18th March 2006 - Day 152

As the end draws near, I am beginning to re-appreciate Karlsruhe. When I first reached here, I had the impression that I still had lots of time to explore this town. Apparently, this was not the case as the time was spent dealing with some other matters on hand.

With my single use camera, I went out to the Schloss to take some pictures. While approaching the Schloss, there's always a funny feeling.

The Garden and the Schloss in the background

Sometimes, I feel like a peasant seeking an audience with some king. Other times, it was like a foot soldier doing prowling duty. But most of the time, I imagine that there's a horse carriage pass by me and a page asking, "Sir, would you like to return to the Schloss?"

Crazy.

I realise today that there is a trail consisting of 1645 blue ceramic tiles leading to some pottery production place. Not that I counted. There was a sign which said so.

The New Path

Continuing with my stroll, I came upon a small field. Some flowers are already blooming. Buds are also appearing on the ends of trees.

Spring is coming. Birds chirping in the morning for the past few weeks to remind everyone of it. The days are getting longer. First light at about 0630 and the Sun only sets at around 1815. I think I can feel it. Like there is something joyous that is about to occur.

But why am I still in my winter coat?

After the short stroll, I went to Karstadt to buy some chocolates for my host family. I'm going to visit them tomorrow. It'll probably be my last visit. Of course there would be opportunities to visit them in the future, but it won't be easy.

I decided to buy some strawberries for a change in fruit intake. Surprisingly, I got them for free. The fruit shop owner even offered me the whole basket. Probably because the owner was closing for the day and he thinks that the strawberries won't last till Monday. He figured it's more practical to give it to someone than to throw it away, I guess.

So, back to doing my trip planning.