Forchheim, Germany

May 21st 

My parents, brother, Paul and I took a day trip to Forchheim, which was just a 20 minute train trip from Bamberg.  We walked up the hill into a huge forest that was a maze of beer kellers.  I love how the Germans utilize their natural surroundings!  My brother informed us that Germany (population of 82 million people) is 33% forest.  During our trip we encountered several trees that were well over 400 years old.  It's great to see and experience such beauty.  Not only are these forest preserved, but also enjoyed daily.  Why not have a beer garden (or several) in the forest?  There were several mountain bikers and families enjoying their Saturday off.  Along our trip we saw more bicyclists than cars. Next trip, Paul and I are going to bike!

 

Bamberg, Germany

May 18th-20th
 
Paul and I met up with my family in Germany in May.  Here are a few pics to start with of our travels through Bavaria.  We started in Bamberg which is where my brother lives.  Bamberg is known as the Franconian Rome due to the town's placement around 7 hills just like Rome.  Bamberg was a great place to visit due to the town's preservation since it was one of the only towns not to be completely bombed during WWII. Over a 1000 years of history.  Besides it's history and quaint streets Bamberg is most known for it's breweries and it's rauchbier (smoked beer).  There are 9 breweries in a city of 70,000 people. Needless to say Paul and I found no trouble sampling these local favorites.