Germany 2011 - Day 4 - Neuschwanstein

We headed to see the fairy tale castle of King Ludwig - Neuschwanstein. http://www.neuschwanstein.de/englisch/palace/index.htm

We took the very scenic German Alpine Route to and from the castle. http://www.deutsche-alpenstrasse.de

On the way home we stopped in Ettal and visited the famous cloister which dates back to the 1300s. abtei.kloster-ettal.de/kloster/geschichte/

After a stop at the Partenkirchen cemetery to see the grave of my grandparents, it began to rain and we were treated to a few wonderful rainbows.

Germany 2011 - Day 3 - Local Hike + Barbeque

Grandpa was fighting a sickness so we ventured out on a hike.

The Alpenhof hosted a barbecue this evening with some local Bavarian entertainment.

Germany 2011 - Day 2 - Swarovski Museum + Innsbruck

We headed south into Austria and spent the morning at the Swarovski Museum. http://kristallwelten.swarovski.com/Content.Node/homepage.php This museum is an interesting place to visit with many unique exhibits.

At the end of the tour, there are plenty of opportunities to purchase their world-class crystal products.

After lunch, we spent the afternoon in Innsbruck - home town of the 1976 Winter Olympic Games. One of the most famous sights in Innsbruck is the Golden Roof. http://www.innsbruckaustria.co.uk/?Innsbruck_Golden_Roof St Jacob's Cathedral is also a well known church. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/austria/innsbruck-cathedral

During dinner, we listened to a local Bavarian music group.

Germany 2011 - Day 1 - Church and Kruen

This visit marks our 4th stay at Hotel Alpenhof in Kruen. http://www.alpenhof-kruen.de/hotel/

We attended the morning service at Garmisch Baptist Church http://www.garmischbaptistchurch.org where Missionary Ryan Johnson delivered a challenge to the fathers in attendance (since it was Father's Day). There were 20 in attendance including a family from Australia and a couple from England.

We stopped for lunch in Klais at the Sonnenhof Hotel. http://www.sonnenhof-klais.de/landgasthof.htm This was the first opportunity for the kids to have Spezis/Mezzo Mix to drink.

Prior to dinner, the kids swam in the hotel's pool.

For our first dinner, we had asparagus soup with strawberry sauce. What an interesting taste - not one that I will need to taste again!

We went on a nice walk around Kruen after dinner.

Germany 2011 - DFW to MUC

Our trip began at DFW airport with a Friday evening departure.

We did have a layover in London's Heathrow Airport.

Once we landed in Munich, we had about an hour drive down to Kruen. During the ride, we drove by the Allianz Arena (FC Bayern's stadium) http://www.fcbayern.t-home.de/en/news/start/index.php
and the Olympic Stadium (1972 Summer Games).

Alpine Friends

What a Nice Day!

Deer / Elk in the back yard....

Lunch on the mountain with church friends....

Beautiful views....