17) Breaking Rules
- O Peregrino
- Apr 27, 2024
- 8 min read
Cultural Festivals: Apart from Oktoberfest, Germany hosts numerous cultural festivals, including the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
You don't smell them, you don't feel them, you don't hear them and you don't see them - but they are omnipresent: rules.
Rules can be categorized into several types depending on the context in which they are applied. Here are some common types of rules:
1. Legal Rules
2. Social Rules
3. Organizational Rules
4. Moral and Ethical Rules
5. Game Rules
6. Scientific Rules
7. Religious Rules
8. Rules of Logic
9. Traffic Rules
10. House Rules
Each type of rule serves a different purpose and operates in different contexts, helping to maintain order, fairness, and understanding in various aspects of life.
There are written and unwritten rules. Breaking rules or laws can be a complex and often controversial issue, usually justified in certain circumstances when compliance would cause more harm than good. This concept is often explored in areas such as civil disobedience, moral dilemmas, and ethical decision-making. In our case, this is not so tragical. Up until now, we have kept to the chronological order in our unique and extremely instructive blog. But now we are going to break this order a little.
After the last three rainy days, the marvelous climb to the Pfänder Peak we were eager to pack our backpacks and set off again.
Here is a brief summary of our one-day route, which we will describe in more detail in the individual articles:
Friedrichshafen - Radolfzell - Möggingen - Homburg-Steig (a ruin) - Radolfzell - Neuhausen (Switzerland) - Rhine Falls (Europe's largest waterfall) - Radolfzell - Möggingen - Mindelsee (nature reserve) - Radolfzell - Friedrichshafen.
So we split one day in two articles. This first article we describe our trip to the Rhein Falls.
On the beaten track of tourism
We are not fans of mass tourism which can often have several negative impacts, including environmental degradation, cultural erosion, economic inequality, overcrowding and infrastructure strain, inflation and displacement. These impacts can diminish the quality of both the tourist experience and local life, potentially threatening the long-term sustainability of destinations.
But hand on heart, wouldn't you visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France, the Pyramids in Cairo, Egypt or the Leaning Tower in Pisa, Italy? Sometimes you just can't avoid it. So we blend in with the crowds and visit the famous Rhine Falls in Switzerland.
The Rhine Falls (Rheinfall in German) is Europe's largest waterfall, located near the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland. Let's explore its journey from history to the present day!
Here are some interesting facts about the Rhein Falls:
Europe's Largest Waterfall by Volume: The Rhein Falls, located near the town of Schaffhausen in northern Switzerland, is the largest waterfall in Europe in terms of water flow. While not the highest or widest, the sheer volume of water, especially during the summer when the snow melts, makes it impressive.
A Geological Marvel: The waterfall is approximately 15,000 years old. It formed during the last Ice Age when tectonic shifts caused the Rhine River to change its course. The falls have a width of 150 meters (492 feet) and a height of 23 meters (75 feet).
A Rich History: The Rhein Falls area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period. Nearby, the historic Laufen Castle has stood since the 9th century, providing a fantastic viewpoint for visitors. Over the centuries, the falls have been a source of inspiration for poets, artists, and even royalty.
Adrenaline Adventures: Visitors can take boat trips that get close to the falls, where they can feel the full force of the water. There are also viewing platforms that offer spectacular views. For thrill-seekers, there are options to climb the central rock of the falls.
Nature and Power: The Rhein Falls are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Efforts have been made to preserve the natural habitat around the waterfall. In the past, there were proposals to harness the falls for hydroelectric power, but these plans were abandoned to protect the natural beauty.
Seasonal Variations: The water flow of the Rhein Falls varies dramatically with the seasons. During the summer months, when snow from the Alps melts, the flow rate can reach up to 600 cubic meters per second. In contrast, during the winter months, it can drop to around 250 cubic meters per second.
Advertising
Cultural programs require sponsorship and advertising to ensure their financial viability and reach. Sponsorship enables the implementation of projects that might otherwise not have been realized, while advertising helps raise awareness of these projects and reach their target audiences. We're no exception, so here goes (if you can't stomach dark humor, please skip this article).
Do you feel like a hamster stuck in an endless wheel of existential fear? Are you spinning through life and wondering if there is any way out?
Then you have come to the right place. Welcome to Beyond Border Head-shrinker Praxis, the psychological counseling team that knows that you are in deep shit and that we are your last hope. And really, you have been through a lot. Don't worry, we will immediately take the crushing burden off you by making a generous advance payment for our service.
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.
We are not the typical counselors who nod sympathetically and hand you used tissues. No! We only ask you one question: that if you had the chance to kick the butt of the person or people who are to blame for your miserable life - do you know the answer? Here's our answer, which is hard to digest: You couldn't sit for a week.
By chance, we have just got some wonderfully comfortable seat cushions, covered with organic cotton, anti-allergic fabric and filled with aromatic organic medicinal plants and dried ecologically and guaranteed climate-friendly with solar energy and freshly picked. Our gardener is a very ordinary gardener, but with all the non-governmental organizations, from useful to useless, we are also challenged and transform our ordinary gardener into a homosexual Afro-descendant and handicapped foreign refugee. Have we left out any unnecessary topics??? O yes, of course - he's Vegan.
