GERMANY 

SEPTEMBER 2005

September 3rd - Bamberg

Small town about an hour from home.  The first 2 photos are the Altes Rathaus (Rathaus is the Town Hall) built basically in the middle of the river.  Beautiful painted sides of the building.  The tomb is of Heinrich II and his wife Kunigunde from 1513.  Last photo is the Neue Residenz built in 1695-1704.

September 4th - Munich (München in German)

It's about 2 hours to Munich. The old rathaus (late 1400's but was remodelled in the 1800's) followed by the new one (late 1800's).  New one looks older than than the old one! 3rd photo is of the Frauenkirche, whose twin onion top towers are the symbol of Munich. Part of the Residenz building which is the National Theatre.  Bavarian kings and other royals lived in the Residenz buildings around Bavaria.

Aidan's lion tour of Munich - these lions have been put all around the streets of Munich and decorated in tribute to the 'children in need' of Munich.  This is only a sample of the many that Aidan enjoyed!

This is the Olympic Park where the 1972 Olympics were held.  Tower is 200 metres high.  In the park is a lake with ducks and swans, hired a rowboat and managed not to fall in.

September 11th - Heidelberg

The big thing in Heidelberg are the ruins of the castle on a hill overlooking the whole city.  First built in the 1200's and extended many times it was mostly destroyed in the 1689 war with France.  Aidan just loves these audio tours.

This part dates from the early 1600's.  Absolutely massive wine or beer barrel, can't remember, holds hundreds of thousands of litres.  Photo looking up to the castle from the bridge over the river and Aidan's shot of us!

September 18th - Oktoberfest parade in Munich

The parade is part of the opening of Oktoberfest and focuses on clothing worn in Bavaria and other areas over the years.  Each particular costume has much history and meaning attached.  Lots of horses, bands etc.  It was very cold, less than 10 degrees.

September 24th - Oktoberfest

This is huge.  Lots of rides, food and especially beer.  All of the locals wear traditional Bavarian costume, lederhausen for the men and frocks with aprons for the ladies.  A GRAND experience!

There are 8 main beer halls, each one operated by one of the local breweries, here are the Hofbrau and Lowenbrau ones.  The biggest holds 10,000 people.  They close the doors when they are full and you have to then queue to get in.  At the end of your day, you need to book your seat for the following year!

Plenty of food....ginger hearts, pork knuckles and 50cm long Bratwursts.

The end of a long day.............

September 25th - Nuremberg (Nürnberg)

Went into Nürnberg for shopping and to enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the Marktplatz, where a market was being held.

September 26th

Aidan showing off riding his bike!!!!