GERMANY, Neuswenstein Castle

 September 18, 2006

Today I visited Neuschwanstein Castle outside of Furren, Germany, which was the prototype used by Walt Disney for Sleeping Beauty and the Magic Kingdom. This was one of three castles built by Mad King Ludwig and was built on an isolated rock ledge amid heart-stopping scenery. The Hohenschwangau is nearby and where Ludwig lived while overseeing the work of Neuschwanstein.

GERMANY, Munich

September 17, 2006

I took the train from Venice 10 hours earlier than anticipated to Munich for Oktoberfest. I had tried to stop off and visit Neuschwenstein Castle but missed the stop. Room in Munich was not ready so got back on train and rode to Stuttgart to sleep on the train, then turned around and came back to Munich to check in. I stayed at the Jaegermeister Hostel which was only a few blocks from the Olde Town Center and the Fairgrounds where the beer gardens were located. The Glockenspiel Clock is one of the highlights of Olde Town . After World War II, most of Munich was destroyed. The people were given the choice of rebuilding as it was or rebuilding in a newer style. They chose as it was before.

Oktoberfest 2006 {Munich, Germany}

September 19, 2006

Oktoberfest in Munich was quite an experience. The festival always starts in September which is kind of strange being that it is Oktoberfest. The Bavarian breweries brew beer for 4 months just to have enough beer for the 12 day festival. Numerous beer tents are set up by breweries that hold about 6,000 people indoors.