Bavaria {Garmisch}, Germany

So, Matt had a dental conference in Garmisch, Germany. This is in the Bavarian region or as the Germans say, Bayern. The Bavarians are known for their clothes, their beer, their cows, their mountains, their kindness, and their faith. Matt was gone for the whole week, but I pulled the kidlets out of school for Thursday and Friday and we headed on down. This town is nestled in between the Alps and just made my heart sing. It was gorgeous! I think this might be my favorite German spot so far. The people were so friendly and Matt and I got a real kick out of the men in lederhosen and women in dirndls {or the bosom dress, as we like to call it}. We enjoyed a real Bavarian feast where we watched Bavarian horn blowers, dancers, whip boys, cow bell songs, and yodeling. It was great fun! My kids LOVED it. The food and desert was especially yum. You can see a picture of my kids casing out the desert table! The women definitely had bountiful bosoms! A Bavarian saying is "they have nice wood stacked out front!" We might have purchased some Bavarian outfits so we will be sure to fit in next year! {Don't worry, mine is modest!}

Next, we headed into Garmisch. There is an Army base in this town. The hotel was fabulous. It's called the Edelweiss Lodge and Resort {sorry, only open to military}. There was a giant hot tub outside. It was fun to sit in while the cold air and snow flakes surrounded you! Matt surprised me with a massage at the spa. It was awesome! The town itself was a ton of fun too! There were tons of cute shops. We got an authentic, Bavarian cow bell {actually hung on a cows neck!}, and rolling pin from a wood carver's shop. I've been needing a new one b/c the handles broke off of mine. We enjoyed yummy cream puffs, spatzel, and bought tons of yummy dried fruit {pineapple is my new fav!}

Our last day was filled with a trip to Neuschwanstein {a.k.a. Disney or Cinderella Castle}. This is where Walt Disney got his idea for the castles in his logo and theme parks. It's easily the most famous castle in the world. It was spectacular. We couldn't stop thinking of Chitty, Chitty, Bang, Bang too! This was also filmed here in Bavaria and scenes were from this castle. I know King Ludwig, II wasted a ton of money on all his castles, but they are sure fun to see. We also saw his other castle, Hohenschwangau. We just enjoyed this one from afar and only entered Neuschwanstein.

We are TOTALLY going back here. There are tons of opportunities for skiing, and Zugsptize {Germany's tallest peak and it reminds me of the Matterhorn} is calling for us to journey to the top! It's interesting in Bavaria too because all of the tallest peaks on every mountain have a cross on top to remind the people that God is higher than the mightiest mountains. They are very God-fearing people, and like the rest of Germany, all things are closed on Sundays. I kind of like that.

Till we meet again, Bavaria!