Guten aben from Munchen! We've discovered a ginormous internet cafe here in Munich right by the train station, so we're taking advantage of the opportunity to delete massive amounts of spam from our email accounts and let you know what we're up to.

Yesterday we wandered around Rothenburg and checked out all the tourist traps. As is to be expected, we saw several groups of Japanese tourists tromping being guided by the ever-present cheerful group leader. Unfortunately, she didn't have her requisite little flag, so I'm giving her a demerit.

We also had an opportunity to check out a local delicacy - schneeballen. I'm not really sure how to describe them, but they look sort of like a yarn ball that's made out of fried crackers and dusted in powdered sugar. Very messy to eat, and kind of dry, but what can you do?

The food here in Germany has been excellent so far - it's simple fare but very tasty. Yuki, you need to convince Mom and Dad to bring you here - I need someone to eat my side salads. The desserts are delicious - I'm happily enjoying the apfelkuchen (apple cake). German breakfast has also been a big hit with us as it features several of our favorites, including fresh bread, yogurt, local meats and cheeses, and the best hot chocolate. Yum.

Today we made a special trip to Geislingen an der Steige, home of the Helfenstein castle, which Adam's dad has linked to the family through his genealogical research. There's not much left of it now (the term 'fixer-upper' doesn't even begin to cover it), but it has a commanding view of the city below and it's very beautiful. Unfortunately, the beer garden there isn't open during the week so we missed out on that. We'll make up for it tonight at the mother of all beer gardens - Munich's Englischer Garden.

That's pretty much it from me - Adam will be along to post his thoughts in a little bit.