Random Germany 2025 Observations

Andreas Paepcke

September 11, 2025

Transport Envy

Strassenbahn — Light Rail is whisper quiet, and arrives

Strassenbahn inside — Every generation more comfortable
than the previous

Of course, everyone knows about the superior public transit system in Europe. After a 25 year absence, I was nevertheless impressed by the light rail system in both Karlsruhe and Freiburg. Very quiet, and, anecdotally, used by different generations and social strata.

During the day cars ran every 10 minutes. This seemed like the optimal rhythm. You see one leaving as you walk up to the station. No big deal. Bicycles, strollers, or wheelchairs welcome, and easy to park.

Wave pattern on hotel carpet — Carpet in my hotel: in honor of Heinrich Herz

The above carpet pattern reportedly dizzied some guests. But it was quite familiar to me. As was the notion of a zero-origin number system for elevators.

Zero-origin floor labels — Zero-Origin elevator floor labeling

Karlsruhe is a city of civil servants, and techies. The local university, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology is tech only, as the name is meant to cement. Calling the ground floor "zero" is therefore natural. Next time I expect the floors above to bear binary number labels.

If this notion fills you with dread, the sculpture at the Frankfurt airport may be for you. The artist must have been facing a flight to the USA.

Scream sculpture — Modern version of ‘The Scream’

Exogenous and Endogenous Stimuli

Nobody but contained individuals have a remote interest in the following photos. But their contrast with the images further down can illustrate how both, exogenous and endogenous stimuli can bring joy.

Family Griesbaum — Branch: inlaws at 100th birthday

Family Barbara Haidinger — Branch: childhood friend; with her many, many friends

Family Ruth — Branch: childhood friend tier #3

In contrast to:

Empty hotel corridor — The soothing anonymity of large hotels

Business class, coffin-like — Any coffinous space will do for recovery

And, of course, the ultimate: Home.