traveltales: BAMBERG, GERMANY

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

BAMBERG, GERMANY

BAMBERG, GERMANY

Bamberg, Germany dates back to 973 and the whole city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is rather unusual. Because Bamberg had no industry the city escaped bombing in W W II, and as a result Bamberg has 2000 historical buildings and monuments.

Bamberg was the center of the Franconia before 1800. A university town with 8000 students, it is often referred to as the town of seven hills or as the Rome of the North. The city is located at the confluence of the Regnitz River and the Danube Canal, which was completed in 1992. The canal has helped tremendously to control flooding.

The city became part of Bavaria in 1802 but being located in upper Franconia the people refer to themselves as Franconians rather than Bavarians, and feel connected to Bavaria only administratively. Today the city does have an industry that produces spark plugs and fuel injection systems.

The town was ruled by bishops for 800 years. One of the highlights of the city is the rather unusual city hall situated on an island in the Regnitz River between two sections of the city. Way back in the 7^th century one side of the river was for bishops, the other side for merchants. By locating the city hall in the middle of the river with a bridge on each side, it solved the problem of neutrality. The foundation of the building is shaped like a ship’s bow as it faces small falls just a few meters upstream. The tower was destroyed in 1440 when it was full of explosives and caught fire.

I was quite intrigued with city hall both for its structure and its location. However, the gorgeous frescos on the side of the building took my breath away. The frescos on the outside of the building date to the 18^th century and are in unbelievable condition. In 1002 the German King, Henry II, chose Bamberg as his residence.

Bamberg with its cobbled streets and wonderful old buildings is a quaint and picturesque town, really little more of a small village.

No comments:

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.