We slept a full night! Boom, take that Jet Lag! But we're also getting tired and it's only the middle of the day. So far this morning, we took out Bill and Rene's bikes into Bamberg to see the city. At the Domplatz, our bike lock broke. So, as we sit at lunch at St. Michaelsberg cathedral overlooking the city we're only pretending that our bikes are locked down in the streets below. Hopefully everyone else will pretend that is the case as well. (This time it was Jon who broke something - in case you are beginning to think Sarah has a score to settle with Bill and Rene's things).

We had our first traditional German meal for lunch today at the St. Michaelsberg Cafe. After two bratwurst each, some spatzle, and a potato dumpling, we are definitely in need of a bike ride to work it off. Jon rediscovered the somewhat bacon-flavored goodness of a rauchbier ("roasted" beer), the beer brewed at Bamberg's own Schlenkerla Brewery. If you can get past the odd sensation of smelling smoked meat as you go take a sip, it's not half bad! Sarah's favorite German drink, apfelschorle (sparkling apple juice) was on the lunch menu as well.

We are having a hard time believing we spent five months here and still don't know German any better than we do. However, we feel really fortunate to have met so many people who indulge our English/broken German phrases. While visiting the rose garden, an area overlooking the city, we ran into two "army wives" whose husbands work on base. They were with their kids enjoying the beautiful day and recommended some places to visit, including Pottenberg, a city nearby where the "steak on a stone" restaurant we visited back during our student teaching is located. Dr. Gall introduced us to the restaurant, so we are glad to hear it is still open. It is strange to hear so much about the base closing, but we feel pretty fortunate to get to visit one last time before it does.

Jon just finished taking pictures, so we are off to grab the bikes (hopefully!) and head off to the park for a ride. Hope it is as beautiful a day in the states as it is here!