Nuremberg/Bamberg

More good times around Bavaria, as I've been bouncing back and forth between Bamberg and Nuremberg, both cities I've been to a few times over the years and know pretty well.  Perhaps my favorite two Bavarian cities as they both are quite easy to get around, and yet offer numerous typical German sights to see (cathedral, churches, amazing bridges, history, architecture, etc.).  Been great to have a few more days in this region to explore, attempt to be a local, see friends, eat the local Nuremberger sausages and have some of Bamberg's imfamous Rauchbier (smokey bacon like flavor).

The Bamberg town hall is amazing in the fact that it stands in between two bridges on an island in the middle of the river.  A very impressive building, and down below in some rapids are kayakers practicing their runs in a course.  Fun times hanging out on the bridge with the students and watching the action as well as the sun going down.  A fun pasttime for me these days.

I'm staying with an old friend from university, Kirk, who has a wicked view of the Nuremberg castle from his balcony.  Quite nice to wind down the day up there with the reminder that yes, this is Germany, and yes, life is good.

Off to Heidelberg today to visit Gerda, an old friend from New Zealand.  Heidelberg is Mark Twain's favorite town in Europe and is known for it's red castle.  Looking forward to hiking around the area and exploring the city, also full of students like in Bamberg.

Some few technical difficulties with the vertical pictures deciding to take a nap and lay on their side.  Please turn your computer on it's side for the maximum effect of the picture to take place.

Nuremberg bridges with a filter on the camera

Tourists spinning the gold ring for good luck (and you know I did too)

St Lorenz in Nuremberg.  Quite some loud bells inside the church

Acting like a local in Bamberg

Little Venice in Bamberg

The old town hall and I living the good life in Bamberg

Full effect of Bamberg's old town hall

A river runs through Nuremberg

Part of the Nuremberg Castle, looking mighty medieval

Now that is a door!