Regensburg

As intimated yesterday, I was in Regensburg. As may also have been intimated, although a little more subtly, is that the weissbier brewery in the town makes good and strong beer. Ah, hey, I didn't offend or cause any trouble so where's the harm? It was a fine place though and well-suited to the pedestrian traveller. It is full of little streets, unusual platzes, interesting shops and friendly people. Apparently the current Pope comes from there as well. It is a pretty religious town: but then, southern Germany is a very Catholic place. In my ignorance, I did not realise quite how much, thinking Germany was the home of Protestantism. I am getting much more knowledgable in my travels, although I fully expect to have forgotten the good stuff by the time I get back, and will fall back to my position of stereotype and guesswork.

I think I have now tried most of the Bavarian specialties and am now looking forward to a meal without sauerkraut. The pickled cabbage can be very good (although there is some variety), but my palate is unsuited to this much vinegar! Thankfully my digestive system is coping admirably for now, and if you want more details, I am sure I can provide them (although I don't intend to maintain an internal as well as external diary for the long term).

The beer is good, the food is good and the people are friendly. It's a welcoming region, but I am ready for the next bit of the trip: a few days in Barcelona (during which I may be active Blogwise) and then France to relax, see friends and do some study (during which time I would expect the blog to be quiet). Then back to Spain for a quick tour and off to Moscow, where it was apparently -5° yesterday. Brrrrrrr.