Brunswick is a cool city with lush greenery. To get from the campsite to the 'Stadtmuseum' - my first stop - I drove 3 kilometres through a beautiful park.
The second floor of the Stadtmuseum was devoted to visual arts, from the 18th century to post-1945 art. Mostly German artists, with a Dutchman here and there. There were few works that appealed to me; I photographed a few.
On the first floor, the ethnological art displayed, mainly from the German colonies (Tanzania) and also 'tourist' art from North America, the popular 'Wild West'. In this department, critical questions asked about racist art, stolen art and possible restitution or at least cooperation with the countries of origin.
I then passed through the historic Magnitor district with the 14th century Magni church, to be five hundred metres away at the 'Happy Rizzi House' ending up with the New York pop-art artist James Rizzi (1950-2011). A colourful and cheerful office complex.
Happy Rizzi House
Meanwhile, it was already 13 hours past and I puffed on to the St.-Blasius Cathedral, a structure dating from the 13th century and which was raised by Henry the Lion (1129-95). This would have been a cousin of Richard Lionheart, I was told later at the campsite. Although the Cathedral was not yet completed at the time of his death, Henry did have a mausoleum received, alongside his second wife Matilde of England, who died in 1189.
I found the way Jesus was portrayed in the Cathedral curious to say the least. He hangs on his cross with eyes open looking straight ahead, wearing not the usual loincloth but a distinguished long robe. The wooden statue fits the style 'Volto Santo' crucifixes, Italian for "holy face. It was made in the 12th century by one Imervard and is therefore called Imervard cross.
A passion carving in the right wing shows a seated Christ just after he has endured scourgings and been adorned with the crown of thorns. However, he is not sitting there suffering at all, but rather dreaming. He reminded me of Urbanus (for those not Flemish: Urbanus is a Flemish comedian).
I then strolled on to the Altstadtmarkt with the old town hall, which served from the 13th century until 1671 and was then used as a trade market and reception area.
Due to the heat, I returned to the campsite earlier than planned to take another refreshing dip in the swimming pond near the campsite.
16 September: Opening the door at Diamondway Buddhist Centre in Tallinn The centre's meditation sessions are open
