[I posted this in April 2018, but am reposting to fix a broken image link. And my appreciation of modern art hasn’t much changed since I’m afraid]
There were on the floor in the modern art section on the ground floor. I was unsure whether they were exhibits or things left there by a member of staff. Either way, they seemed out of place and pointless.
[I originally posted this in April 2018 but am reposting again to fix the broken image links]
This is the first of lots of posts about my four-hour long visit to the Kunsthalle, a fascinating art gallery which was well presented, spacious and most of all, interesting. They didn’t burden themselves with too much pointless modern art, which also pleased me.
This work is by James Turrell and is on three floors, so visitors have to peer up or down, depending on which floor they’re on. I have no idea what it’s all meant to mean, but it looked interesting and there are stars on the ground floor.
The artwork is mentioned on Turrell’s web-site at http://archive.jamesturrell.com/artwork/above-between-below/, but I’m still none the wiser about what it all means.
[Originally posted in April 2018, I’ve reposted it to fix the broken image link]
It’s a burger in pita bread. I only went in McDonald’s as it was advertised and I’d never had one. I rather struggled to make the photo look as though it was beautifully presented, but that’s primarily because it wasn’t. It looked a complete mess. However, it tasted fine, although I’m not sure it’ll become an international best-seller.
[I first posted this in April 2018 but have reposted it now with the broken image links fixed]
Located in Lloyd Passage, a 250-metre shopping street, is Bremen’s hall of fame. Lucky individuals get to put their hands in plaster so that a cast can be made and then inserted into the floor with a plaque. It felt just like being back in Hollywood, California….
Michael Stich, the tennis player. He was the only one that I had heard of and also the first photo that I took. I was looking forwards to other famous names and although I don’t deny that the others aren’t famous, it’s markedly less exciting when I don’t have a bloody clue who they are.
Thomas Schaff, a German football player.
Aílton Gonçalves da Silva, a football player.
Karlheinz Böhm, an actor.
Peter Maffay, a singer and actor, the first person to be honoured in this exciting walk of fame. Apparently he’s one of the most famous German musicians.
James Last, a musician.
[I originally posted this in April 2018, I’ve reposted it to fix the broken image links]
The sculpture known as The Town Musicians of Bremen, from the Grimms fairy tales story of 1819.
The sculpture dates from 1953 and it’s meant to bring good luck to stroke it. That felt entirely inappropriate for my liking, so I just took a photo.
[I originally posted this in April 2018, but have now reposted it to fix some broken image links]
This is certainly something a little different, the Bleikeller or lead cellar. Bodies laid to rest here were mummified because of their surroundings and the cathedral had decided to display the bodies.
The body that was on this tomb has been removed and placed on display. It seems an unusual thing to do.
Below are some of the bodies, they know who some of them were. They include an English Lady of wealth, a German dignitary and also soldiers.
[I originally posted this in April 2018, but I’ve reposted it to fix the broken image links]
It’d be wrong to come to Germany and not have a sausage, so here’s a Bratwurst.
Lots of choice.
Bratwurst and pommes frites.
[I originally posted this in April 2018, but I’ve reposted it fixing all the broken image links]
Bremen Cathedral was first constructed as a smaller church in 860, replacing a nearby wooden church by the river. The structure and layout that is seen today dates from 1042, although has been much changed over the centuries.
One of the stained glass windows in the side chapel on the south nave.
These wooden choir stalls made from oak date from the 1360s and were salvaged during a renovation which took place in the earlier nineteenth century.
Rather a decorative cathedral, there are numerous wall paintings and decorations.
The wooden pulpit dates to 1638 when the cathedral was re-opened following a period of closure.
The cathedral’s rose window which has been a feature of the building since the medieval period, although particular one dates from the end of the eighteenth century.
The eastern crypt, used for those wanting quiet worship.
The clock dates from 1647, although I’m not sure what the cathedral are planning to do with it as it’s currently just on display on the floor.
The western crypt, which is still used for christenings.
Located in the western crypt this font is made of bronze and is from the early thirteenth century.
The rather grand nave, brighter than some other cathedrals I’ve visited in northern Europe.
The rather grand wooden front door. Next little visit was to climb to the top of the cathedral’s tower….
I debated whether or not it was worth getting soaked in the rain to visit All Hail Ale, but I decided the thought of craft beer was certainly a justifiable reason and so I went for the wet look. My contribution towards the hospitality industry really is quite impressive I think.
The beer board, although the venue helpfully uses Untappd and so I was already aware of what was available. This is a carefully thought through selection, I was suitably impressed as there were different beer styles and a mixture of cask and keg.
The bar area, all cosy and comfortable with a fair range of spirits to choose from. The staff member was engaging and personable, evidently knowledgeable about the beers which always comes in handy.
Inside the pub, all on-trend, modern and fits very well into the craft beer vibe. There were a range of games to play as well, although I decided against playing Cards Against Humanity on my own.
I was surprised this wasn’t rated higher on Untappd, it’s Dainty from Eight Arch Brewing Company and I thought it was really rather good. Lots of stonefruit, a tropical flavour and decent mouthfeel, all very smooth.
This is the Mavka 2024 from Siren Brew that I decided to treat myself to. Decadent, smooth and gorgeous (all like me, other than I’m not very decadent), there was a heap of coconut, coffee, chocolate, all in all a delightful third. It doesn’t come cheap, but I paired it with some robust ham & mustard flavour crisps to accentuate the flavours. I was happy just with crisps as I had already eaten, but the pub lets you bring in food from nearby food venues. I think dogs are welcome as well, although I don’t have a dog and so I didn’t bring one.
The reviews are mostly all very positive but there’s a quite ridiculous one saying that “I was expecting something more like the vibrant offerings available in Southampton and the New Forest. Sadly this is more of an old man’s drinking den”. It sounds all very fake to me, likely someone jealous that this venue is offering some excellent beers and they wanted to have a venue like that. The venue has been going for a few years now and seems to have built up a really good reputation.
I really like this venue, it was calm and comfortable, with a welcoming ambience. The staff member was friendly and engaging, the surroundings were comfortable and I liked the higher seating. There was a decent mix of cask and keg, although I only went for the keg options on this occasion, although that’s not entirely unusual. If I’m back in Bournemouth I think I’ll meander back in here, I was really rather pleased with the whole arrangement.
[I originally posted this in April 2018, but have reposted to fix the broken image links]
Located within Bremen Cathedral is a rather lovely museum, for which they make no charge for entry.
There are numerous climate controlled areas in the museum which display old vestments and clothing worn by Bishops at the cathedral. Some of this dates to as early as the twelfth century and it’s surprising that so much has remained relatively undamaged.
Another Lutheran Bible with what appear to be original boards, dating to 1710.
This iron key was used at the Cathedral between 1556 and 1638.
A rather beautiful book, which is a a Lutheran Bible which dates to the seventeenth century, with book experts perhaps able to note if they look carefully that there is some slight fire damage.
This is a Catholic Bible that was used in Mainz, originally printed in 1662.
This mitre is one of the examples that dates back to the twelfth century, with traces of what was once no doubt bright gold still visible.
The interior of the museum has some rather decorative wall paintings which are original.
