Last Saturday I have been to Heidelberg. And I loved it. 25 degrees, blue and sunny skies, the castle beautiful as always …
But do you know what has been the most remarkable event of that day?
After having taken pictures at the castle, - I might post some later -, Michael and I descended to the old town of Heidelberg and as taking pictures makes hungry, we went to a really nice café-bar called “Villa Lounge” in the center of Heidelberg and had a great Flammkuchen there. I can only recommend it …
After a while a couple came in and a few minutes later I saw the guy standing out in the street smoking a cigarette, and I wondered why he was smoking outside. It took me a minute to figure out, but then I remembered that in two regions of Germany, Baden-Württemberg and Niedersachsen, anti-smoking laws had recently been put in place. It is not allowed to smoke in restaurants and bars any more. I was thrilled.
After having taken some more pictures we came back to that bar to have a cocktail, and we hardly found a seat, it was packed. So there is really no need to worry that restaurants and bars might have to close down because of the anti-smoking laws. No, the contrary seems to be the case. Now non-smokers will go out more. Too bad these laws have not yet been put in place in my own region, Hessen. They are only planning to do so next year. And I hope they will. It is a great feeling to come home and there is no smoke in your clothes, no smoke in your hair and no smoke on your skin.
I love Heidelberg!
And to the girl who had been sitting next to the smoker: If a guy prefers smoking a cigarette outside to sitting next to you - forget him!