Phaeno

<it was a day for the children. we all defied gravity in a science museum, then watched my 13 year old do so on a skateboard and a wake board. My 6 year, the fish was mostly to be found in and under water. We learned not to search the surface for her blond head but rather for the soles of her handstanding feet. She was happy in her element. The grannies and <i snapped photos, sipped coffee under the shade of a pretend resort, an artificial beach on a manmade lake which was surprisingly tropical with its outdoor couches and massive umbrellas. <it felt like south beach and we happy to cheer for my son on his board and my daughter on her hands. <in the background loomed the glass and steel tower of the Volkswagen AutoStadt (translation: Car Town or Tower of Babel exalting the automobile) and for contrast, Wolfsburger Schloss, the local castle.