This might come as a shock to you, but Germany actually has other cities. Crazy right? Exam revisions have been taking their toll on me, so I booked a spontaneous trip to Mannheim to see my best friend and hang out. Mannheim is a pretty small city, I can’t say there’s MUCH to do, but when you’re with good company anywhere works.

Fun facts about Mannheim: It is considered the capital of German pop music. The first automobile, tractor and bicycle were invented there. During WWII, most of the city was completely levelled (aka destroyed), so most of the old looking buildings are copies / a lot of the buildings are relatively new.

(from Wikipedia)

(from Mannheim website)

While I was there, we made our way to the beautiful town of Heidelberg. It’s only about 20 minutes away from Mannheim by train and definitely worth a visit. That day was blistering hot, I’m pretty sure I was on the brink of a heat stroke. Still worth the visit though.

Fun facts about Heidelberg: Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany. The guy who invented the bicycle in Mannheim was from Heidelberg. Unlike, Mannheim, Heidelberg escaped the destruction of WWII. One in five Heidelberg residents is a student. It’s home to the world’s biggest wine barrel (220,000 litres). Fascinating.

Other than that, the long weekend exploring a few other cities in Germany was the break I needed from the crippling grip of academic commitments. I love what I study, but sometimes enough is enough and this kid needs a little nap. My exams / deadlines are coming up soon, so I’m afraid this marks the end of my travels from Cologne. Once I’m home in France, the travels will resume.