A casino and a spa

That seems to be, in a sentence, what Wiesbaden has to offer the visitor: an splendid casino in the former spa house and some famous spa treatments in a building (not a former casino, I can assure you). The city has not so much art or an historical core centre. On the contrary, it's a city of big avenues, big parks and a very cosy atmosphere. But, in the end, the cosy atmosphere defeats all the rest and watching people and the houses there I think it must be a very nice place to live in.

Nevertheless, my Lonely Planet guide recommended a visit to the Russian Orthodox Church, up on a hill surrounding the city centre of Wiesbaden. The Church contains the tomb of the Russian wife of Duke of Nassau, who died in the XIXth century in the childbirth of a baby. The Duke then ordered a Russian Church to be built in Wiesbaden, with wide views of its territories and to be guarded by Russians (as it is today). Well, to get there, you can either walk uphill or take a funicular as I was told in the Tourist Office. However, they did not tell me in the Tourist Office that the funicular is closed during winter. I am sure it was my fault for not asking but... Anyhow, the church is remarkable as it seems completely out of place in Germany and it is backed up by a romantic story.

These days, the Western part of Germany is celebrating Carnival and although Wiesbaden's is not one of the most famous, I saw some of it. I watched this group of street musicians three times and I was even following them for a while! No, I am not an spy, it was only that they were moving towards the place I wanted to reach as well. In any case, their music was simple but at the same time it invited my feet to move. Here is a short video of it.


To finish this entry, I would like to propose a short game. Can you find me in this picture of the current casino (former spa complex) in Wiesbaden? The big building in the background is a theatre. I cannot promise any prize if you suceed, only the sweet smell of victory.