open. Some are more ornate than others, but the vibe is similar.

 Look, an old wall. Built under Emperor Kaiser Valentinian between 364 and 373. Yep, that's old. The oldest thing I've seen yet in my short time in Germany.

I walked up the hill from here just to explore. I didn't know what was up there, but I figured at least I'll get a good view of the city. I kept walking and that's where I found the playground I mentioned in an earlier post.

After a short playground break, I went in search of The Orthodox Russian Church. I looked up a few spots online before I left so I knew where to go, but forgot to check HOW to get there. Luckily I have an ap for the public transportation in Hessen. Thank God it was working. I had to take a bus back to the train station, and transfer to another one to take me to Neroberg where the church is.

Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth, or Greek Chapel. You want the German version? Russisch-Orthodoxe Kirche der heiligen Elisabeth or Griechische Kapelle. It was completed in 1855 under commission by Duke Adolf of Nassau to honor his late wife Elizabeth who died at 19. She happened to be a Russian princess; Duchess of Russia and Duchess of Nassau. She died giving birth to a daughter who died also. The Church was build around her grave. (So that's who I was looking at. She looks much better illuminated by the windows above her tomb.)

I didn't take these. I found them online because my pictures aren't good. No pictures were allowed inside. Sorry. It's not a big church by any means. The interior space is quite small, but heavily decorated with architectural details and religious imagery. I sat there and just looked around for a while. I paid two euros to be in there, so I was going to take my time. It's amazing how much work goes into a church like this. The layout is symmetrical, but the work is all different. The left side may have an angel holding something, and the right angel will just be waving her arm toward the heavens. It's small details like this that I find fascinating. I'm sure it all has symbolic meaning, but I didn't pay enough attention in art history class to understand. I DO understand that it's all a monument to God. 

 There is a cemetery next to the church too.

Don't poop! Vince used to have a sign like this in his yard on Corrida Drive but his looked like a bear.

  The spiral amphitheater may or may not be old. I don't know. I do know that it's only one wall that spirals down toward the center. I saw some girls running around making their way to the center. I didn't feel like it so I just stepped down. Lazy? No. I've been walking a lot today. Sue me.

Wiesbaden from Neroberg looking south.
Hi, that's me!