Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Garmisch Trip Part 1

We're back!! It was a good trip, but only having three days, two of which were spent on a bus, is realllly exhausting! It was really great that this was a sponsored trip (read here practically free), but it was very poorly organized and no one seemed to know what was going on and everything ran late. We also ran into "rank issues", which had nothing to do with this trip, but it would seem that some people feel the need to make others aware of their rank, even while on vacation in civilian clothes. {*eyeroll*} Thomas is an E-7, and was the "lowest" ranking member - and we were pretty much treated as such. Half the people didn't have children and the other half had children so badly behaved that it cemented the first half's decision to not have children!!! I think from now on we'll be doing our traveling on our own.

Anyway, here's some pictures:
The Edelweiss Lodge
I found these online as I forgot to take my own. It's a nice hotel, and has it's own restaurant. VERY pricey if you had to pay for it yourself. The only bad things I can even say was that all three of us had to share a room (which is difficult for Bella to fall asleep!), and they had really crummy pillows. Otherwise it was clean and nicely decorated. I've heard it's gorgeous around Christmas time with all of their decorations and snow everywhere.
We saw this beautiful fresco at every meal from the dining room windows.

We left Vicenza after 10am on Friday. (We were supposed to leave at 9am!!). We stopped just past Innsbrook, Austria at a McDonald's around 1:30pm. Thomas & I "voted" to eat at a real restaurant but were out-voted. (blech!) We arrived at the hotel around 3:30pm. After checking-in and getting settled, we ate dinner and then had our first Marriage Bonding session, while Bella went with the other kids for their activities. We both got finished at 9pm and we were all exhausted!! Unfortunately, none of us slept very well!

On Saturday, we had our morning session at 9am, while Bella went on a boat ride with the other kids. We got finished around noon and the rest of the day was ours. We opted to go on the castle tour trip and to visit the city of Oberammergau. Originally I thought we were going to Neuschwanstein, but again, we got "out-voted" and went to the Linderhof castle instead. We got back from both around 6:30pm, ate dinner and put Bella to bed. Then Thomas & I just sort of zoned out in front of the TV, lol!

On Sunday, we had another morning session, while Bella went to visit a mermaid lake. She said she didn't see any mermaids (they must be sleeping she said!), but she did get to feed the ducks. We were both finished at noon, checked out of the hotel and got back on the buses at 1pm. We again stopped at the same McDonald's for a late lunch and got back to post around 6-6:30pm. We unpacked everything and I started laundry while Thomas bathed and got Bella to bed. I have to say I really crashed hard Sunday night!!! I'm totally bringing my own pillow with me from now on!!!

Next time we travel that far, I want to stay longer as it's really tiring just driving so much!!

Saturday afternoon's sight-seeing:
Wood carving shop we visited. Bella got a wooden music box and some cat slipper socks. I saw a nativity set that was just gorgeous, but is was 550 euro ($785) so needless to say, I didn't get it! It wasn't even that big!!
I love this gate!
A lovely hotel
The Germans have Easter egg trees! I have mine from living there and we're decorating it today!
Gorgeous window!
Click for a close-up!
I spotted a candy store on the corner!
Europeans are ga-ga over Nutella!!!
This was bliss!!!
Castle seen from a distance while waiting for the bus.

Afterwards, it was off to Castle Linderhof!
This is how it looks in the summertime. FULL of flowers! I forgot this was mid April and that the gardens wouldn't be ready yet. Oh well.
Restaurant on the grounds
The Moroccan House
We didn't tour this but purchased books detailing it.
Swan pond at the base of the estate.
Gardens facing the front of the castle.
Schloss Linderhof
Water Parterre in front of the castle.

Continued on Part 2...

14 comments:

Amanda Corbet said...

Lovely pictures. I would love to go back to Germany. I haven't been there since I was 6 and don't remember much. I would love to see the castles. Of course Europeans are ga ga over Nutella. It's the best thing ever invented! I'm so glad it is easily found here in Kansas now. On to look at more of your wonderful photos. Thanks so much for sharing your trip!

Intense Guy said...

Aren't those painted buildings something else?

:) Thanks for sharing the pictures! Made me "go back" in my memories to when I was there.

Mrs. M said...

What gorgeous pictures! So much to see and so much history - amazing!

Kristina P. said...

It's so charming and quaint! Exactly what I think of when I think of Germany.

April said...

I am so enjoying tagging along on this journey! Those pics. make me "ooh" and "aah"! I really need to convince my hubby to take me to Germany...those snow-capped mountains are calling my name!

Liz Mays said...

There is such small town charm in those places. I love them!

Unknown said...

It must have been like walking around in a fairy tale.

LindyLouMac said...

Oberammergau and Castle Linderhof, wow you stirred some old memories with these posts. A shame the trip was maybe a little stressful but at least you are getting to see more of Europe.

STILLMAGNOLIA said...

Did you get Bella some Kinder Eggs? We love them and of course cannot get them in the states.
I love Nutella....learned the tsste when I was in England. Glad you had such a good time.

AliceKay said...

Beautiful area.

* Shell B.* said...

Awesome pictures that you've share....I so want to come for a visit before you transfer out again!! LOL (my dream that I'm sticking to it)

Shell~Alaska♥

Unknown said...

I am so glad this trip was good even if the rank was pulled...why do some people have to use that? Looks like you had a great time and McDonalds twice? Come on lovely outranking people step out of the comfort zone and go local!

Grand Pooba said...

Oh my god, I'm still drooling over the candy store! Those pics are awesome!


I really need to get out...

Faye said...

Wonderful pix, Jeannie. They really made me want to go off on another trip to Germany. Hope all of you are ok. I read that your son is now going into the military. I hope Alexandria is doing ok. Happy Easter.