Kassel - Documenta Stadt

BACK TO THE TRIP….. NIESTETAL, KASSEL Finally, 7 hours after leaving hotel, arrived at Niestetal (8 kms from Kassel) where Franziska and 8 month old Emilio were there at her parents home to greet me. I have the attic “suite” (bedroom, living area and lovely new bathroom) which is spacious, with great views over this peaceful, country town (popl.10,000). Franziska introduced me to a fab supermarket, Edeko, with such a huge variety compared to my local Spanish Mercadona. Bio Tempranillo Spanish wine at 2.99 was a better bargain here. Hard to compare prices as they have their own brand names but some items seemed more expensive. The next 6 days was spent exploring Kassel, the documenta Stadt, with its worldwide famous modern art exhibition. How lucky to see this in 2012 as it takes place only every 5 years. The galleries, museum, public places and parks have exhibits from over 150 global artists. I´m not keen on modern art but the atmosphere and the outdoor (weird) exhibits were enjoyable. There are so many museums here, but at a price. I took advantage of a 3 hour evening pass (10euros) to run around a few (I managed to fit in five!!) and to enjoy the buildings. The temporary outdoor exhibits were my favourites. Another worthwhile place was Schloss Wilhelmshohe Park, the largest and highest park in Europe with the massive Hercules monument towering over it and visible for miles. The climb to it took too long as I´d arranged to meet Franziska and son back in town centre, however the wooded park with water cascades and old buildings was worth the visit. There was a wedding taking place within a tram carriage at the station. Sweet idea. Niestetal is toytown Germany. So clean, so quiet and with lovely parks and a free outdoor natural swimming pool where I spent a few hours with Fransizka and Emilio. The weather was mixed, with a few rainfalls but never cold. Taking advantage of my railpass, I spent a beautiful day at Hann Münden famous for its 700 wooden framed medieval buildings and being at the joining of three rivers. Fabulous walks along the riverside and up into woods to Tillyschanze Tower. Picture postcard stuff!