Stuttgart Gearhead Weekend #1

After a Friday night soccer practice, I woke up bright and early on Saturday to make the 2-hour trek to Stuttgart.  I had three targets: the Mercedes museum, Königstraße, and the Porsche museum.  I managed to hit them in that order, and took over 300 photos along the way (don't worry, I didn't post them all)

First off was the double-helix styled building of the Mercedes museum.

Upon entering, I checked my bag and picked up my audio guide.  I felt like a champ with my garb consisting of straps, wires and goofy headphones.  Especially when I took a picture of myself taking a picture of myself on a tv.

The museum was laid out brilliantly.  To start, you step into the coolest looking elevator I've ever been in.

You exit into the top floor of the museum, expecting to see cars.  Nope, horse.

Horse

From there you wind down the building in a chronological masterpiece consisting of the development of Mercedes over the last century and a bit, tied in with significant events and relevant facts pertaining to the time period of the cars on display.  The lighting was spectacular, and the displays cohesive.  I was impressed.

One of the first, and an orange tie

5.9 Horsepower, 2.5 Litres, and 337 lbs

The Second Display (Other Floors were Equally as Well-Presented)

The First Mercedes to Fit the Modern Definition of Car

Opulence

I Want This Horn!

Hipster Fresh from the Early Days

Dreamy, With Side Pipes

Princess Diana's Mercedes SL, and Some Important Guy's Modified SUV

Look Ma, No Wheel!

Engine Tech Changed a Bit Over 100 years: 870 Horsepower, 3 Litres, and 209 lbs

Even the Cafeteria/Bar is Cool Here

Once that three-plus hour adventure was complete, I hopped back on the S-Bahn (Stuttgart subway) to the centre of the city, where I took a jaunt down Königstraße (King Street).  This was a massive, pedestrian-only street with some of the best shopping the region has to offer.  I don't much care for shopping so I just walked and people-watched.
Halfway down the road is Schlossplatz, where there is a large grass area and a few giant old buildings.  I got a free bagel and cream cheese (thanks Philadelphia!) and took a seat on the grass.  It was 21 degrees out, and felt like summer!

Hints of St. Patrick's Day Here and There

After relaxing in the sun, I got back on the S-Bahn to head to the Porsche museum.  I had read online that it didn't live up to the magnificence of the Mercedes museum, and I can't argue with that assertion.  There were some cool cars, but it was lacking in.. passion, or something of the sort.  Still totally worth checking out, even through the overly strong pro-Porsche audio commentary.

Impressive Architecture

Produces Enough Downforce to Drive Upside-Down

Brushed Aluminum 928 Overlooking Stuttgart

Cutaway View of the Latest 911

Some Proportions were Never Meant to be Changed.  Goofy Much?

16 Cylinders of Fury

Snuck into the "Kids-Only" Section, Where They Had Some Awesome Garage Displays

That night, the Porsche museum was having "Night at the Museum," and was open for a big gala event until 2am.  I didn't care, so I left.

I went to the Irish Bar in Villingen (10 minutes train ride from Donaueschingen), and celebrated St. Patrick's day with a few friends and Guinness's.  Pretty tame night - the Germans just don't celebrate like people do at home.  Mildly disappointing for my first time celebrating.  However, the live music was awesome, and I got a cool Guinness hat to never wear!

The weather took a turn for the worse on Sunday, so I spent the day editing photos and lazing around.  I woke up to snow on Monday morning.  Woohoo!