Metz oddities 2

Metz has several tour walks through the city. Some are historical, others are entertainment focused. Heinrich liked the one with the dragon design. There were triangles with the dragon symbol in the side walk. To follow the tour one just goes from triangle to triangle like a treasure hunt.

The dragon is a symbol of Metz. There is a story about an old dragon that lived in the city and was a protector of the area. There were lots of places with a dragon on the building or in the design. Heinrich really likes the weather vanes in the shape of the dragon.

While Heinrich was following the pavement tours he found a welcome station. There are scattered through the city some pavement toilets. They are tall round stands. When you put money in the door it slides opens and reveals a toilet inside the tower. When you go in the door slides shut, you do what you need to do, then the door slides open again. On a cold winter day of walking a bathroom break was a really good idea.

On the edge of town is a branch of the Pompidou Center. In Paris the main Pompidou Center is a modern art museum with some very playful art work. In Metz is a branch with its own collection of modern art.

The influence of the modern art seems to ooze into the city. Heinrich found a utility box that someone had decorated like a little Charlie Chaplin with a curly moustache. It was a nice visit in Metz. Heinrich decided he would have to come back on a little warmer day.