The Passenger ⋆ Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.

March 23, 2025March 23, 2025

Bundeshaus

The Bundeshaus in Bonn served as the provisional seat of the German Bundestag and Bundesrat from 1949 to 1999. Initially constructed as a pedagogical academy between 1930 and 1933, it was repurposed after World War II to host the newly established West German parliament. The original building was expanded with additions like the ‘Langer Eugen’ office tower in 1969 and a new plenary chamber by Günter Behnisch in 1992, which emphasized transparency and democracy.

March 23, 2025March 23, 2025

Expressionism

August Macke (1887–1914) was a prominent German Expressionist painter and a key member of the ‘Der Blaue Reiter’ (The Blue Rider) group. Born in Meschede, he spent much of his life in Bonn, where he developed his distinctive style characterized by vibrant colors and simplified forms. His works often depicted serene urban scenes, gardens, and still lifes, radiating light and harmony. Tragically, Macke’s career was cut short when he died at the age of 27 during World War I in France. Despite his brief life, he produced over 11,000 artworks, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of art.

March 23, 2025March 23, 2025

Poppelsdorfer Schloss

The Poppelsdorfer Schloss in Bonn is a Baroque palace built between 1715 and 1753 on the site of a former medieval water castle. Originally named ‘Clemensruhe’ after its founder, Elector Joseph Clemens, the palace was designed as a pleasure residence with symmetrical architecture and an inner courtyard. It later became part of the University of Bonn in 1818, housing scientific collections and the Mineralogical Museum. The Poppelsdorfer Allee, a tree-lined avenue with historic charm, connects the palace to Bonn’s city center, offering a picturesque approach for visitors.

March 22, 2025March 23, 2025

Bundesstadt

Bonn, one of Germany’s oldest cities, played a significant role during the period of German separation. After World War II, it was chosen as the provisional capital of West Germany in 1949 due to its modest size and distance from Berlin’s Nazi legacy. Bonn became a symbol of West Germany’s democratic rebirth and hosted key political institutions, including the Bundestag and the Federal Chancellery. This status persisted until reunification in 1990, after which Berlin was reinstated as the capital. However, Bonn retained some federal ministries and became a model for balancing regional development.

March 22, 2025March 23, 2025

Museumsmeile

The Museumsmeile in Bonn, located along Adenauerallee, is a cultural hotspot featuring four renowned museums that showcase art, history, science, and nature. Visitors can explore these attractions conveniently and enjoy the nearby Rheinauenpark or the river Rhein for a relaxing walk afterwards.

March 18, 2025March 20, 2025

Wetherspoons

Love it or hate it: JD Wetherspoon, commonly known as Wetherspoons, is one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic pub chains, founded in 1979 by Tim Martin. The name originates from a combination of ‚JD Hogg’, a character from the TV series ‚The Dukes of Hazzard‘, and Martin’s teacher in New Zealand, Mr. Wetherspoon, whose inability to control his class humorously mirrored the chaos of running a pub. The chain is renowned for its affordable food and drink, spacious venues, and eclectic locations, including converted banks, theaters, and even former car showrooms.

March 18, 2025March 20, 2025

Kindertransport

The Kindertransport was a rescue effort between 1938 and 1939 that saved nearly 10,000 predominantly Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Europe, bringing them to safety in the United Kingdom. Liverpool Street Station in London played a pivotal role as the arrival point for many of these children. To honor this history, a memorial titled ‚Kindertransport – The Arrival’ stands outside the station.

March 1, 2025March 1, 2025

Puente terrestre

Parque Arqueológico y Ruinas de Quiriguá, Las Viñas

Centro America typically consists of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. This region, nestled between North and South America, offers a diverse range of attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to lush rainforests and pristine beaches. It is an area of the world less known to the average European, but especially Spanish, German and French travelers are showing an increasing interest in Centro America. The region’s appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage, including 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as its focus on sustainable tourism and biodiversity. However, concerns about political instability in some countries and lingering effects of the pandemic may deter some tourists.

February 21, 2025February 28, 2025

Laguna de Tiscapa

The Laguna de Tiscapa is a volcanic crater lake in the heart of Managua, Nicaragua, offering panoramic views of the city. Perched on its edge is the Sandino Monument, a towering silhouette of General Augusto César Sandino, the revolutionary leader who fought against U.S. military intervention in Nicaragua during the early 20th century. The monument, erected in the 1990s, stands as a powerful symbol of national resistance and pride. The area surrounding the lagoon has historical significance, as it once housed the presidential palace and later the notorious Somoza family’s military headquarters. Today, the site serves as a tourist attraction and a place of reflection on Nicaragua’s tumultuous past.

February 21, 2025March 1, 2025

Plaza de la Revolución

Antigua Catedral de Santiago Apóstol, Managua

Located in the heart of Managua, Nicaragua, the Plaza de la Revolución is a significant historical and cultural landmark that embodies the nation’s revolutionary spirit and rich heritage. Formerly known as Plaza de la República, this expansive square has been witness to numerous pivotal events in Nicaragua’s history. It served as a focal point during the Sandinista Revolution and continues to be a gathering place for political demonstrations, cultural events, and national celebrations.