A Regensburg Retreat

September 20th

Regensburg- the city known for having the oldest bridge in Europe, as well as the highest density of bars in Germany. What brought me here was to visit an old friend from middle school, named Kathrin, who currently lives in the city. After a train ride, Kathrin met us at the station and then we were off to explore the city.

Regensburg was part of the Roman Empire at one point in time and there are still roman walls that stand today. Walking down the ‘board walk’ by the river, I was able to see the oldest bratwurst restaurant, which miraculously still stands after experiencing flooding year after year as well as serve food! A little ways further we walked on the oldest bridge in Europe, which has been through wars between the Austrians and the French; not to mention was used, till a few years ago, for vehicles. Now it is used strictly for pedestrians.

Then we went to the Regensburger Dom, a beautiful cathedral that is of Gothic architecture, it was gorgeous filled with stain glass windows. After seeing most of downtown Regensburg, we went to Kathrin’s house for a Bavarian lunch before we began our next outing. Once fed and back on the road, Kathrin took Bettina and I to the Walhalla, a Greek structured building that was designed by Ludwig II (same king who designed the Neuschwanstein Castle). The Walhalla, sits upon the high hills and there are a decent amount of steps leading up to the structure, which holds marble busts of important German people. The inside was mostly under construction so Kathrin, Bettina, and I sat outside by the pillars and enjoyed the vast view of Regensburg.

From there, we went to the Burg von Donaustrauf, the ruins of a medieval castle like fortress that is complete with a draw bridge and a moat. The Burg von Donaustrauf is also high in the hills, but on a different hill than the Walhalla, so you can see the Greek structure as well as a little more than a 180° view of the city. My favorite part of the Burg was the fact that you could climb it, touch the old walls and explore it. We took many photos there, as the sun finally broke out and the clouds created an eerie, mystical lighting on the landscape. Sitting down on the wall, looking out to the city- it was amazing. So far my favorite place in Regensburg.

At night, Bettina, Kathrin, and I went to the city again where we went to a medieval themed bar, which people dressed from that time period. It had a really relaxed atmosphere, with a group of people playing instruments and singing songs in Bavarian (which Kathrin and Bettina said that I was lucky not to understand). The group next to us was playing games and filled the entrance of the room with laughter. We took a spot at a thick wooden table with benches and old fashioned candles which you mustn’t play with the wax I am told, or else the bartender will run after you with an ax. Ok maybe not too relaxed, but for the fact that Kathrin warned us about that before going in, there were no confrontations and I did not have to say hello to the bartender’s ax. There I had my first time tasting mead, a historical drink that was common in the medieval ages. Being a history junkie I was quite curious to try it, it tasted like honey and wine, and it was quite good! We headed back somewhat early, since Bettina and I had to wake up early to catch a train to our next stop, Saltzburg, Austria- the setting of where ‘The Sound of Music’ took place. 

Walhalla

Part of the view from the Walhalla

Kathrin on the wall of the Burg

Burg von Donaustrauf- my new favorite place in Regensburg

Bettina in the Burg von Donaustrauf

Little Things in Life like Paper and Tea

September 19^th

Rain, rain, go away, come again another day!

Stuck indoors, Bettina and I decided that it would be a good day for arts and crafts kind of activities. After our breakfast of tea and toast, I suggested to Bettina that we dye paper with the old tea bags. Bettina had never done something like this and couldn’t wait to give it a try. After trying a few different types of teas that we had prepared already Bettina got really into it; she started cutting up sage and onion, creating mixtures by adding hot water, even curry! They turned out great!

It was pretty chilly today too, so we had the fireplace heating the room.

Bettina showed me how to make little beaded birds, though we couldn’t complete it before we had to go for Bettina’s dance lesson. I came to watch as the dancers went through the samba, cha cha, and jive!

Later on we played two rounds of Mastermind, and decided we should get packed for our trip to Regensburg tomorrow.

Tschüs

Ich bin nass weil es regnet!

September 18^th

Standing in front of the Amerikahaus (beige building) in Munich

Museum Day! After a night of rain with thunder and lightning, the wet weather persisted throughout the day; perfect weather for visiting museums which cost only a Euro to enter on Sundays. Thomas, Bettina’s brother, gave us a ride to the train station where we met up with Melli one stop later. We got off the subway to catch a tram, which was unfortunately closed due to Oktoberfest, but what we found right next to the tram stop was an Oktoberfest parade!!! It was just wonderful seeing everyone all dressed up in their Dirndels and Lederhosen as bands marched forth with a vibrant zest. It kept raining and was eventually the factor that made us decide to catch another train in the subway. 

One of the many horse drawn wagons

The Pinakothek der Moderne museum was definitely interesting and a great way to escape the rain. The rest of the afternoon, Bettina and I kind of took as a down day. For dinner, Bettina and I made bratwurst and fries that we spiced with paprika… I realized also that the potato peeler was intended for right handed people, it doesn’t necessarily work for both.  Till next time! 

Bettina and Melli

at the parade!

Rest and Random Excursions

September 17^th

Today was a relaxing day, a day without having any tours or expenditures to entertain us. We made a raspberry biscuit cake from scratch and I am looking forward to tasting it tomorrow. In the afternoon Bettina and I had some ice cream with Dominic, Christian, and Bettina’s mom. There was a lot of ice cream for one serving, even when splitting with Bettina, I became quite full. After ice cream Bettina and I went on a lovely walk by a river then met up with Melli to go to Cantinas. Walking back to Melli’s house the sky lit up with lightning, or I guess the German word for it is ‘der Blitz’. At one point we went under a bridge and it was all graffiti-ed, so to escape from the rain we stayed there for a little while. Once at Melli’s house we made plans for tomorrow and then Bettina and I had to head back in the rain and darkness on our bicycles getting back quite wet.  

Christian, Dominic, Birgit, and Bettina at Dolomiti (ice cream place)

Bettina, Melli, and me at Cantinas