Ludwig Castle Trip 12/26 to 27/08

We went on an overnighter to three of King Ludwig II castles in the Bavarian Alps in southern Germany.

Hohenschwangau Castle

In the back ground you can see Neuschwanstein Castle from Hohenschwangau Castle

Looking at Hohenschawangau Castle from trail to Neuschwanstien Castle

Looking at Pollat Gorge from Neuschwanstien Castle

Pollat Gorge and bridge

Scenary from Neuschawanstien Castle

with Hohenschwangau Castle in background

Neuschwanstien Castle

Pollat Gorge

Hohenschwangau Castle from Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle from the Pollat Gorge Bridge

Hohenschwangau Castle

Baden-Baden, Germany 12/27/08

This day we went to the Ritter Sport chocolate factory. Yummy chocolate bars. Then we went to Baden-Baden. The purpose of this trip was to enjoy a visit to the Caracalla-Therme. This is a popular spot for the German's. A natural mineral water spa. The men of the family chickened out. I believe it was because they had baggy swim trunks and all the men were wearing speedos. Or maybe it was the half hour wait.

Another Christmas Market. Manger scene carved out of wood.

Strasbourg, France 12/26/08

We 'spent the day' in Strasbourg. We took a river boat ride that circled the city.

Walking up the tower of Strasbourg Cathedral Notre-Dame. Yes the Hunch Back of Notre-Dame Cathedral. Nic couldn't resist, with a bit of prodding from his siblings, hollering 'sanctuary'! Lot's of looks from below.

At the top-anyway as far as we could go. Several hundreds of stairs--I'm sure.

It was absolutely spectacular.

Inside the cathedral. We got a kick out of this sign. We think it was trying to say 'no talking'.

Stained glass windows. Beautiful!

Astronomical clock.

Christmas Market.

Dilsberg, Germany 12/23/08

This is a small walled city along the Neckar river east of Heidelberg. It has a castle which was closed for the winter, and chocolaterie and cermic shop. Krystal came for Christmas and this was a day excursion.

Boys!

Volkenburg, Holland Christmas Market 12/08

I 'spent the day' in Holland at the Volkenburg Christmas Market. This market is in the 'Velvet Caves'. It is literally in a large cave. Over 100 venders. It was unique. Where in the world can you 'spend the day' in another country!!!! My goal was to 'spend the day' going to the different Christmas Markets in other countries--I couldn't get anyone to go with me--go figure. Next year.It is interesting here in this area. When you are driving into a (some) town you can't see the fun streets with all the fun shops unless you know where to go and get out of your car and start walking. Most always there is a main street that has fun and unique shops and restaurants that is off the main road.This is my friend, DeAnn. We went to the Nuremburg, Mannhiem and Heidelberg Christmas Markets as well. FYI, these are all in Germany, for those of you who don't know your geograghy (I didn't 'til I got here).This is inside the caves. You can go to this site and read about the caves. http://www.christmasmarkets.com/Holland/valkenburg-christmas-market.html