The Alps

Last Friday we began our week-long trip to Germany. We had lots of fun adventures, which will take a few posts to relate. We traveled by car, accompanied by Jacob's fabulous boss Irena. We had a great time listening to lots of episodes of NPR's "Car Talk" on the iPod. We spent 3 nights in a rustic cabin (pictured below) at Edelweiss resort in Garmisch, Germany. The cabin didn't have running water, but we were able to shower at a nearby bath house. The cabin was cozy and warm, which was great because we got LOTS OF SNOW!

The interior of the cabin was pretty small, but adequate. I climbed up into the loft to take this photo of Jacob and Irena watching TV (yes, there was a TV but no bathroom).

One of the highlights of our time in the Alps was a trip to Neuschwanstein Castle, which I've wanted to see since I was a child. It was beautiful even in the low-lying (view-obstructing) clouds. We enjoyed the tour and learning about the lunatic king who built it (Ludwig II of Bavaria).

On our hike up, Jacob enjoyed munching on countless "free snow cones," as he called them. The freshly fallen snow hopefully hadn't yet been polluted.

We also stopped in Ettal at the Schaukäserei where they make and sell cheese (and other milk-based products like butter and yogurt). Those of you who know me will realize what a heaven this place must have been for me. We sampled many delightful cheeses and bought some to take home. They're SO DELICIOUS!! While there we also enjoyed a mug of hot chocolate made with their milk. It was amazing!