May 1. I'm Turning into a Tammy

Wynette, that is.  It's one of Ron's observations about certain women who like their wine, and I am wondering if that is that he will be saying about me now with my glass of red wine every night at dinner.

That aside, we were on the ship all morning sailing to Bamberg where we toured on foot this afternoon.  It's a medieval city modelled after Rome and built on seven hills, each topped by a church.  I guess the church's influence was marginal or perhaps the numerous witch hunts that took place in the town were a result of same.  Men, women and children all fell under suspicion and were unceremoniously burned at the stake, including 5 mayors of the city.  Rough job.

It's May Day and the town has turned out for the celebration which features - you guessed it - a lot of drinking.  The revellers entertain us with song and other antics.  Part of this is no doubt because Bamberg has a wonderful university and the famous smoky beer.  Our Tour Director likens it to beer that has been left on the kitchen counter for a week straight - and oh - with a piece of ham in it the whole time.  Euuuwww!  No wonder it's called "rauchbier".  

Bamberg was one of the few cities not destroyed in WWII and so it's retained many medieval structures.  We spent quite a bit of time walking in the town and found the Jewish Cemetery and buildings in the old quarter quite interesting.  Unfortunately, the cemetery was somewhat unkempt with weeds knee high but all was green and it's spring when everything looks lovely anyway.  

We were bused back to the ship that was not at the docking point for 30 minutes after our arrival and it was pretty chilly standing in wait.  Glad to be back on board for coffee and dinner.  As you might imagine, we've gotten to know many people on board since there are only about 170 guests.  Some are interesting to talk with and some we'd just as soon leave to their own devices.  Ron and I had a nice chat with another couple from Britain and I struck up a conversation with a woman from Northern Wisconsin out on the deck.  I think we are among the younger guests although one young couple is traveling with parents.  Reminds me of John and Caroline with us on the Road Scholar trip to Scandinavia.  We can't help but notice dinner attire that runs the gamut from glittery to grunge.  I think we are more toward the grunge end since we can't quite muster it up after our day-long walking tours.  We comb our hair, wash our hands, and call it a day.