Day 4 - Wurzburg

Today we ventured out on our own to Wurzburg.  We loaded into Crystal's new car, set the nav system, hit the autobahn, and cruised along a little over 100 mph.  Target of the day was The Residence.  It's big.  It's fancy.  The English tour didn't start until 1500.  So we headed into downtown and got some lunch.  Every town in Germany is in full prep mode for what must be some serious outdoor Christmas markets.

Walking through old town Wurzburg looking for lunch.

As it got closer to three, we headed back towards the Residence and took some pictures.  First out front, and then as we walked through the gardens.

Inside, the place was amazing.  I managed only a couple of pictures of the grand staircase from the foyer before I realized there was no photography permitted.  The rest of the palace was much more impressive.  I highly recommend it.  And don't forget the little chapel which is not part of the main tour and admission. It's mind boggling.

 

 

 

Looking up the main staircase.

Once we made it home, it was time to face reality.  Reality meant that John and I had run through his beer supply.  So it was time to shop.  I like shopping for beer in Germany.  Grab a case, and start dumping in 1/2 L bottles of whatever sounds good.

And then it's time for our nightly Scrabble challenge.  After 4 nights and 7 games , Crystal still leads.  Although tonight Erin was the first to clear all 7 letters for a 74 point score...that made up some ground.

Day 3 - Bamberg

Bamberg is less of a medieval walled city and more of a city of fancy buildings and palaces.

Here you see the rocket surgeons trying to make the telescope work.

At least everyone was in good spirits despite the cold.  We actually had snow that afternoon.  Bavaria is definitely a place for scarves and hats.

View from St. Michael's.  Bamberg and the surrounding areas have a peaceful feeling.

And finally, a wonderful dinner with only adults at a local brewery.  Here was the dessert sampler that the ladies shared.  The waiter enjoyed talking to me in Spanish after I messed up early in the evening with the wrong language while ordering.

Day 2 - Rothenburg

Today we visited the wonderful walled city of Rothenburg after sleeping in and having a slow start.  The wall goes around the old city and you can walk along the top of most of it.

One of the things that Rothenburg is known for is their Sneeballen.  As I understand it, they take all the leftover scraps of random dough, make balls which are deep fried and then coated in various flavors.

At one point, Cailin tried to make friends with the locals.

The daily attempt at a Christmas Card photo

And there's that polished socialite coming out

Marlee found her knight in shining armor.

We visited the crime and punishment museum, but Emma and Finn weren't getting the hint.

After Crystal tried to throw herself into a moving car, the rest of the pack started to line up and wait for a clearing in the traffic.

I'll never understand the selfie thing, but I plan to submit this for Cailin's yearbook picture.

Germany Day 1 - Nuremberg

First full day in Germany; we traveled to Nuremberg for the day.  In one of two main churches, we stuck our heads in and stumbled upon Christmas Concert practice.

And a couple of Christmas card photo ops:

 At the imperial castle, I found my hobbit door.  The master plan now includes a similar door and an underground wine cellar out in the yard, with a secret underground tunnel into the house....and of course a backhoe.

We are here visiting our good friends who recently moved over here.  John, Crystal, and their two boys are awesome hosts.  After visiting a cool museum on the city of Nuremberg, we hit a traditional German restaurant.  I think I'll have my share of beer on this trip, and John seems happy to oblige.