It was an early morning again today since we needed to be the Karlstadt deprtment store by 8:00 to get our tour to Lindefor, Oberammergau, and Neuschwanstein. Checked the scores to find out that the Pirates were rained out. They will be playing a day night doubleheader today. We may actually get to listen tonight
Had a bit breakfast at the train station - finally had ein Berliner!
We were able to get a good seat on the upper deck, so much a better view than what we had on the Teutonia coach. Sophie was our guide and we were glad that she spoke perfect English.
The day was beautiful in München when we left, but got foggier as the drive ensued. Our first stop was Lindefor Palace. This was one of Ludwig II's castles. We have all heard about Mad King Ludwig, but to hear the real story was enlightening. On the way our coach broke down, but after about 20 minutes, Ernest, the driver mamaged to get it working again.
Lindefor is really hidden in the woods in the Bavarian Alps. When we arrived it was about a 15 minute walk to the palace and miraculously the fog lifted. The palace is so full of gold in the Rococo style. We were not allowed photos which was too bad.
Some of the gardens built in homage to Louis IX and the palace of Versailles. There was even a hall of mirrors on a smaller scale.
After our tour we were off to Oberammergau, the home of the world reknowned Passion Play, performed every 10 years. The village is also known for its flowers and painted walls. We had been there in 2002 and little hs change. We walked around a bit and bought a Christmas tree to add to our collection.
Then it was about a half hour drive to Hohenschwangau. Our tour was scheduled for 3:35 so we grabbed a bite to eat - Earle a vegetarian lasagna and I a bowl of onion soup and a pretzel. Unfortunately the soup was just lukewarm. We checked the lines out at the bus stop and decided to take our place there. The bus to the castle of Neuschwanstein saved a bit of time than from hikiing the mile and a half up. We still had about a 15 minute walk from the upper stop. The clouds at the base of the hill dissappated and we were treated to beautiful views of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.
We weren't allowed pictures again and the tour was a combination of escort and audio. We were pushed around a bit by some very rude people on the tour. Neuschwanstein was never completed as Ludwig had planned. It was based on the model of a medieval fortress. We picked up the headsets and then clibed 4 flights of a circular staircase up one of the towers. The interior was dark, and full of wood carving. Murals depicted mythological scenes as well as scenes from Richard Wagner's operas. The swan motiff was everywhere.
And so I crossed off yet another on the bucket list. We walked down the entire way and were provided vistas that will be etched in our minds.
It was about a 2 hour drive back to the city center. We had intended to go to the Ratskellar for dinner, but since we got back later than expected and were totally wiped out from the 8 miles hiking, we opted for the hotel for dinner.
Printed out boarding passes and turned on without sound the Pirates game. Sat next to a nice guy from Elkhart, Indiana, who was an avid Cardinals fan. We had some great dinner conversation while following the game. Cervelli's grand slam was awesome on the way to the Pirates victory.
Also good to be messaging Amy. Will be glad to talk to her live and hear what's been happening in her life for the last 2 weeks.
Up to the room to finish packing. Home tomorrow!!
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