Germany 2005
Düsseldorf
Stopped by there, as I do at times, and just took a few newer pics of some of the highpoints
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Düsseldorf was one of the villages of Germanic tribes that stayed out of the way of the Romans, in this case, just miles away, in Cologne. This city grew from one of those villages, in this case, the Dorf (village) at the Düssel, a small contributary to the Rhine River. Düsseldorf was first mentioned in 1153, the Romans long gone by then, and was granted the status of city in 1288. This culminated from a war and deciseive battle between the Count of Berg, who ruled from Düsseldorf, and the Archbishop of Cologne. The victory resulted in the elevation of Düsseldorf to city status. Since then, and coming from Düsseldorf, I attest to that, there is an ongoing rivalry between the two cities. |
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This time I had planned to go up into the TV tower |
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This was also my first exposure to a new bridge, the Kniebrücke, referring to the sharp bend in the Rhine RIver |
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An impressive structure |
Here seen from the new bridge |
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Something old and something new |
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Although I finally saw his Red Piano Show in Las Vegas, this was pretty cool |
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There was a new mall on the Königsallee (Kö) |
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A new sculpture of a young apprentice who was apparently very gifted in the art of casting large bronzes, such as the big one here... |
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...in front of City Hall of Count Johannes WIlhelm II (1690-1716) who really grew the wealth and power of Düsseldorf with his wife Luisa de' Medici. The Count also married well, one might say. |
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Garlands because of the Schützenfest, the annual marksmen festival |
Two medieval towers |
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In traditional uniform and part of the Schützenfest, a big deal to the locals and always accompanied with a big parade.... |
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...and a big carneval on the opposite shore of the Rhine River. There are large, members-only, tents by the Schützen organizations |
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The House of Spices on the left (Gewürtzhaus) where Grandma used to take me when she bought mustard and vinegar there |
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Düsselldorf is famous for mustard, and this sign in the window reads - (freely rhymed and translated): If far from home you tarry Sufficient mustard you must carry |
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One of the bakeries where I would go for fresh bread |
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With a Protestant grandfather and a Catholic grandmother I was exposed to both faiths. Christmas she would take me here to this old church |
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Wrapping up this little sojurn on the Königsallee |
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Ending up where, as a little boy, I used to hop the rail on the way home from school (walking) and climbed around on this cool monument, until whistled at by a cop |
