Philosophenweg

Last weekend was one for exploring local sites, such as they were. Saturday we headed down to Meersburg on the Bodensee and watched a wicked storm roll down out of the Alps. It was an altogether successful low-key day. Most excellent.

Sunday I hitched a ride with some folks heading up to Heidelberg so I could explore. Heidelberg is a delightful spot. I mean, it can boast to being the place where the Bunsen Burner was invented. And they've got a great Schloss (that's a castle to you and me).

One bit of my day there that particularly struck me was the Philosophenweg, the Philosopher's Walk. There's this path that goes from across the Old Bridge of Heidelberg, up the big big hill, then gently slopes down towards the University (of Bunsen fame). I started out on the Philosophenweg by the University, hoping to walk up on a gentle slope, then down all the really steep bits. Well, that didn't really work out. I apparently missed a turn somewhere along the way and the path was much shorter than I'd anticipated. Such is life. I will say this though, I noticed my mistake while standing on the Old Bridge. I had no agenda. I had no one else to consult. So I fixed my mistake. I started up the steep steep part of the Philosophenweg. The entire path up is laid with stone and has a few spots with stairs, made necessary by the incline. Not only is it a steep steep path, but it's also walled in on the sides a good portion of the way (please see the above photo).

The Philosopher's Walk did not make me want to ponder the deeper meaning of life in general. I was not overcome by the beauty of Heidelberg (though it is quite stunningly beautiful). It made me think about my homies plugging away at their PhDs. I mean, think about it, you've got this arduous path up where you don't have any guide beyond what you can see in front of you. There are giant walls on both sides, keeping you in, limiting your view of the outside world around you. Only occasionally do they let you move off the path for a quick look around and maybe take a picture so you can see where you've been and perhaps get an idea as to where you're going. And the thing about that look when you get it is you see how everyone is carrying on down below. Anyway, I salute you, my homies in PhD-land. Keep on keepin' on, because you're almost to another outlook.