John & Judi                 Richmond, Virginia	Ireland  Germany Scotland  England Wales

	Thursday - May 6, 2004 Little John met us at the airport (THANK GOD) - we would never have made all the trains with six pieces of luggage on our own - we're now in a country where there are NO English signs.  Little John speaks fairly fluent German and will get us settled in our flat and to a grocery store and that will be about it for our first day here.  The next morning Little John showed up at our flat and we began touring.  We will visit the Schleibheim New Palace today in Munich - this is "Little" John standing with me in front of the sign announcing the Palace.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 This is the very elaborate Schleibheim New Palace.  The New Palace reflected the political ambitions of Elector Max Emanuel, who was hoping (in vain) to be made emperor and built it as his future residence.  Designed by Enrico Zuccali, the palace was to have had several wings, but only the shell of the main wing - the present palace - was initially completed.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 The project was supended during Max Emanuel's eleven-year exile as governor of the Spanish Netherlands.  It was not until 1719 that the facade and the interior decoration were recommenced under the diretion of Joseph Effner.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 There is no place we've been where I have felt the spirit of Wolfie more than I have here.  This is truly an artist's paradise.  Every ceiling in the New Palace (yes, we will visit the old palace later today) is a muraled masterpiece beyond compare.  The monumental palace has a wide staircase, magnificent halls and four state apartments, decorated by major artists such as Jacopo Amigoni, Cosmas Damian Asam and Johann Baptist Zimmermann.   This was the rotunda in the atrium - we weren't allowed to take flash pictures - and trust that this palace is well guarded - the guards follow you through each room - as the art collections here are priceless.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 The next series of pictures were taken in the Grand Hall.  There really are no words to adequately describe what we saw today.  Today, a section of the palace houses the Gallery of European Baroquee Art, which is part of the Bavarian State Collection of Paintings and features masterpieces from the Baroque Era.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 My two John's standing in the Grand Hall.  Neither one of them looks very big in this awesome and magnificent room.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 This is just a very little snippet of some of the art work that adorns the walls of this beautiful place.  Some of the pieces are as large as entire buildings and the talented gifts displayed in the paintings can't help but be inspirational.  Every single ceiling in the New Palace has a type of rotunda ceiling and all have extremely intricate murals.  Someone laid on scaffolding a LONG time painting these magnificent ceilings.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 "Little John" examining the Grand Hall in the Palace.  He is 6'2 or 6'3" tall and he looks awfully small in this magnificent hall.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 Little John and I found the PERFECT way to examine the ceiling and the gorgeous murals.  The guards, I don't think, had ever seen anyone just lie down in the rotunda to look up - there were a few heads together over our preferred viewing method - but they didn't stop us. LOL
	Thursday - May 6, 2004   This was the Master's Bedroom in the Palace.  This also had a gorgeous mural on the ceiling.  Check out that bed!
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 Mistress's Bedroom - much lighter colors - same size - we always get the prettier rooms.  =)
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 GORGEOUS hallway as we walked throughout this massive Palace.  The marble and plaster work is absolutely and completely awe inspiring.  I just can't imagine living in a place like this.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 This ceiling was so different from all the others, I wanted you to see it - one of the few without murals but absolutely gorgeous architectural work.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 After touring the New Palace, we stopped for three bowls of Tomato Basil Soup and hot bread in the little cafe on the Palace grounds.  My John enjoyed his first German beer with his son, Little John.  =)  They had a wheat based beer and I have to tell you it was excellent - not bitter like the American beers.  Lunch was wonderful - a nice rest - and now we're off to the Old Palace.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 These are the gardens at the Old Palace.  They face each other - with a long reflection pond that runs a good two miles between them.  The Old Palace, begun in 1598 as a hermitage for Duke Wilhelm V, was rebuilt in 1617 by Maximillian 1 in  Italian villa style from plans by Heinrich Schon the Elder.  On his marriage to the Austrian emperor's daughter, Maria Antonia, Max Emanuel commissioned the architect Enrico Zuccalli to build the hunting lodge and the garden palace of Lustheim.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 This palace today houses the Ernst Schneider collection of Meiben Porcelain.  The porcelain and bone china housed in this palace are all priceless and some date back to 17th century.  The boys didn't enjoy this palace as much as I did - but it was just amazing.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 This is the entry hall to the "Old Palace" with four massive crystal chandeliers.  They looked dwarfed in their surroundings - but trust me when I say they are massive.  Just spectacular.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 This was one of many, many beautiful collections of porcelain housed in this palace.  Again, it's hard to even describe what we have seen today.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 There is a pair of swans that swim in the reflections pool around the two palaces and we found an old woman tossing bread to them and stopped for a picture.  We saw the male in flight earlier - and we were betting his wingspan was about 8 feet.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 Our flat in Munich is wonderful.  The beds are comfortable (YAY!!!!!) and we can even cook in a very small kitchen if we wish to do that.  Great for breakfast and lunch - just a small walk from the SBON (train) - which takes us just about everywhere we need to go.  This is one of the several huge planters on our terrace right outside our bedroom.  There are no houses in Munich - so everyone lives in flats - bigger than the guest flat we're occupying for our time here - but not a bad way of life!  We're on the 4th floor  - there is an elevator - and the terrace is on the roof of this building that goes to our flat.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 From our terrace, a picture of what the large flat complexes generally look like.  Most of these flats are purchased just like a home (or a condo if you will) - but most units reserve one or two of the smaller flats for guests who come to visit the residents which is wonderful for folks like us as there are no hotels or B&B's directly inside of Munich.
