The nit-picker, a bean counter Andreas Augustin

The nit-picker, a bean counter

( words)

The roof of the Dome in Milan -- a fascinating world of arches, pillars and statues. You can climb it easily via the staircase.


Carl Baedeker, the „Erbsenzähler“, was the first professional German travel guide author. His descriptions were so accurate that he earned himself the nickname „Erbsenzähler“ (nit-picker / bean counter)  

Observed by a contemporary while climbing the Milan Cathedral in 1847, he observed Baedeker putting a dry beans from his waistcoat into his trouser pocket every 20 steps. Multiplied by 20, the number of beans plus the remaining steps resulted in the precise steps specification for the later travel guide. During the descent, he then did the cross-check.

The result was, by the way, 158.

Most Popular

Baur, former Savoy Baur en Ville, today Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich

Baur, former Savoy Baur en Ville, today Mandarin Oriental Savoy Zurich

Johannes Baur, born in Austria in 1795, was a visionary entrepreneur who profoundly shaped Zurich’s hospitality industry. In 1837, at the age...Read More

Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel

The historic building (top, slide to the right): The "new" Raffles main building in 1899. It opened on 18 November 1899, featuring the all new...Read More

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Since decades “The Oriental”, as it is affectionately known by travellers from all over the globe, leads the lists of most...Read More

Half Moon

Half Moon

In 1952, a group of wealthy individuals including Donald Deskey, the fabled designer (among his works the Radio City Music Hall); Harvey Firestone,...Read More

Mount Kenya Safari Club

Mount Kenya Safari Club

You don your safari gear during the day, but you always dress for dinner. Because Mount Kenya Safari Club Nanyuki is an exclusive retreat. High on...Read More