statuesque city

Giessen is not a city that is praised for it's charm or beauty, but I still like this town. There are several statues in Giessen I have taken photos of, that have either intrigued me or are just so 'Giessen'.

The first one falls into both categories. Three people, three not very attractive looking people, looking like they are gossiping, and they are. One of my teachers explained to me that way back in the day (not sure when exactly) Giessen had something of a rivalry with a neighboring town. Giessen called them something (sadly, I forget, but it was funny) and the other town made fun of Giessen for being a bunch of busybody gossips. So the Giesseners embraced the nickname and made a statue in honor of it! So explained my teacher at least.

This statue is outside the elementary school around the corner from my house. I walked by it a lot and thought, 'hm, interesting, it is kinda like a totem pole of barn yard animals'. Then this past fall they painted it the bright colors you see in the photo. This past fall I was reading some German fairy tales in German. I began reading one about these animals that were each about to be killed by their owners, and set off to be singers in the city. (I know, some of you already knew this one, but I am pretty sure it was the first time I ever read it!) So, this was not some random totem pole, rather a little statue about four old talking and singing animals making their way in life. Still not sure why an elementary school would choose that particular nursery rhyme to have depicted in their front courtyard, but oh well.

This is a modern art piece outside the new city hall. The guy just looks so happy to be a street sweeper. It reminds me of the Tin Man and of the movie Newsies.

This one is also outside the outside the city hall building. I really have no further info over this one.