No one knows the identity of the Bamberg Rider, an equestrian statue in the Cathedral of Bamberg, though there’s no shortage of scholarly speculation.  The other great mystery is why I am so attracted to this statue.  While we were rushing uphill to the church to see him, HOB said to me “Now why is it exactly you are so hyped up about this thing?”  And all I can say is I don’t know–but every time I page through an art history book (and I do that almost every day,) I think, “THE BAMBERG RIDER!!  OH YEAH.”

Well today I met my equestrian boyfriend: a pretty young thing in his crown and page boy haircut on his rather stubby-legged horse.  Now I can’t swear that he’s a great work of art, but still, I felt it, the mysterious attraction.  And I could be flattering myself, but I’m pretty sure he winked at me.

How we got to Bamberg:  train from Nuremberg.

Where we slept: Hotel Sandstern.  Price: €69 for a double.  Recommended: yes.

It’s that meta thing I do–holding my research about the art in front of the art.

My boyfriend.

He’s been here since 1235,  just waiting to meet me.

The Green Man, carved into the base of the statue.

The Bamberg Cathedral interior.  I can’t wait to write more about the fabulous church art in here.

Bamberg is gorgeous.

Rauchbier, the smoked beer of Bamberg.