July 2001 Freiburg, Germany
I arrive with my family late night; we have just driven up from Italy, and our journey is coming to a close...It is the end of July, but the weather is not that bad compared to Italy and to what I left in the U.S., so no complaints.
We find a hotel in the center of the city and settle down for a much needed rest...Not bad. For a place so close to all the action, it's pretty quiet here. The lights of the small city shine outside our window, and the cooler night air, clean and refreshing, blows gently through the curtains into our room. A good start to a visit...
The next day brings us into the center of the city. Freiburg is a university city, and a huge portion of the population, even in summer, is student age. There are also lots of tourists walking around the hot spots. This makes Freiburg quite unique compared to some other cities in Germany. Because of the diversity of the population, more variety is offered here. There are restaurants serving food from around the world, and the cultural dresses and languages from a variety of places can be seen in the streets. It's good to see multiculturalism in the streets of Germany.
In the center, old cobblestone walkways, narrow streets, and stucco-fronted shops that are so close together they share walls offer the tourist a delightful visual treat and feel for the antiquity of Europe. Outdoor cafes can be found all throughout the centre, the tantalizing aromas of coffees, strudels, and chocolate tortes drifting towards passers-by from within, challenging even the strongest wills of resistance.
A trip outside the city offers a quiet, rolling countryside, lots of farms, and fresh air. Not too far outside the city is Titisee, a quiet beautiful little lake for those who want to swim, stroll, sit, or sleep for a bit in the shade. Along its edge there are many knick-knack shops where one can find a good old-fashioned, genuine German Cuckoo clock, stein, or spoon. The buildings are old German design with cute frescos and figurines.
While I wish I had seen more of Freiburg, I do feel that I at least got a taste of it. I liked what I saw, and I definately would recommend it, and will return when given the chance. You should go!
