Today we woke up and packed in what must have been a speed record as it started to drizzle. Everything 'basically' fit into the boot and we set off to see the sights of Kassel (we figured you can't stay in a place and not visit it at all). When we checked in the receptionist gave us pieces of paper outlining how to get to the main sights via public transport (we also got free public transport passes too). As good Christchurchers, we took our car and headed up the hill to have breakfast up at the Hercules Monument (nothing quite like making your breakfast in a car :) ). Monique and Daniel would have loved this monument - it had every conceivable type of scaffolding up on all the different levels! Around the scaffolding though we could see it was a very impressive monument, with all the different water features, rooms and the extravagance of everything.

My old fashioned navigational skills were a little rusty on our way to the next tourist spot. My inability to read the signs meant that I think I sent Brett four wheel driving the wrong way down a one way street. Oops!! In the end we parked the car and walked to Lowenburg Castle. It was built as ruins for the king to 'entertain' his mistress(es). After a quick wander around and a few photos we started on our journey to Bamberg.

Bamberg isn't usually on tourist route - but my goodness it should be. (Quoting the Lonely Planet here) Bamberg is a UNESCO listed place and was built by archbishops on seven hills. It emerged from WWII with hardly a scratch and is a town of Romanesque era architecture.

While we were there we saw the Altes Rathaus (a rathaus is a town hall, he he he, rat house, I guess they don't like politicians here either :) ) which was built in the middle of the river with twin bridges on either side. The town itself had a lovely feel with narrow, cobbled streets and old three or four story half-timbered buildings towering up on either side of the road. There was quite a buzz among the people too - there was lots of alfresco dining options, a jazz and blues festival in the town centre and nice friendly vibe around town.

The dom (church) was big and ornate, but we didn't go in because Brett is saving his interest for St Paul's and St Peter's later on in our trip.

At night, Brett was dying for a German beer, so we went to the campsite's pub after dinner and quenched our thirsts. Even I thought the beer didn't taste too bad! The campsite had various sculptures and artwork everywhere ... was most unusual for a camping ground.

I thought Bamberg was absolutely stunning and we were so glad we came. It's a pity that photos just can't capture how nice Bamberg was ... but we hope the ones we've uploaded give you a taste :)

- Rebecca and Brett