Leipzig Local Customs

If you go to Leipzig - hook up with VT member Leipzig. He is a great tour guide, lots of stories to tell, knows the best places for food (he's taking everyone to the Antikhaus...), beer and ice cream. And he knows a lot about the past and present of his city.

I found this funny instruction on "How to wash your hands" in the restroom at the Kiwara Marche restaurant in the Zoo. I've always thought I knew how to wash my hands properly but I could still learn something ... LOL

However, I am curious why it was only available in English ... do Leipzigers assume that Germans know how to wash their hands? Hm ... but then again ... there are the pictures on the leaflet. Maybe they assume that Germans are not able to read anyway? And that pictures are best for them? And, on the other hand, do they think that pictures are *not* enough for English speakers so they need a detailed instruction in words in addition?

Just kidding here, of course, but I thought it was hilarious, fact aside that I visited when the "Swine Flu" hit Germany hard ... ehem, according to the Pharmaceutical Industry. Good idea of the Zoo folks to advertise handwashing as best precaution instead of getting the flu shot.

I didn't really know in which category to put this tip but thought that this is sort of a local custom. Right, eh?

I found this large ad poster (a secco painting) for the cleaner "Persil" in Leipzig-Plagwitz, near the amazing industrial architecture from the 19th century. If I am not totally wrong it must be on Zschocherscher Strasse near the Karl-Heine-Canal. I just *love* the retro look!

At the entrance to Auerbach's Keller, a restaurant made famous by a scene of Goethe's "Faust" playing there, you can find several statues. They show the above-mentioned scene: Mephisto playing a trick at some students with Faust at his side. Faust however doesn't enjoy this kind of fun and states dryly: "Ich hätte Lust, nun abzufahren" (I'd rather leave now).
In case you need luck, touch the already polished foot of one of the statues. This is supposed to bring luck, similar to the angel in Pilsen and the tortoises in Hanoi. Apparently, literally everybody does it and every tourist takes a picture of his friend rubbing the foot, so be prepared for waiting a moment.

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You may think the Saxon race of people originated in Leipzig area of eastern Germany, as it is in Saxony and locals describe themselves and businesses as Saxon-this-and-that.

I've been watching "Face of Britain" on television and they did an episode on the Saxons. They said the Saxons were from the Frisian area of the Netherlands, Denmark and north Germany. This made me ask "What about eastern Germany? You know, Saxony!"

Well, Saxony originally had another name and it was conquered by the Saxons who called all their land Saxony!
...See the last paragraph of "Continental Saxons" on the link below for clarification.

Do you like to read? Are you hunting for the newest book of your favorite author? The you should bookmark the next Buchmesse in your calendar. More then 2000 stands invite visitors to read or to listen to the newest books. And for those you do not like to read but love the newest books you can listen talking books.

You all read newspapers and I bet in your local newspaper is always a caricature of politicans or certain events. If you like such a satirical kind of humor the "KARICARTOON LEIPZIG" should be a destination for you.

The exhibition takes place every year in winter.
Address:
Stadtgeschichtliches Museum Leipzig (Neubau)

Pic taken from the website mentioned below. Add own pic a.s.a.p.

Leipzig claims to be "Bach City" and once a year the city arrange a festival to honor the famous composer. The fest takes ten days around Ascention Day and you can hear Bach music of renowned artists from home and abroad.
Tickets are rare and you should better book in advance.