Lock
Our lecture this morning was on the Main Danube Canal. Without this canal and it’s system of locks, our trip would not be possible. By the time we reach Budapest we will have gone through 66 locks. The locks definitely limit the size of the ships on the river – certainly the beam. When we go through a lock there is virtually only inches on each side of the boat.
Bamberg
In early afternoon we docked at Hassfurt for a bus transfer to the city of Bamberg. The city was pretty much untouched by bombing in WW II so retains all of its original charm. In 1007, Emperor Heinrich II made Bamberg the Center of the Holy Roman Empire. Wanting the city to be a second Rome, it was built on 7 hills with a church at the top of each hill. Another claim to fame for the city were the Bamberg witch trials in the 1700’s. Five Bamberg mayors, all men, were burned at the stake as accomplices to witches.
Bamberg City Hall
Like all the towns we have visited, Bamberg is very picturesque. The city hall, built on an island, is quite impressive.
Bamberg
We didn’t try the local Rauchbier, or smoke beer, although those who did generally said it wasn’t bad. Instead we found an Irish pub where Susan ordered her first Guinness ever. I was so proud! Our friends Wayne and Jean soon joined us and Wayne and I enjoyed a Weisen. Rick, Linda, Wendy and Brent soon wandered by on their way back to the meeting point. It was quite a pleasant couple of hours just sitting on the patio watching the world walk by.
Skadi arriving near Bamberg
All too soon it was time to return to the boat.
Wind At Your Back 