Wurzburg

In Germany, there exists a lovely town with a gorgeous river overlooked by a hilltop castle.  The resemblance is a smaller Prague.  Its name is Wurzburg.


Thankful is the person who has friends in many places.  If not for some chance encounters, Wurzburg could be just another unknown European city.  What a tragedy this could have been.


Germany, in general, offers many contrasts to their French neighbors.  Beer, being more the beverage of choice, is elevated to levels of craftsmanship the French spend on wines.  The food is surprisingly underrated, and unlike Paris, easier on your wallet.  Coffee comes in normal quantities.


The town is dotted with many Cathedrals and central European architecture.  There is a gorgeous palace dating back to the Holy Roman Empire rebuilt after it was almost completed destroyed during WWII.  Sadly, there are no pictures of the inside.  Das ist verboten.


The highlight of the trip was found walking through the nearby forest preserve.  In the middle resides a beer garden as your reward for your days hike.  In fact, the only way to get there is to hike, cars are not allowed.  The food was excellent, and of course, the beer was fresh and delicious.


On a side note, train travel is quite nice.  It gives one an opportunity to finish work, right, read, while watching the countryside flash by you.  Even better, you can wash everything down with a beverage.  In short, a great way to view a foreign landscape while moving towards your goal.