Because at Beyond Border we don't just see the way out - we also show you our suicide kit, coincidentally on offer, with various razor-sharp blades (naturally rust-free), various medications, such as the antipyretic paracetamol, antihypertensives (beta blockers, calcium channel antagonists, ACE inhibitors), benzodiazepines, barbiturates and other sleeping pills. Also various organically grown hemp ropes. All articles are accompanied by an idiot-proof manual. But don´t use this!!! Even if we lost some additional income!
So grit your teeth, you fool, pull yourself together and move forward, It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.
Instead of giving you stupid advice (you wouldn't follow him anyway) on your bumpy, riddled with thorns lost way, we prefer to address our old bank transfer number in the Cayman Islands. Thanks', you're welcome!
Legends about the Rhine Falls
1.The Legend of the Water Nymphs
According to local folklore, the Rhine Falls is home to water nymphs or spirits who guard the waters and protect the river. These nymphs are said to live in the depths of the falls, enchanting those who dare to approach too closely. Fishermen and boatmen have long told stories of hearing mysterious songs or seeing ethereal figures dancing on the water, especially on moonlit nights. It is believed that those who respect the river and its spirits will have safe passage, while those who do not may face unexpected misfortune.
2. The Knight and the Damsel
One of the most popular legends involves a courageous knight who lived near the Rhine Falls. A beautiful damsel, the daughter of a local nobleman, was abducted by a dragon and imprisoned in a cave behind the falls. The knight, determined to rescue her, rode his horse into the raging waters of the Rhine and fought the dragon, eventually defeating it. With the help of the magical power of the river, the knight freed the damsel, and they both safely returned to the castle. In gratitude, the nobleman built a chapel near the falls, and it is said that the spirit of the knight still watches over the area.
3. The Fisherman's Curse
Another tale speaks of a fisherman who lived near the Rhine Falls and was known for his greed. He caught more fish than he needed and always sold them at exorbitant prices. One day, he captured a magical golden fish that granted him a wish. The fisherman, driven by his greed, wished for endless riches. The fish granted his wish, but as soon as he let the fish go, his boat was swept into the falls, and he was never seen again. It is said that his spirit still haunts the waters, a reminder of the dangers of greed and the unforgiving power of nature.
4. The Devil's Stone
A local legend claims that the Devil himself once visited the Rhine Falls. The Devil, in a fit of anger, decided to destroy the river by throwing a massive boulder into it to block its flow. As he approached, a church bell rang out in the nearby town of Schaffhausen, causing him to drop the boulder just before he reached the river. The boulder, known as the "Devil's Stone," can still be seen in the middle of the Rhine Falls today. According to the legend, the falls' thundering sound is the Devil's eternal frustration at having failed in his task.
5. The Mermaid of the Rhine
Some versions of the Rhine folklore mention a mermaid who lives in the waters of the Rhine Falls. This mermaid is said to have the ability to grant wishes to those who catch a glimpse of her at dawn. However, the wishes come with a price: for every wish granted, the mermaid takes a year from the person's life. Despite the risk, many have tried to see her, but only a few have succeeded. The legend warns that those who seek out the mermaid's gifts must be prepared for the consequences.
These stories reflect the awe and mystery that the Rhine Falls has inspired in people throughout history, embodying both the beauty and the danger of the natural world.
Our Rhein Falls Story
As the early morning sun painted the sky with hues of pink and gold, Jürgen, a seasoned soul of 66, and his son Huayna, a vibrant spirit of 29, set off on their journey to the majestic Rhine Falls. The gentle hum of the trains engine was accompanied by their shared laughter and stories, a melody that seemed to weave through the winding landscapes of Switzerland.
The air was crisp, carrying with it the faint scent of dew-kissed leaves and distant flowers. Jürgen, with his silver hair catching the morning light, looked out the window, eyes filled with a quiet excitement. His son, Huayna, with his smartphone ready in his hand, was eager to capture every unfolding moment.
As they reached the falls, the roar of the rushing water greeted them like an old friend. The mighty Rhine cascaded over the rocks, its mist rising up like a soft veil in the sunlight. Jürgen took a deep breath, his face softening with a smile that seemed to erase years. Huayna, sensing the magic in the air, began to film, his fingers deftly moving across the screen of his smartphone.
They walked closer, feeling the cool mist against their skin, a refreshing kiss from the river. Jürgen paused to take a photograph, capturing the waterfall in all its untamed beauty. He glanced at Huayna, seeing the passion in his son’s eyes as he framed his shots, and felt a swell of pride and joy.
They found a spot by the water's edge, where the river whispered stories of its journey through time. Together, they stood, shoulder to shoulder, photographing the play of light and shadow on the falls. Jürgen, with his steady hands and keen eye, captured moments that spoke of strength and serenity. Huayna, with his youthful energy, filmed the scene with a fresh perspective, catching the dance of droplets and the shimmer of sunlight.
As the day unfolded, they laughed and shared stories, their voices blending with the sound of the rushing water. Each moment felt like a new chapter in their shared adventure, a testament to the bond between father and son. The sun began to become hot, casting a golden glow over the falls, and they knew this was a memory they would cherish forever—a moment frozen in time, just like the photographs they took.
In the end, they sat together on a bench overlooking the falls, the daylight became stronger and approached the early afternoon. Jürgen placed his hand on Huayna’s shoulder, and they sat in silence, listening to the river’s song, knowing that this day, like the Rhine, would flow through their hearts for years to come.
Watch the video in full screen here!
Published: 15/07/2025
Comments