escape to regensburg

the really great thing - possibly the only good, to great, thing - about being at the animal farm is that it's within biking distance to the quaint, old-style town of regensburg. apparently it's also quite the tourist destination, since it's one of the only cities that wasn't destroyed by bombs during the war.

and a really great thing about germany is the well-kept, smooth, off road bike paths that can be found both in the city as well as the country. it makes riding very safe and enjoyable - even when there are very large bavarian hills to climb. and it makes bike culture something that's no just for the young hipsters of the world, but also an activity for families and so my amazement - the elderly. and when you see a grandma biking up a hill, you think you can do it too, but soon realise that she's probably been doing this her whole life and is much better at it than you will ever be. funny enough, it's a really good feeling, and makes me hope that america jumps on the real, larger than 3 inches, bike path bandwagon.

arriving in regensburg was a real treat. the city is right on the edge of the lovely danube river that runs throughout europe (again, bike path!...you can ride all the way to prague). and instead of hanging out at malls or lurking around gas stations, the youth here enjoys their free time sitting on the city's wall, feet dangling over rushing water. of course the youth here can also enjoy a beer or two - outside. so i'm sure that's also a bonus.

pictured: catholics are insane – the outside of the church // the ridiculously amazing inside // a grave // a skeleton wearing clothes (?!)

there's lots of really old buildings (like 2000 years old, old) to see and plenty of cafes and restaurants to relax at. which is exactly what we did. and it was luxurious. usually not a huge fan of buildings, i continue to be amazed at the intricacy of design and obvious effort - not to mention devote faith (most are churches) that must have gone into their being. why are we so lazy and skill-less these days?

pictured: famous cathedral

there also happened to be a wine festival (with beer too, of course) while we were in town. it was a traditional set up with colored lights dangling around the wooden kiosks that sell food and drinks served on reusable plates that you give a deposit for, fresh flowers on each table, and good ol'bavarian men dressed in their stately garb playing music that Walt Disney obviously stole (along with the bavarian castle design) for his wonderland. and it was here that i discovered a summer german treat (drink) that i really think needs to be brought to the states - Radler.

 

pictured: festival time // radler (left, bottom) and other goodies // typical

Radler makes a beer light, making it more enjoyable in hot weather and for asians who can't drink much. it's a simple recipe - sprite (or 7up, or fanta) mixed with beer (light or dark). it's really refreshing and my new favorite beer. yum.

pictured: starch-based (instead of gelatin) gummies are the best // street stuff // mushroom cafe in the park (that's for you val!) //why's over packaging so fun? ice cream treat with plastic hat and handle that turns into a whistle!

bavaria is really nice, i think mountains make everywhere nicer. and regensburg is a real winner. but it's time to move on to the hotness that is hungary.