In Baden Baden on the Lichtentaler Allee

Care to take a little stroll with me?  Such a beautiful day.  Perhaps a little juice of the grape before we stride?  Oh, I like your spirit, and I know just the place.  You say you require some discretion, querulous husband and all that?  A sheltered garden perhaps, out of view, where we can unburden ourselves and discard the cares and woe of nuptial complications?  Now you’re smiling.  Such a lovely smile, too.  I don’t know the man, but he really doesn’t deserve you.

Please, let’s sit a moment or two in this small hideaway, decked out in white café tables and chairs, blessed by the radiant sun.  There on the rolling hill! …see the pink and white blooms of a Japanese cherry?  Oh here comes a breath of wind, splattering the air with pink and white snow.  I do love the springtime.

Doesn’t this Riesling offer a beautiful nose.  Clean and refreshing.  Hints of rose, with a touch of apple and Mirabella plums. Rolls easily on the tongue.  And your tongue is so beautifully pink.  Now you’re blushing.  Blush all you want, my fair flower.  You’re laughing?  No, no, really.  You are enchanting.

Yes, the wine was delicious and the company even more so, but now let’s walk.  I’m so glad you decided to join me.  Have you been on the Lichtentaler Allee before?  If you’ve been to Baden-Baden you almost certainly have.  

Magnolia Galaxy

One of the most beautiful walks in the world, a combination of garden path, rippling river, and arboretum, with majestic mansions to the right and grand hotels to the left.

As you notice from the small nameplates, these trees are from all over the world, from slim and dainty Japanese Cherries, to voluptuous camellias and magnolias, to majestic redwoods and sequoia.

You’re walking in history. The Lichtentaler Allee  has been a place for walking and contemplation for over 360 years.  A few notes of interest.  The Allee began in 1655 as a simple path to connect the town of Baden with the Lichtentaler Cloister (1225).  Then came the Grand Duke’s castle gardener in 1839, who saw exquisite possibilities in the 2.3 kilometer (1.8 mile) trail along the river Oos (pronounced Ooze).  Suddenly a simple trail blossomed, literally, into a luxuriant profusion reminiscent of English parks and gardens.

Notice the many lacy footbridges, each of them different, all of them a paragon of graceful beauty, much as you are!

Look at that towering sequoia!  No doubt it will never feel the sharp bite of an axe. 

And the ducks and birds flutter about so shamelessly friendly.  Look, these mallards walk up to within inches of our feet.  And there, that multi-hued mandarin male, just skimming the water!  Flies like the wind!

Mandarin Ducks

Are you game for continuing all the way to the Cloister?  Yes, it’s still in use and inside the walls there is a small café.  I believe the nuns are Trappists, but on my visits I never met one, or if I did, she wasn’t wearing a habit.  The abbey advertises there are guest rooms and the abbess offers an invitation for guests to work and pray with the sisters.

The Cloister Entry

The courtyard

We’ll sit awhile at the café, then wander back for perhaps another wine before you rush back to your husband.  No rush?  Even better.  I’m almost sure we can find something else to do. 

Hahaha…it’s happened again!  Oh, I do love that blush!