	Thursday - May 6, 2004 This is a typical terrace to most of the flats here -  certainly not as  spacious and pretty as the one outside the guest flat - but a nice nitch.  Munich is about one million people - but the city is one of the safest in the world and is certainly one of the cleanest I have ever seen.  Beside each sidewalk  is a concrete bike path (you don't want to walk on the bike path - they'll nail ya'!) - but it's wonderful for  bikers and roller bladers - there is practically no need to have a car here if you live and work inside of Munich.  Mass transit is EXCELLENT (the train) - and the locals walk/train/and bike everywhere they need to go.  So far, we're very impressed with Munich.  For today - that's it - we have walked a LONG LONG ways.  =)  Tonight we'll go on the train to the Internet Cafe and get these off to you.  Tomorrow I am SO excited - we're going by train to Austria - into the village of Innsbruck. It's about 2 hours by train from Munich and we'd be crazy NOT to go.  Innsbruck of course, is at the base of the Austria Alps and I can't WAIT to go!  We'll take an overnight bag with us in case we decide to stay - so tomorrow - pictures from Austria!  Until then - God Bless!
	Friday - May 7, 2004 We have decided to put Austria off until a prettier day - we'd hate to go when it's rainy and foggy - so today we explore the city square in Munich and SHOP!  =)  These are the twin clock towers that are on top of a massive, beautiful  church in the towne center.  This isn't tourist season and FAR from Octoberfest - but it's very crowded with hustle and bustle and clearly there are many tourists already.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 This is a picture of the inside of the church - it's a really beautiful building full of exquisite art and artifacts.  Most of these buildings are at least over 100 years of age.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 A close up of the huge, towering towers on top of the cathedral.  The weather is insane today - rains like heck for a few minutes - then bright sunshine - then wind - then sun - it's changing every 5 minutes.  I'll forge ahead though - there's shopping to do!
	Friday - May 7, 2004 This massive clock is in the center of the towne square.  We guess it's about 14 stories high.  It is an amazing piece of architecture - and we got there just in time to hear it ring at 11:00 in the morning.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 When the clock rings - there is a giant section in the center of the clock (much like a coo-coo-clock)  and these puppet type of performers come out of the clock and dance - all are moving figures - about the size of a person.  Hundreds of people stop to watch the performance every hour.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 The towne square - the buildings are just beautiful - this shot includes the church we previously showed you and the clock towers.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 I'm standing here with Little John in front of gorgeous tulip gardens.  Although we aren't in Holland, the tulips in Germany are breathtakuing - and about 3 times the size of the tulips in America.  Gorgeous colors - many of them are multi-colored.  We've seen them just about everywhere we go.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 Just another picture of some of the beautiful architecture in Munich.  It's been a fun and relaxing day for us - but you can believe we are getting a TON of exercise.  Although we have passes for trains and buses - there is an immense amount of walking to do and stair climbing -  but it sure helps to offset all the fabulous breads and pastries on every single corner!  Tonight we'll go over to the Olympia Center and take a look around - on our own - hope we make it home!  LOL - this country is  a trip for us - no English signs and few English speaking people - so with Little John gone to work, this will be interesting!  We'll be in touch!
