Sunday Afternoon at the Schloss Seehof

This schloss was built as a summer residence for the Prince Bishops of Bamberg.  We wandered around, had lunch at the bier garten and happened to hit the right timing for the fountain as well!

Hiking at Burg Rabenstein

So, I took a hiking trip back in the beginning of March and it really was fun.  A little delayed on posting the pics, but still fun to see.  It looks colder than it was.  Winter is pretty mild here.
This particular region is in Franconia and is known for it's mountains, cliffs and caves.  Burg Rabenstein is this castle.
One of the delights of living here is that there castles are everywhere in Germany.  You are constantly discovering a new one as you drive along.

Bamberg Field Trip

On a military base students are leaving and entering into the room all year long.  This picture is minus a few boys.  I started with 25 students this year, lost 8 and gained 5 at different times throughout the year.

Morgan's Wonderland

I cry each time I watch it.....

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/morgans-wonderland-theme-park-special/story?id=10321763

http://www.morganswonderland.com/

Love at First Sight!

One of these cars is not like the others...

Saw this on my way to my parking spot yesterday!

Snow Day

Sometime back in middle Janurary, we had this beautiful snowy day and a few of us decided to walk up to Altenburg Castle which sits on the highest hill overlooking Bamberg.  Here are some fun views of my new home away from home!

On the way up

My backyard/ courtyard area

The view from my front window

More of New Years in Prague

A view of the castle side of the city

The hotel where we stayed

The restaurant next door.  Cool huh?

The view on the St Charles Bridge of the castle side of the city

When you're on The Charles Bridge, you can't help but take pictures of the 30 statues that are lining it.  Mom thought it was a waste of time, but I couldn't help myself.  This is St. John of Nepomuk and you are supposed to rub the woman for good luck.  The dog side = bad luck, however most people don't realize this until after they've already done it.  Just a heads-up in case you visit!

A view of The Charles Bride from behind along with the castle wall perimeter in the background.

Back in Old Town Square where the Astronomical Clock is located, this is The Church of Our Lady before Tyn:  Týn Cathedral

 The Powder Tower

 A river view of the Old Town Side

Franz Kafka

 Just a cool building in Old Town Square.....of which there are SO many in Prague

  The Hard Rock Cafe.  Check out this building!

The Astronomical Clock in Prague

The clock first arrived in the 1400's and was

the most accurate clock built during it's time.

We were fortunate enough to see the clock open up as well as the trumpeter that came out and played at the top

This was the coolest thing:

A guy came out at the top of the clock and played his trumpet.

It regal fanfare!

And he waves to the cheering crowd...

Graz- Southern Austria

The trees were hung upside down and lit up at night.

It was really quite beautiful!

 

Die Backeri with an all wooden front

The clock with the 2 dancing figures

The Tangemann's

Mom and I had a really great time in Graz, Austria.  A family friend of ours from Gaylord E Free Church, http://www.gaylordefree.org/, Duke Herzog, arranged for us to meet his sister.  So we did!  Christa & Gunter Tangemann live in Graz, Austria.  They welcomed us into their home and showed us around the city complete with stories of the history of Graz and lovely food conversations as well.  It was a treat to visit them and the highlight of our trip!
This picture was taken at the Sacher Cafe where we had our first sacher torte.  We were told that this was a must when you visit Austria.  It's a wonderful chocolate torte covered in ganache with a hint of orange.

These next few photos are the view from their backyard