More Castles =)

The "N" Castle

The view from Mary's Bridge



On Mary's Bridge

Speed limit signs going into Frankfurt can be turned on and off for busier times of the day

Finally a Mercedes I MIGHT be able to afford :p

Hello!

Today was a fun, full, and tiring day. This morning, we were in Munich. We got up early so that we could make it to Neuschwanstein (the castle Disney's castle is based off of) in time for our tour. However, we had a few complications with our rental car and our directions, so we got lost a few times. Dad did an excellent job of driving on the fast German roads. Good golly people drive 120 km/hr and there are sharp curves and steep climbs because of the mountains! The drive was gorgeous,though, and we saw mountains, trees, lakes, rivers, the Romantic Road, and so many other great sights. We pulled into the touristy castle area a little nervous because our tour was supposed to start in five minutes. You're supposed to arrive an hour early. Miraculously, we got replacement tickets and had enough time to enjoy a fast but delicious lunch at a hotel. Then, we went to tour Hohenschwangau. It is the lesser known castle that the family actually lived in. It was built on top of ruins of a Roman Palace. The tour was interesting and lasted half an hour. The place lacked a homey feeling because it was all stone and concrete. We then had a little time to look around, then we took a bus up to the famous Neuschwanstein. It was raining, as it had been since we exited the first castle. It is really cool here and I have worn a jacket most days. We walked to Mary's Bridge. It is a metal bridge spanning from two mountains and going across a rushing mountain stream/waterfall (see pictures.) The view was excellent, but there were many people on it and you could feel the wood boards shifting beneath you, eek! Then we hiked up a little to the castle. The castle, although much more famous than the other one, was only 1/3 of the way finished when Crazy King Ludwig mysteriously died after being told he was mentally unfit to rule anymore. The castle was ornate and a little more my style than the other one. Still, none of us would have wanted to live in either of them. Both castles were wonderful to tour.

Then, we drove to Oberammergau. We are staying at a wonderful guest house. It is really nice and the food..oh it is fabulous!! In the afternoon/night we will see the Passion Play, the story of the end of Christ's life, acted out by the members of the town. It lasts until 11, so there probably will not be time for a post tomorrow.

Enjoy the pictures =)

Love,

Christy