Germany
Before arriving in Germany, we made two stops along the way to break up the drive, Bolzano, Italy and Austria. These were two very quick pit stops so these are the only pictures we have of Bolzano. Megan and I got some really good candy at the grocery store!
Our lovely bus driver, John! He and Bea made a great pair for our trip and we couldn't ask for better! We also were lucky enough to have dinner with John in Switzerland where we learned his grandparents knew Max Verstappen. As a F1 fan, Megan enjoyed talking drivers and results from the season! Of course he also had great insight on the trip and things to do at each location!
"Big John"s name on his bus!
FUN FACT
Following WW1, the Treaty of St. Germain ceded the region to Italy. However, despite severe "Italianization" attempts by Mussolini’s fascist regime, they maintained their German heritage. So, locals speak both Italian AND German!
Night one in Germany was off to a great start! My dad had been looking forward to drinking beer in Germany from the start, since he's been before. The musical surprise after dinner was also very unexpected and something so original to a Rick Steves tour! Truly one of a kind, and a private concert!
FUSSEN,
Germany
View from our hotel room: Hotel Schlosskrone
I have never eaten anything like this before! Rouladen (meat with gravy), Kartoffelklöße (potato dumplings), cabbage, and apricots
Tip #5
At this restaurant, we learned about a Radler. It is a popular drink made of 50% lager (often Munich Helles) and 50% lemon-flavored soda or sparkling lemonade. It is a must-try in Germany, even if you don't like beer!
Megan's 18th Birthday
Chocolate fondue for breakfast anyone?!
Spanish Steps
Cute Happy Birthday banner on the bus this morning! We are on our way to the Neuschwanstein Castle!
Cake, candles, and the Alles Gute zum Geburtstag (Happy Birthday) song in German by the whole bus, what more could you ask for!
A gift from Bea and John! It's the pink and orange four-leaf clover. They said hopefully it bring me good luck in my adult years! Such a sweet gift!
neuschwanstein castle
This day was my favorite of the entire trip! Now I might be a little biased, because I was spending my 18th birthday in Germany, but this was so beautiful! The short hike up to the castle was so incredibly worth it! As Disney fans, it was also cool because this castle was the inspiration for the castle in DisneyWorld!
Füssen
Who doesn't want to go on a alpine coaster in Germany!
You never know what you will run into on your trip! This street performance was so cool and we ran into it by coincidence
A little mid-day pick me up! Dad of course went for the beer, the rest of us ice cream! The ice cream was from Eiscafe Hohes Schloß. The ice cream was like spagetthi shaped with sauce (strawberry or pistachio syrup) and toppings!
Charcuterie :)
Megans pick for her birthday: Hike to a waterfall a couple of miles from town.
Sausages, potatoes, and of course a Radler! My first German beer to celebrate my birthday!
