Bavaria

Hi folks - we are back on Wi Fi with a good strength so it's all systems go and we have uploaded the pictures for the last two blogs for your perusal.

On leaving Bamberg we travelled to Kinding, an area of Altmuhltal which promised good walking and cycling. Unfortunately the weather turned really bad with torrential rain and cold biting winds. To add insult to injury we saw on the TV that GB was basking in sunshine and summer had finally arrived. We did manage 1 or 2 walks though and Harry made friends with Mr and Mrs Mallard who used to visit us twice a day to be fed. Harry being the softie that he is fed them diligently on a mixture of seeds and nuts (from my store cupboard).

We left Kinding to travel to Seefeld which is located on Pilsensee. It is only about 10 km from where my cousin Eckhard and his wife Ulla live and we planned to spend some time with them over the weekend. The weather was still not great but we settled in and explored the surrounding area. The following day we woke up to glorious sunshine and Eckhard and Ulla arrived to pick us up and a plan was made. There is so much to see and do here in Bavaria so the next 3 days promised to be very hectic.

On Saturday we travelled to Schloss Neuschwanstein. This is a fairy tale castle which was built by King Ludwig 11 of Bavaria and the castle that Walt Disney reputedly recreated for his Disney World.

Again words cannot describe the experience. Although very busy with hundreds of people, it is a visit not to be missed. Harry and I did the guided tour of the castle and it was fascinating.

We then carried on to the nearby town of Fussen which is delightful with more incredible buildings. This one is the Town Hall and I eventually got my revenge on Harry. I put him in the stocks for calling me and old girl!

The  following day Eckhard and Ulla had planned a tour for us. First we drove to Ammersee where we boarded a paddle steamer which took us to various points around the lake before we disembarked at Herrsching.

From there we took the bus up to Andechs Abbey which has it's own brewery and beer garden. It was doing a roaring trade so we sat awhile and enjoyed a beer (more research). After a tour round the Abbey we walked back down to the boat through the forest.

Back on board for coffee and cake and the cruise back in glorious sunshine.

When we got back we noticed some others contemplating the trip!

We stayed overnight with Eckhard and Ulla and enjoyed a lovely meal. The next day we drove to the station to catch the train to Munich. En route we spotted a Floh Markt (Car Boot Sale) where Harry, much to his delight bought a Stein (German drinking mug) - this is to aid him in his research!!

We got the train to Munich and guided by Eckhard and Ulla spent the day wandering round the city seeing the sights.

We called into a Brau Haus where the beers are served in 1 litre tankards with the Oompah Band playing in the background entertaining the masses.

We walked through the city and enjoyed the architecture and Harry stood and listened to a quintet  playing classical music in one of the many squares while I visited a nearby Church.

We moved on to the English Garden which Ulla said looked like Hyde Park. We agreed with her until we reached the main green in the centre of the park where we saw a naked man jogging towards us. Apparantly it is allowed to sunbathe naked in the municipal park in the centre of Munich! Also in the park was a huge beer garden with approx 1000 people eating and drinking in the sunshine listening to yet another Oompah Band. So when in Rome.........................

We may not be here for Octoberfest but I think we have sampled it in the English Garden.

Back home on the train - a weary foursome. enjoyed yet another delicious meal that Ulla had prepared for us before going back to the campsite to prepare for our departure the following day.

Harry and I have had a wonderful 3 days here in this part of Bavaria. The weather has been superb - dare I say a little too warm at times - and we cannot thank Eckhard and Ulla enough for their hospitality and company. We sincerely hope that they will visit us in Scotland when we can return the compliment.

Till next time

Lots of love Kath and Harry xxx