Ciao

September 28, 2008
The Golden Pass, a scenic train in Switzerland took us from the shores of Lake Geneva into the hills of the Tuscany region in Italy. Firenze (Florence to those in the US) is a world away from Switzerland. The people, the temperature, the culture and the food have changed dramatically. And the art, well it is like the Italians, beautiful and sexy. Firenze is also a place for us to recover as we both caught a cold hiking in the clear air of the Alps, we hope that two days in the warm air eating Gelati will help.

Top of Switzerland

September 25,2008

Today we are at the top of Switzerland in Grindelwald but with the low clouds we are not able to see the tops of the Eiger, Monch and Jungfurau directly above us. We hope to do some hiking tomorrow at 3400 ft. and then it's off to Italy.

You will notice from the pictures that our train ride on the Golden Pass was not too crowded. In fact we had the car all to oursleves. We have noticed that the Europeans love to garden, sometimes in unexpected and unintentional places, like roof tops.

Just a few more shots

Innsbruck hiking

September 22, 2008

Today’s morning hike turned out to be an all day adventure. It started with an hour bus ride to the Oberberg Valley were we hiked up to the tree line for three and one half hours, past mountain streams and a glacial lake were we ate lunch. From the shore, Gary and I could see trout in the crystal clear water. The bus ride back took us through beautiful Alpine villages and the site of the Winter Olympics. When we left we did not know that the hike would take us to the mountain ridge that borders Italy and Austria. It was more hiking than we had expected, but worth it.

Followed the lederhosen

September 21, 2008
Yesterday we followed the lederhosen to find Octoberfest; today we follow an Alpine ridge to Austria. Our room is just steps away from a fast flowing turquoise colored stream with views of the Rumer Spitze just beyond the old town area of Innsbruck Austria. Tomorrow we will hike the Obernberg Valley and take the ICE to Zurich.

Octoberfest Birthday

Today we celebrated my birthday with thousands of Germans at the first day of Octoberfest in Munich. Tomorrow, Austria.

Last night my brother let me talk with and see my cat Tigger. That was a great birthday present thanks to Dave, the internet and Skype. Mr Tigger was a little confused by my voice. Next time my brother will try to let Tigger see me on the screen.

Neuschwanstein Castle

September 19, 2008
If you have ever visited the castle at Disney and wondered where he got his insperation, it was Neuschwanstein Castle. Today Gary and I paid a visit to the home of Von Ludwig 11, known as the crazy king Ludwig. I watched as many bus loads of tourist paid to tour the castle and wonder if he was so crazy after all. Seems like a huge success if you ask me. The view are stunning, hard to imagine and even harder to capture.

Fussen, near the Alps

Today we traveled south to the town of Fussen, still in Germany but on the border with a beautiful view of the alps.

Romantic Rothenburg

September 17, 2008
Last night’s stay in Wurzburg had us talking politics with the German proprietor and tonight we are spending the night in a pension (Bed and Breakfast) with a lovely old lady in Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber.

Rothenburg is a great example of a middle ages fortified city , over run in the summer by tourists but at this time of year, not so much. What an interesting town filled with new experiences, like the restaurant owners that spotted us trying to translate the menu board. He came out of his building to tell us his daily specials in English, hustling us in where he also prepared our lunch. As another patron looked through the windows to see the restaurant full, he rushed out and pulled him in, asking us if we would mind another person joining us, which we were fine with. Now that’s working it! The food was good with 4 types of German sausage, potatoes and kraut (we are not kraut eaters).
The rest of the day was filled with stunning views of the walled town and over the wall vistas of the Tauber river valley below. Amazing, like the Ren Fest on steroids. Gary was able to find a small furry friend on a street corner. We think it Germany’s version of a Jack-a-lope. If you can tell us what it is, please do so.
We also discovered a food we both disliked. A ball of fried batter, covered with chocolate and nuts (I know it sounds good so far). Hard as a rock, Gary was unable to break it open so we chewed at the matter for some time, expecting it to improve. It did not. I told Gary that I thought we should have left it in the bag and slam it on the ground to break it into pieces. It would have been easier to eat but would not have improved the flavor. All in all, a great day.

Rothenburg views

The Romantic Road

September 16, 2008

Yesterday was a good day for traveling on the train as it rained most of the day. This also means, no pictures. Our path out of Prague was along the Elbe River (very similar to the Stillwater area in MN) north to Dresden. From Dresden we traveled south through Freiburg, Glauchau, Plauen and Hof to reach our evening destination of Marktredwitz. Today our travels will take us through Nurnberg and on to the beginning of the Romantic Road , Wurzburg in Germany. Prior to Wurzburg, we will make a stop in Bamberg, a small town that is often missed by tourists. Bamberg has well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings, palaces and flanking both sides of the Regnitz river. An added plus, Bamberg has their own local beer. If we find the town interesting, we will secure a room at the brewery, very convenient for sampling in excess. If not, we’re on to Wurzburg. Bamberg is recognized by the Unesco as a world historical site. No not for the beer, for the architecture.
The train has become a favorite means of transportation for Gary and I. Something we will miss in the states. It is fast, comfortable and efficient. On the high speed trains we meet travelers from all walks of life with unique destinations willing to talk about their experiences. On the local trains we meet the locals, chatting depends on the country and in some instances, the age. The Germans speak excellent English and are very friendly. The French will make an effort if you make an effort to speak their language and the Czecks, were mixed with some speaking perfect English and others (usually the older folks) with little or no interested in communication. In all, language has not been a problem, but we wish we knew more of the native languages, this would make for some good conversations with very interesting people.

We spent the day walking around Pragues castle and other areas of old Prague and the left bank. These images include the cobble stone pathways and streets. A wooden carving of the city and the complex clock on the central square of old Prague.

Day 2 in Prague