This morning we dispersed and created our own adventures in
Munich. We awoke early and found our way to the U-Bahn and the platforms for our
trains. We split up and ventured into the unknown. My group took off to Fussen
to see the beautiful Castles.
We eagerly exited our
train and made our way up to the first Castle, Hohenschwangau (try pronouncing
that one!) This was the Castle King Ludwig grew up in as a summer home. This
was a beautiful small castle (small being a relative term). Hohenschwangau was
built in the 1800’s and is in its original condition (for the most part). The
inside is the original architecture and designs. In this castle we saw Ludwig’s
elaborate taste for design. He built a ceiling in his bedroom with tiny holes
in the center of the stars painted upon it so that he could illuminate them
from the room above and sleep under the stars.
We then trekked over to the third castle King Ludwig built,
Neuschwanstein. It was a long hike up, but a beautiful sight to see. This
castle is the inspiration for Walt Disney’s castle and is an incredible sight
to see. The interior is about 1/3 of the way finished. The rest of the building
has been left empty, due to Ludwig getting in trouble for spending too much
money, and then dying a few days later. However, Ludwig did get to live in
Neuschwanstein for 173 days. He built the entire castle for himself. He had no
desire or intent for others to be in the castle. After the castle, we hiked a
bit further to the bridge behind the castle. This was an adventure to say the
least, as the path was covered in snow and rather slippery, but we survived and
we glad we went.
The other group traversed to Salzburg. They walked around
this beautiful European city. They went to see the valley and hear the church
bells ring from the beautiful cathedrals. Then went to Motzart’s birthplace and
his residence, along with the Mirabel gardens (famous from their debut in the
Sound of Music). They also enjoyed walking Getreide Gasse, a shopping avenue
with medieval signs (“worth it”). They told me that the views were incredible,
and more beautiful than anything they have seen. I might have to come back and
make my way down there sometime in the future. I wish I could share more about
this amazing adventure, but you are just going to have to ask them all
yourself.
When we finally made it back to Munich, we went to the
Hofbrauhaus (the beer hall). What a cultural experience. Close your eyes.
Imagine Germany. Imagine a hall filled with music, and talk and men drinking
beer out of stein bigger than your head. Well that is what we saw. It was a lot
of fun to eat dinner in this atmosphere.
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