Well Bamberg... it's 'tschüss' for now

After 5 fun filled months studying abroad in picturesque Bamberg I am saying bye to the land of Lederhosen and Bratwurst to move up north. I'm pretty sure they'll still have Bratwurst, but I'm thinking it's going to be a whole lot less likely to see people walking around in traditional German dress (ie. Dirndls and Lederhosen) on a daily basis. Shucks...

I've really enjoyed my time here in Bamberg - I've met some fantastic people from all around the world, learned a lot of German, and have eaten oodles of good food. And the best part? It's not over! I get to meet new people in a new city, continue learning German, and eat more good German cuisine. Hooray!! Although I don't think that learning more German will make it any less likely for me to say something that doesn't make sense... But it does mean I get to laugh a lot!

Before I left Bamberg I decided I just had to try the famous southern Rauchbier (literal translation: smoke beer). And it certainly lived up to it's name. Every time I took a sip it kinda tasted like I was eating ham. Not one I'm going to order again soon.

And some friends and I decided to get together and have one last BBQ (and this had nothing to do with the fact that none of us had anything else to eat, since we're leaving tomorrow morning... really...)

Isn't our grill lovely? It was a one use only grill... and it came in a lasagna pan with coals inside. When you look really closely you can see it standing on a glass cutting board to keep the grass underneath it from lighting on fire. We're classy here in Pestheim (that'd be the nickname for my student residence).

Now, believe it or not we managed to cook schnitzel, sausages and garlic bread on this mini grill. It only took us 2 hours...

But at the end I was so happy about spending time with friends and eating good food that I folded my towel with some serious enthusiasm!

Yes... let's go with enthusiasm and not insanity brought on by undercooked meat...

As you can clearly see we just got more mature and sane as the afternoon wore on. Zach, Caroline and myself are demonstrating just how much fun clean-up can be.

And now I'm signing off to pack up my computer and send a prayer out for smooth travelling tomorrow. I've got to tackle the trains (including 2 transfers) with my 2 suitcases and a backpack. Stairs could be real fun...

Next stop: Schwarmstedt!