Five days since our last post, sorry about that!! We have been on the move and unable to access the internet from Robert's house in Neuberg.

We got up early two days ago and drove down to Neuswangau to the famous and beautiful Neuswanstein castle built by Ludvig II. Before getting down there (the drive was about 3 hours) we stopped at one of the most famous baroque churches in Germany, the Wieskirche. We were fortunate enough to attend Easter service there with all of the locals. Unfortunately they don't allow pictures, or we would have snapped a few. The roof was white with carvings of angels and flowers at the edges of the domes and walls. Each dome had its own fresco painted in pastel colors; absolutely breathtaking. At the front altar and each side altar they had enormous marble carved pillars which were decorated with gold and wood. I feel so lucky we were able to attend during a huge religious holiday to hear the choir and priest with the people.

It was only another hour and a half to Neuswangau. Neuswanstein is the castle Walt Disney used as a model for the Disneyland theme park. As you can see it looks right off the pages of a fairytale.

Unfortunately the castle was never finished. Ludvig II was labeled insane and unfit to rule by a psychologist, and then the next day was found dead with his doctor in a lake. No one knows the real story behind the death, if it was a murder or suicide. Only 1/3 of the castle was completed. If you could see the detail in the castle walls and paintings ( which was dedicated 100% to famous composer and friend Wagner) you would understand why in 17 years it still was not finished!!

Robert was incredible and dropped us off to take the 35 minute tour of the completed rooms, and then picked us up at the end.

It was entertaining watching a few japanese girls in high heels and leggings trying to make their way up and down the inclined path covered with snow and mud. >:-) We even saw one lady dressed in heels and white pants take a spill and covering herself in mud--

After the castle, we completed our scenic Bavarian tour with a drive through a few small

villages before arriving in Sonthofen; where Seppe and Erika ( Oma and Opa) live. Oma showed us all of the fruits, vegetables and spices she was growing in her gorgeous garden overlooking the German Alps and then brought out the Sauerkraut and Fleish ( meat) she prepared for us. We talked for hours before retiring in our own little apartment downstairs from theirs.

The next day we bid adieu to our incredible host/uncle Robert in Munich. We still had a whole day before our train to Vienna so we decided to check the city out on foot. Luckily, we had a picture perfect day ( 70 degrees and sunny) to peruse the major Munich sites. We even got a little video of the Glockenspiel guys dancing around :-) Troy loved it!

Check our picture site for all the new photos.

Later, we caught the train to Vienna ( 1st class baby!)...and Luckily we were safe in our leather seats when the holiday rush came on at Salzburg. Many had to just sit on the floor for the entire trip :-(

At the train station, our lovely Viennese host Evelyn met us with a few buddies and we were off to have dinner, drinks and unwind from the day ( see picture). Simultaneously, we heard English, Spanish and German being spoken. We met a 26 year old Hungarian guy who had two Bachelors, 1 Masters and finishing TWO PhDs. Adam could also speak 4 languages!!! So needless to say, we were both amazed and inspired by him:-))

Today we have our first day in Vienna. It is about 12:15 here now, and we have taken our time getting up, doing some laundry and showering. Now the sun is in full brilliance, and we need to go take some pics :-)

Tonight is the ballet at the Staatsoper ( Vienna Operahouse)....

Not to forget our list of interesting things to know for first timers to Germany....

1. "bitte" can mean please, your welcome, or "HUH?!" when you didn't hear something

2. Germany has 16 states ranging from large ( like Bavaria) to small city-states ( like Hamburg)

3. It wasn't until the last 150 years that Germany was under one rule; starting with the German Reich

4. They have McCafe added on to their McDonalds ( see pics on fotki), which has a fireplace, leather seats and even plasma TV screens to enjoy while eating your BigMac and coffee

5. The easter Boch beer ( dark and sweet) was invented when hungry monks ( fasting from Ash Wednesday to Easter) had to nourish themselves. It is delicious, and I enjoyed the doppelbock even more!

6. Sauerkraut doesn't start out sour, but sweet! It takes about 3-6 months of fermentation to get that sour taste in Sauerkraut

7. Each and every small cluster of houses, has its very own ancient church and castle.

8. Buy a large pack of "Knoppers" immediately on arrival....trust me on this one

9. You can get a good wine for $4 euro

10. If you go to a grocery store ( Lidl, Aldi, Spar, Mini Mal) they do not give you a bag for your things. If you just have a few items, and want a bag without paying extra, get a piece of fruit, and then use the bag they give you for the rest of your stuff

We have internet at Evelyn's so we can post again tomorrow-

Love you all!