First Time to Garmisch

Labor Day weekend we took our first trip to Garmisch. I say "first trip" because if you live in Germany one trip is not enough and it's likely you'll be back multiple times. It's incredibly beautiful and there is so much to do...no matter what time of year.

The first full day we drove 45 minutes from Edelweiss Lodge and Resort (the military hotel) to Neuschwanstein Castle. Most people know this castle to be the one Disney designed his magic kingdom after.
Seven weeks after the death of King Ludwig II in 1886, Neuschwanstein was opened to the public. The shy king had built the castle in order to withdraw from public life – now vast numbers of people came to view his private refuge.Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. Every year 1.3 million people visit "the castle of the fairy-tale king". In the summer around 6,000 visitors a day stream through rooms that were intended for a single inhabitant.

 This is just one of the spectacular views from the castle...

 Here's another...

 We are standing on a bridge across the way from the castle.

The next day we took the "Eckbauerbahn"-cable car to the top of the Eckbauer mountain and hiked down to Partnach-Gorge. That's the way to go if you have small children. You pay for your tickets to the top and hike down...half way down there is a restaurant and ice cream shop. Also, when you hike this way through you don't have to pay for a ticket through the gorge.

 You end up back the Olympic Stadium (where you parked your car).

We also walked around Partenkirchen...had dinner at a traditional German place.

We will be back!

We love Amsterdam!

We made the trip to Geilenkirchen, Germany to visit our friends who are stationed at the NATO Base there. We have known Dale and Rona (and daughters, Sheye and Raven) since our Alaska days...so about 12 years now. Dale was my supervisor when I was an airman....and since Gabe and Dale share a love for the Giants and Notre Dame it was no wonder they made fast friends.

The drive to GK is about 4 hours from Ramstein. We spent the first night there and then took the train right into Amsterdam. The train is the way to go when it comes to Amsterdam. There is limited parking in the city and public transportation is easily accessible so it's a no-brainer. (If you choose to drive you can park outside the city and catch a bus in for around 10 Euro, I believe) Here's a website if you want some more info on travel to Amsterdam: iamsterdam
Also, most people in Amsterdam speak English so getting around is very easy as long as you're willing to ask for directions.

The train takes you right into Central station.

As soon as you walk out you see the Hop-On Hop-Off boats or Canal Bus as they call it right across the street. We walked over to that building and grabbed a bite to eat. Pannekoeken with bacon and cheese topped with syrup...Oh man...it's awesome!! Dylan got his plain and Ryan got his with ice cream and whipped cream. Gabe enjoyed a Heineken and sandwich.

When traveling with little ones that tire easily and so many things to see we opted for the boat tour. It stopped at all the places we wanted to see (including the Anne Frank House which is not recommended for young kids so we skipped that tour).

It even stops right outside the Heineken Brewery...

We found a small park in the city and let the boys run around. Great for them and fun to people watch...

 It was a quick day and time to head back to the train. I'm glad we got to see the city and we know that we definitely want to go back. One day was not enough for us :-)

And of course I have to post this picture of the VERY PUBLIC urinal! Sorry Ladies...you're out of luck, I guess!...lol!

After another night at the Lawrence's they took us to a local park. It was really fun...the German's really know how to build a park. I should mention the fact that the rides and equipment should be used only by children...I managed to sustain some injuries but thankfully there are no pictures.

Thank you Lawrence Clan for hosting our stay! We really enjoyed it and the time we spent with you all! You are truly wonderful and gracious hosts. We'll do it again, I'm sure :-)