I lived for a year and a half in the village of Mietraching in the Bavarian countryside.

Because we were so close to the Alps, hot air balloons flying over the village were a common sight on summer afternoons.

Part of my bike commute to work, just south of Mietraching

This building used to be an inn; now it's just a residence.

Luftmalerei (paintings on buildings) are common in the area. The common theme of George and the Dragon is painted on the side of the former inn.

Windrows in the fields.

A view of Mietraching with the Alps beyond, from a farm road leading north.