Sunday 26th May
Back in Croatia, we had an evening of wine and conversation with a German couple, Sandra and Helmut. We keep in contact and they invited us to visit them in Bamberg, which we did today. They showed us around their home (got some serious ideas for our next place), and then drove us around the local breweries. A great afternoon, sunshine, beer, good company and great views. Then back to their place for a barbecue. We both overindulged on the yummy yummy food. We were more restrained on the wine this time.
They told us that after our evening in Croatia they both dreamed in English. How amazing! We can’t even have an awake conversation in another language, they not only can do that but they can also dream in a foreign language. I have so much respect for people who are multilingual. Really wish I had learned another language when I was younger. I think I’m too old, last year when I was trying to refresh my 3rd form French it just wouldn’t stick in my brain. And the pronunciation….. well, I’m not the greatest at that, even in English.
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27th May
Today we explored Bamberg, after using our hosts wifi to catch up our online activities. Greg is still behind with his photography page though.
Anyhow, Bamberg is just gorgeous. It’s bigger than it feels as it still has a small town intimacy. It was never bombed in WW2 so has not had the architectural disruption. The buildings are their homes and businesses and have been altered if desired, repaired if needed but always with respect for the heritage.
A river….. I think I totally love a river through a town. It just adds to the ambience , sound, smell, sight. Bamberg’s river divides to create a large island and a small one in the heart of the town.
One end of the large island is a park, but not a manicured one, but rather a natural organic one that you want to lie in the long grass with wild flowers and large leafy trees around, ride your bike along the fine gravel pathways or just sit on the riverbank and let your cares float away. I see a guy sitting in a field with the grasses mid chest playing a guitar, he’s alone but not.
The other end is a eclectic mix of architectural styles, buildings that don’t stand perfectly straight but curve around and lean towards each other. The Rathaus, Old town hall, was built on an artificial island, allegedly because the local bishop refused to give any land for its construction. Both sides are painted with enchanting frescos. It connects the town with bridges either side and one through the middle. There are modern sculptures and quaint courtyards and people of all ages happy and smiling.
The Dom, on the hilltop is grand, a high vaulted cathedral but still feeling natural and connected to the community. It’s not ostentatious wealth lording over the common man. Interestingly I learned later that all Germans pay 8% of their income to the church. Compulsory.
We were advised of a brewery we had to visit. The beer is smoked in such a way that it smells like bacon and had a smoky flavour. Even I enjoyed it.
Later we met up with Sandra and Helmut at a brewery with a lovely countryside view. It was a great evening, beer and conversation flowing freely. No awkwardness at all. Tomorrow we will head north again but maybe we will meet up again on our travels. Or if, when, they come to New Zealand.
BAGGAB 