Heidelberg

I lived in Germany in a past life. I was 20 years old and I resided in Furth, a small city near Nuremberg. I was only there for a few weeks, but I lived in an apartment and had a job. So, I don't think of it as just passing through; I lived there. Thanks to a friend who had the right connections, I made gummy bears in Germany in the summer before my junior year in college. How many people get to say that? Then again, how many people would want to be able to say such a thing?

I say it was a past life because it feels so long ago I have virtually no memories of it. I remember a few things very clearly - the angle of the ceiling in the kitchen, the engineer at my factory who drank two beers nearly every day in the cafeteria, attending a Beach Boys concert (they were old then; now they are going on an Asia tour and will be in Singapore soon!). I think I have so few memories because 1) I took very few photos. I had a terrible 110 camera and never carried it around. 2) I did not keep a journal. Needless to say, there were no blogs or social networking sites for me to track my past for quick future recall. 3) I spent the summer with someone with whom I seldom communicated at the time or in the months and years immediately since. I have a pet theory that part of the reason some memories are so vivid is because we recall them through sharing. Then, the memory becomes a combination of the actual event and the multiple recallings and retellings over the years. 

This year I was able to return to Germany for the first time since the summer of 1993. Since my memories are so vague, I have no point of comparison, nothing to be spoiled by inevitable changes. Even better was the fact that H joined me - her first time. Of course, we made comparisons: stretches of road reminded us of Finland or even Iowa. But for the most part, it was a clean set of new memories, which thanks to this post and H, I may remember in 19 years.

This time we were hosted by friends we met in Boulder, who live near Heidelberg. These are some photos of the wonderful few days we spent with them in and around Heidelberg. 

Wonderful selection of breads available at a shop near our friends' place. Great breakfast!

The #5 train, which operates in a loop between Mannheim, Heidelberg and other cities.

I needed the middle t-shirt last time I was in Germany, but not this time.

Enjoying the weather in front of the castle ruins.

Looking over Heidelberg from the castle grounds.

Great view of the city and river below.

Delicious sweets in the afternoon.

No shortage of visitors and locals walking around. 

Locks on a bridge - placed by lovers to symbolize their permanent connection.

One of many beers I enjoyed this summer in Europe.

Perfect lunch!