Heroes’ Square in Budapest

On July 2, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Hungary3 Comments

Heroes’ Square, or Hosok tere in Hungarian, is one of the main squares in Budapest and is located next to the city park. It was created in 1896 to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of Hungary. Sitting in the middle of the square is the Millennium Monument and the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of Art sit on opposite sides of the square. At the time that Heroes’ Square was created, Hungary was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and some of the statues in the square today replaced those that paid tribute to the Austrian Hapsburg dynasty.

We took the underground to the station that is across the street from Heroes’ Square, which is the easiest way to get to the square and city park from downtown. On the day that we visited the square, there was a demonstration going on advocating for peace. The colorful flags surrounding the tomb-like Memorial Stone, which is not an actual tomb, but meant as a tribute to all of those who died protecting Hungary over its 1,000 year history.

There are a series of statues on either side of the Millennium Monument. On top of the columns on the left is a male statue that represents a symbol of war and on the of the columns on the right is a female statue representing peace. In between each of the columns are statues of historic figures in Hungarians history along with a mural below their statue meant to represent their major accomplishment. In addition to the columns with their statues, the base of the monument also has statues depicting the seven chieftains of the tribes who originally founded Hungary.

Visiting Heroes’ Square is definitely fascinating on its own, but we would highly recommend that you combine it with a tour of the city park. The weather wasn’t quite warm enough on the day that we were there, but there are paddle boats that can be rented to go out onto the lake. There is also the Vajdahunyad Castle and the Budapest Zoo are also located in the park. It is also just a nice place to spend a couple of hours walking the paths and enjoying the scenery. Depending upon how much you decide to see while there, you can easily spend an entire day at the park.

Löwenburg Castle in Kassel, Germany

On March 7, 2019March 7, 2019 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Germany3 Comments

One of the first places that we visited when we were living in Frankfurt was to Kassel. Löwenburg Castle was also the first castle that we saw during our time there and it certainly didn’t disappoint as it is certainly a very interesting castle with a unique architecture. Located inside of Bergpark Wilhemshöhe, the castle grounds are quite beautiful and has great views of Kassel. We didn’t go inside of the castle because we visited on our own, but if you purchase a guided tour, it is possible to see the inside. The entire park is interesting with Schloss Wilhemshöhe, the Hercules Statue, and a large, fountain and water feature that cascades down the hillside, but Löwenburg Castle is certainly a highlight of the park.

Built in the late 18th century by Landgrave Wilhelm IX, the castle is partially in ruins, although there were some repairs going on during our visit there. Kassel is part of a route in Germany known as the Fairy Tale Road, with its connection to the Brothers Grimm, and walking the grounds of the castle will definitely take you back in time. The castle itself is actually an imitation of an old knight’s castle and apparently is really more of a country palace on the inside. Even so, it still draws tourists from around the world as well as Germany because of its fascinating features.

The gardens are also quite beautiful, especially the pathway that is covered by arching trees that create a tunnel-like feel. As you walk the paths around the castle, you can imagine how wonderful it must have been to live there with its amazing views and gorgeous grounds. Kassel is a wonderful city and certainly worth visiting while in Germany. If you do visit Kassel, Löwenburg Castle, as well as the entire Bergpark Wilhemshöhe, should definitely be the top of your itinerary. It is also worth visiting the Brothers Grimm Museum as well while you are in Kassel.

Intentional Damage to Replicate a Ruined Knight’s Castle

Steep Hills and Trees on the Castle Grounds

Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana

On March 5, 2019January 14, 2021 By Isobar ExpeditionsIn Louisiana5 Comments

While Bourbon Street might be the heart of the French Quarter during the night, Jackson Square is the heart of the French Quarter during the day. With many different local artists performing and selling local items, the area is full of activity throughout the day. The St. Louis Cathedral is also there as well as the Cabildo, which is a museum reflecting the history of region. There are also many different restaurants on the streets surrounding Jackson Square offering some of the best food in New Orleans. Needless to say, being a location that draws so many tourists, there are also a variety of stores that sell a wide variety of items that represent New Orleans.

Jackson Square, Andrew Jackson’s Statue, and the St. Louis Cathedral

As different artists perform, from musicians, magicians, and jugglers, to acrobats and dancers, crowds gather around making it difficult to make your way through the area. As one artist finishes their performance, another will immediately start setting up near by. Many of these performances at Jackson Square are quite entertaining and they make their living from the tips that they receive once their performance is over. Because it is their source of income, they can be quite aggressive as they ask for people to pay for the performance that they just watched.

The focal point of Jackson Square is the park with its statue of Andrew Jackson on his horse. There are many benches within the park where you can sit and relax away from the noise of the people gathered in front of the cathedral. There are also several flower beds and shade trees, although we were there during December, so they weren’t all in bloom. In addition to the artists performing, you will find artists selling paintings and crafts all along the fence that surrounds the park. Depending upon your taste, you can likely find something interesting if you are looking for something original.

Jackson Square will certainly be quite crowded throughout the day as throngs of crowds flock their to visit the park, see the performers, and go into the cathedral. It is certainly one of the more family friendly areas within the French Quarter and you can certainly spend a couple of hours in the area. It is also right by the Mississippi River and you can go on a riverboat cruise following your time in Jackson Square. Additionally, there are horse-drawn carriages offering to take you on tours of the French Quarter.