Working Out and In

Being back in Heidelberg does feel a bit like being home. Staying with my boss, Jim Sohre, at his house is very comfortable. I'm beginning to get to know the neighborhood, some of the shopkeepers, restaurants, etc. Jim lives in an area called Ziegelhausen, which is a comfortable residential enclave in some low hills just below the Neckar River, which runs through Heidelberg. The Old Town and the Castle, the main tourist sites, are on the other side of the River. I walk up the road to "my" bakery, "my" meat shop, "my" fruit and vegetable market, and pick up food for the next day. Bakeries are the worst; I am attracted by them and can't seem to stay away. In a short 1/2 mile radius from here, there must be at least four.

Just so you don't think I'm sitting here eating pastries and getting fat, I want you to know that I have been working out (semi-)regularly. Today, I figured out the buses and traveled by myself to Campbell Barracks (one of several Army installations here) where they have a gym I could use for free. Having a Army-base pass does have its privileges. It was about 40 minutes on 2 different bus lines, but I had no trouble. The facility is great, though it is a bit intimidating working out alongside these soldiers, many of whom are huge!

On my way home, I spent time walking through the Old Town of Heidelberg. I didn't go to the Castle yet (I had been there two years ago), but I may tomorrow. The weather finally turned around and it became a sunny, flawless day, temperature near 50. I sat outside at an overpriced cafe because it was so beautiful. Gave me a chance to catch up on some reading.

I also discovered the spot where the old synagogue of Heidelberg had stood. Here's a photo of me there. The white stones on the ground mark the outline of what was the original building. Now it's preserved as an historic site.

Heidelberg is a beautiful city with some great architecture. It hugs both sides of the Neckar River and seems to be content mixing the old and the new in an aesthetically pleasing fashion. Here are some photos I took today.