Heidelberg, Ladenburg & Baden Baden, Germany plus Strasbourg, France

I was fortunate enough to visit Germany & Strasbourg, France in February, 2025. I don't want to write a lot about it yet, but just to show the pictures. So I will only say few words, in general, about energy of the Germany compare to France. I saw Ladenburg ~ the birth town of Mercedes-Benz. Most buildings in this "Altstadt" ("Альштат" or "Old Town" in German), have their original built date embeded above the door or on the front. They preserved authentic origin. Such an amazing town. This particular region in Germany have been the least effected by the WWII and able to preserve authentic architecture, including some Roman ruins.

On the other hand, Strasbourg has a completely different vibe and energy. And was also part of ancient Roman Empire, being transferred back and forth between Germany & France for many centuries, finally becoming fully French in 1944. But it had a different destiny during WWII and was a center of German occupation with concentration camp within 50 km distance of the city. It has a mix of modernized and classic architecture, as well as ancient & historic buildings in Downtown. People and general vibe is different compare to current Germany.

It was a great trip with a very deep personal meaning for me, which I am not ready to share at the moment. Sometimes, pictures speak more than words.