Schopfheim
Last Week on the Road
My Epic Journey So Far
Today’s Weather Report
Day 102, Schopfheim: The weather’s as gloomy as a troll’s underpants today – 6.49°C and raining. Feels exactly like 6.49°C, they say. As if a gnome could tell the difference between 6.48 and 6.49! The humidity’s at a soggy 78%, and the wind is barely puffing at 0.45 m/s. Good thing I’m not made of sugar, or I’d dissolve faster than a witch’s promise. Just another day in paradise for a globetrotting gnome!
Pretzels, Peaks and Gnomadic Feet!
Just as I crossed the border, I could sense the shift in the air. Not just the climate or the scenery, but also the language. From the melodious French and Swiss-German lilt, we’re now in the land of guttural, hearty Deutsch. Quite a linguistic journey, I must say!
One observation that tickled my curiosity was the sudden appearance of pretzel shops in Schopfheim. Ah, the pretzel or as the locals call it, “Brezel”. This twisted bread treat is a staple in German cuisine, seen as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Now, here’s a little joke for you: Why don’t we ever play hide and seek with mountains? Because you’ll always find them peaking! Ha!
But let’s not forget the philosophy of the day: “Der Weg ist das Ziel.” In English, it means “The journey is the destination.” A beautiful reminder that the experiences and lessons on the journey are just as important, if not more, than the destination itself.
So far, I’ve trekked for 101 days and covered a distance of 2781.8 kilometers. My legs are definitely feeling the burn, but my spirit is still soaring high. My recent pitstops include the cities of Montbéliard, Grenchen, Basel, and Baden. Each city, each town, each little hamlet has its own story, its own charm. And I’m just a little gnome, hopping from one place to another, soaking it all in.
Bis zum nächsten Mal, or “until next time”! Keep wandering, keep wondering.
Wandering Schopfheim’s Streets
Gnome’s Bumbling Brushwork
Painted en plein air while taking in the sights of Schopfheim.
— Oliver the Gnome, aspiring artist
Feldberg, Tunes and Cobblestones!
Secondly, Schopfheim is the birthplace of Georg Friedrich Händel, a renowned Baroque composer. His music, like the famed Messiah, echoes through the city’s cobblestone streets, a testament to Germany’s rich musical heritage. This makes Schopfheim a living memory of Germany’s artistic legacy. So remember, “Wer nicht vorwärts geht, der kommt zurücke” (He who does not go forward, goes backwards). Schopfheim, with its cultural richness and historical importance, is a city that never ceases to go forward.
Brötchen, Bier, and Gemütlichkeit!
In Schopfheim, life is a pleasant mix of tradition and modernity. The locals, known as Schopfheimer, start their day with a hearty “Frühstück” (breakfast), often with “Brötchen” (bread roll). Many work in the thriving industries or the local vineyards. After work, they often gather in quaint “Biergärten” (beer gardens) for a pint of “Bier” (beer) and hearty conversation. A popular saying here is “Leben und leben lassen” (live and let live), reflecting their easy-going nature. The city’s medieval architecture, like the Schopfheim Castle, adds a historic charm to daily life. As the sun sets, the city’s vibrant culture comes alive with music and festivals. So, the life in Schopfheim is indeed a “Gemütlich” (cozy and comfortable) one.
Gnome’s Guide: Schopfheim Sights!
See you tomorrow!
Around the World on Foot, in Many, Many Days 