• Architecture,  General,  Heidelberg,  Texture

    Heidelberg Castle

    the Heidelberg Castle is world-famous and famous for the romantic feelings it triggers. Anyone who comes to the city in spring or early summer enjoys a mild warmth and a light wind that flows through the Neckar Valley.

    In autumn, the winds that hits the photographer is icy cold and the facial masks that you have recently at hand are a welcome support in taking pictures. The warm colors of the following photographs deceive one of them.

    Fog in the valley of river Neckar at Heidelberg (sunrise over Old Bridge). © Julian Köpke

    The warmth of the Neckar gives rise to considerable early mist during a cold night, which stretches over the trees to the south and west. The mists also reach the Heidelberg Castle, which subsequently appears a little more romantic and ruined.

    The Heidelberg Castle in the morning mist © Julian Köpke
    The Heidelberg Castle in the morning mist © Julian Köpke
  • Japan,  Travel

    Castles, shrines and gardens

    Matsuayama Castle was erected on a hill above Matsuyama. It hadn’t been a real strategic installation. But a demonstration of power. Inside, the paths are intertwined so that no one can easily find their way around.

    The buildings seem to reach the sky. Like clouds they hover above the hill.

    Matsuyama Castle © Julian Köpke

    Today our ascent at Kotohira-Gu shrine was higher and steeper than yesterday to Matsuyama Castle. Before the ascent the usual shopping street for religious and tourist needs was located. I was happy with to oil-paper umbrellas, although it was rainy today. No sun at all.

    Oil-paper umbrellas (Karakasa) © Julian Köpke

    After a night that I had slept badly, the ascent had been particularly exhausting. It is a construction feature of the plants to offer the interested again and again new and beautiful aspects.

    That’s why photographers take a lot of benefit there as well.

    Downwards at Kotohira-Gu shrine © Julian Köpke

    Ritsurin Garden in Takamatsu has been constructed in 16th century for relaxation of its owner. Photos can reflect little of the complexity to this park. From the main southern view point several groups of people with umbrellas could be observed crossing a wooden bridge. They probably wanted to leave the garden purposefully in this weather. Except falling raindrops no noise could be heard.

    Takamatsu Ritsurin Garden in the rain © Julian Köpke
    Takamatsu Ritsurin Garden in the rain © Julian Köpke
    Takamatsu Ritsurin Garden in the rain © Julian Köpke