Thursday 10 November 2016

Another Autumn Walk

In Germany, the 1st of November is a day off for most people. It is called Allerheiligen (All Hallows), and in predominantly Catholic areas, people flock to the cemeteries to light candles for their dead loved ones.
For the majority of people, though, it is simply a welcome interruption of routine, and when the weather is as beautiful as it was here, everybody tries to take in as much autumn sun and fresh air as possible.

My sister and I went for a walk from one of Stuttgart's outskirts. Leaving the car half way up the hill, we walked a pleasant two hours or so through woodland, vineyards and orchards.

I had not brought my camera, but my sister kindly took the pictures you see here (I have her permission to use them) with her mobile phone:


The building on top of the hill in the distance is where we were headed. It deserves its own post.









We came across this overgrown garden with the empty hut - I would have so loved to explore, but didn't venture any further than a few steps towards it:




I like the panoramic pictures - isn't it amazing what the cameras on mobile phones can do these days? My "proper" digital camera is way too old to be that clever!

It was a wonderful walk, and although there were many other people about, everyone was relaxed and it didn't feel too crowded.

On our way back, we stopped at a bakery (some are open for a few hours on Sundays and Bank Holidays, while all other shops are usually closed) and bought some cake. We ended the afternoon with coffees and cake at my place. It was a very good way to spend a day off, and I am glad we made the most of the gorgeous weather.

16 comments:

  1. Stuttgart had and still does, I'm sure' a wealth of wonderful places to walk all around. I am not sure what that building in the distance is, and am intrigued. I'll be interested to read your next post. The day really looks like a perfect one of "mellow fruitfulness". So glad you spent the time so happily.

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    1. The building is a memorial chapel, and I'll show pictures of its inside and give background information in one of my next posts.
      It really was a Very Good Day!

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  2. Looks like you're having a beautiful Autumn, I can remember doing many walks around Stuttgart and this was always a beautiful time to walk.

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    1. It's been sunny a lot, but we also had some much needed rain. The colours have been (and partly still are) really very beautiful.

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  3. Wonderful scenery, so very German. I adore your pictures here. Gorgeous autumn tints, peaceful, comfortable paths and endless views. You are fortunate indeed and very sensible to have chosen Allerheiligen for this ramble.

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    1. You sum it up nicely, Friko - gorgeous autumn tints, peaceful, comfortable paths and endless views. It was the best we could do on this beautiful day, what a waste it would have been to remain inside!

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  4. What lovely scenery! and fantastic looking weather. Makes me wish I was out in the country.

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    1. Not as lovely as the Japanese countryside and island scenery you posted, Jenny! But it really was a lovely day and fantastic weather.

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  5. Wonderful photos!
    I just read something about the wonderful bakeries in Germany...where did I read it? Can't remember, but I think it said that you have a LOT of bakeries. Poor thing, I suppose you will just HAVE to visit them just cause you have so many! HA!

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    1. Thank you, Kay!
      Not only do we indeed have a lot of bakeries, but we also have hundreds of types of bread and rolls, plus of course all the pastries and cakes :-)
      Many of the bakeries are now part of big chains who do not produce on the premises any longer but are highly industrialised, which takes away much of the quality. But there are still individual ones around who bake all their goods themselves, and you can always tell the difference.

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  6. Great photos. I think mobile phone cameras will be the norm soon and old style cameras will die out especially with young people. At least that way you always have a camera on hand when an opportunity arises. Country walks here are always accompanied with heat when makes them very uncomfortable.

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    1. I must admit I am a fan of travelling light, so I don't want to carry too much stuff in my handbag. A good mobile phone camera is therefore a real alternative to the camera that has been serving me so well for many years now. I am still reluctant to give up on it, though.

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  7. Oh, and our shops are open every day , even on holidays, so I'll have to remember about the shops closing on weekends when we visit next year.

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    1. Most shops are open on Saturdays, but with shorter opening times than on weekdays. On Sundays, if you need something urgently that can't wait until Monday, you will find small shops at garages/filling stations/gas stations (whichever you call them), but their prices are higher and choice is limited.

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