Here’s Your Hat, What’s Your Hurry?

Time to move on to Munich. The Hotel Furstenhof was comfortable to stay and although they seemed a bit tight with what they provided in the room, they tried to make sure you had what you needed. There was, though, an underlying pressure for you (us the guest) to finish on their schedule and move on. Meals were provided but closed up early. We could stay in the bar as long as we wanted but around 10:00pm the lights started to go of hinting you along. Subtle but unmistakable pressure. This continued even to the end, you were asked to reconcile the bill the night prior to your departure and to leave by 10:00am. Here’s your hat, what’s your hurry? Overall not a bad place, we were comfortable and we take cultural differences in mind as we go. But we have stayed in like places and we left wondering if we would have enjoyed the Goldene Rose in Lechaschau more…

On the other hand the early departure got us into Munich that much earlier. Having a navigation system set to shortest time can lead you down some interesting roads. But we made it, turned in the car, swam and walked around Munich City Center for a while. We dined at Augustiner-Bräu, one of the oldest breweries in Europe. Great beer and great food, pork shank for me…

We are all tired but happy.

Facebook continues to asks us interesting questions while we are abroad. This time for me, do I speak english. Kim was challenged while in Austria for proof that she was who she claimed. It brought up photos from her friends list and asked her to identify them.

The answer to this one is questionable.

Hotel Fürstenhof in Wängle, Austria

One last look at Neuschwanstein.

Neues Rathaus in Marienplatz, Munich

Augustiner-Bräu in Munich

Inside Augustiner-Bräu

She makes friends everywhere...

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Schloss Neuschwanstein

Today we were off to tour Neuschwanstein Castle, a castle in southern Bavaria and a classic picture known around the world. It is not really that old, a bit over 100 and in reality has never been completed. I could go into more details but they are too long, follow the link above to learn more. Kim and I have been here before but never made it inside due to long lines. This time we pre-ordered tickets on the internet and were able to stop by in the will call line which was much, much shorter than the just-stopped-by-for-a-visit line. If you are planning to come that is the way to go. It helps also that the queueing system for getting into the castle itself has been improved greatly, better organized and a lot less crowded.

After the castle we took a 15 minute hike over to Marion’s Bridge which has a killer view of Neuschwanstein Castle and the plains of Bavaria. When we got to the bridge it looked packed but as it happens most people seemed to get on to the bridge and basically stop leaving one third crowded and the rest empty. So if you come push your way through the crowd and you will find many nice spots to view from.

Sorry once again no photos are allowed inside the castle. More photos are available under the “Additional Neuschwanstein Pictures” tab.

After the busy day we returned for a final night in Austira. Rather than dining in the hotel (dinner is included in the price) we chose to have dinner at the Tiroler Wirtshaus “Goldene Rose” in nearby Lechaschau. We had a great choice of Tyrol specialties, a nice wait staff and at 8:00pm a Tyrol brass band started to play. Made for a nice evening.

I hate to leave Austria, many great people here, a hospitable place.

Another thing that is highlighted (heavily) here besides Mozart is the Sound of Music. If only Julie Andrews had a dime for every time I heard her voice over the last several weeks…

Its morning in the Tyrols

Hohenschwangau Castle near Neuschwanstein

Kim, Syd and Neuschwanstein Castle

The Tiroler Wirtshaus Goldene Rose

Sydney enjoying the music.

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