6. Day 3 - Around Frankfurt: On the Water

(Note: Some of you have noted that for a blog on Southern Africa, there seems to be a lot about Frankfurt, which is at least somewhat true.

1) It seems like a lot because you all want to see Southern Africa. 

2) I have this annoying habit of dividing each day into 2 or 3 postings.  For that I can only say, guilty.  And you will have many more posts on Southern Africa than on Frankfurt.

3) I do believe that all things are interconnected.  The support of some of the pro-Apartheid leaders in South Africa for Nazi Germany is an important part of the history of the struggle for democracy in South Africa.  And the next two postings after this one – which complete the section on Frankfurt – contain some about Nazi Germany.

4) I admit to being a completist.  These photos were all taken on the same trip.  At the end there will be material on our week in London.  This too will contain material relevant to the South Africa part of the discussion. 

5) If you really don’t want to read the posts on Frankfurt, please feel free to just delete or skip.  My feelings won’t be hurt – and I won’t know in any case.  The first post from South Africa will be posted on Feb. 28 although the post on Feb. 25 includes discussion of the trip from Frankfurt to Johannesburg via Munich (Airport).)

As I’ve noted, Frankfurt is divided geographically into north and south sections, bisected by the Main River which flows east/west.  The divide is reflected in many differences between the two parts .  North of the river is the city center, and all the new financial and other skyscrapers as well as the trade fair section.  It was the part of the city that was significantly damaged by bombing in World War II.  The south part of the city is known as Sachsenhausen which I was told means Saxon housing although I haven’t been able to confirm this  The south section has very narrow, winding streets and older houses which were not the subject of war bombing.  It also seemed more rural.

The area along both banks of the Main river are significantly green and either recreational or cultural.  Many of the museums of Frankfurt are strung along the river.  Here is one section of both sides of the river as seen from the tour boat.

Both Sides of the River

Here is a view of the north side of the river in an area with very little green along the north shore, which does have less green than the south shore.

North Side of River with Little Green

And a view of the north side with a bigger green buffer between the buildings and the river.

North Side of Rive with More Green

There is also some art work along the river that at least pays some homage to the fact that it is on a body of water.

Art Work Along River

As to be expected of a river flowing through a major city, there are a number of bridge crossings.  Some are fairly old and seem of utilitarian design, although I leave to others to explain both the meaning of the apparently Greek sign on the first tower and the reason that there is a sign in Greek on a bridge in a German city.

Old Bridge with Greek Lettering

This is a somewhat less ancient bridge but the design is very interesting and extends to the piers of the bridge.

Less Ancient Bridge

And this fairly modern footbridge, vaguely reminiscent of the Jubilee Footbridge on the Thames.

Modern Footbridge

After getting off the river, we visited the Frankfurt City Museum, the subject of the next post.  It was an interesting insight into the people of the city including what happened during World War II.  Remember, I did say it’s all connected.

Link to Full Resolution Photos