	Friday - May 7, 2004 After John cooked us supper in the flat and we finished up our laundry, we took two different trains and walked up to the Olympic Village.  The village was built in 1972 for the 1972 Summer Olympics.  This was a globe just over the bridge as we walked into the village.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 Olympic Village Space Needle - after we make our way through the village - we'll ride this to the top and see what we can see from up there.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 This is the Grand Olympic Hall - I'm assuming that this is where all the award ceremonies took place and likely many of the opening ceremonies too.  I think I should weigh about 2 pounds by the time I get home from this trip - when we had the car we drove 2800 miles and now I think we're trying to match that in walking miles.  We are WAY tired tonight - but it was a great night to see the village.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 The Olympic swimming pool  - clearly still very much used.  They still stage sporting events all over the village and for 11 Euro you can go sit in the Olympic Sauna.  Nawwwww I'd rather go up in the needle.  People come to the grounds at the village to walk - bike - run - and just thoroughly enjoy this beautiful location.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 This is a structure just outside the track and field stadium.  We can't get into the stadium in the evening - but we'll have a pretty shot of it for you from the top of the needle.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 As promised, this is the track and field stadium from the top of the needle.  I couldn't believe the picture came out so well - we can actually see the clock tower on the ground that we visited earlier this morning.  Munich is a super city - about the same size as Richmond - but I LOVE the mass transit system here - in a heartbeat you can be just about anywhere you want to go.  With the price of gas - it's a great idea - but overall, the Americans just don't "GET IT".
	Friday - May 7, 2004 We're at the top!  It's over 600 feet and the view is spectacular.  This is the city of Munich at dusk and if you look CLOSELY in the WAY background you will see the Austrian Alps.  We'll make sure you get a LOT of close up pictures of this spectacular mountain range in  a few days.
	Friday - May 7, 2004 This one's for you, Derek - the BMW headquarters building.  (Derek is my son who is a car FREAK!)  This is just the top of the tower on this MASSIVE building.  We've had another fabulous day in Germany - but we're having extreme difficulties with the internet here.  We've been to four different Internet Cafes so far and one library that has internet access and they don't have the FTP capabilites that we need to send these pictures to you - so we're STUCK.  We're going to try in Austria when we're there - until then, we'll just keep them up to date every night for you.  WE are ready for bed!  It's been a very long - but very fun day and we need to rest up for tomorrow!  God Bless!
	Saturday - May 8, 2004 Today Franka, John and I will travel to Garmish.  Garmish is the point at which you can begin seeing the mountains of Germany.  It's about a 2 hour train ride from Munich with beautiful scenery all along the way.  This is also the home of Germany's highest mountain, the Zugspitze which is about 10,000 feet.    It is Saturday, so first we start with an open air flea market.  We've been to a few of these - they would be compared to community garage sales (yard sales) in the States.  It was fun walking around looking at junk though  =)
	Saturday - May 8, 2004 Franka and Judi standing in front of some gorgeous mountains in Garmish.  I've got to get that camera away from John!
	Saturday - May 8, 2004 John and Judi also posing in front of a gorgeous mountain range in Garmish - Franka's got the camera bug now!  There isn't alot to say about Garmish - it's just breathtaking scenery - and it was a pleasant day out in the German countryside.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 Sunday the four of us were together for a trip to the Andechss, home of the very famous Andechs Monastery and pilgrimage church.  You'll see many pictures of it in the next few frames - this is John, Judi and Franka on the train up to the Monastery.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 Big John, Little John and Franka on the train to the Monastery.  EVERYONE has camera fever!
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 The lower part and the upper part of the high altar in the Andechs Pilgrimage church complement each other.  Whereas the lower part reminds us of Mary's mission in life as Mother of the Lord, the upper part shows us the Mother of God as one immaculately conceived to fit her select status, seemingly making herself ready for her assumption into heaven.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 Besides the two-part high altar, rising into the Heaven of the Andechs Saints (the painted ceiling) there are also four side altars around the church room.  These four are called the "Chaplains of Mary".  They were created by sculptor JB Straub for the restoration of the church in 1755.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 Although the first impression a modern visitor has of the Andechs church may be dominated by the brightness and the vivid colors of its 1755 renovation, they will soon be caught up and deeply moved by the gratifyng peacefulness emanating from the unique space.  When it is not crowded, it is a place to pray, beseech, give thanks, contemplate and reflect.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 There were once six bells hanging in the steeple - there are now four.  The largest, St, Mary's Bell, weighs over 9000 pounds.  It was cast in 1949.  The second largest, weighing over 4500 pounds, is dedicated to St. Hedwig.  It was created in 1975.  The third, used to ring for the dead and to warn for bad weather, bears a Latin inscription when interpreted means:  I praise the saints, defend against thunderstorms, bury the dead.  It has been fulfilling this service since 1669.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 This is a building outside of the church where monks still live today.  You will see soon enough in the next pictures what they do to raise money.  =)
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 What else???  A Beer Garden!  (BeirGarten)  They monks in this monastary make their own beer which is sold in this beer garden and they also have shops in many towns around here where their goods are sold.  They are also involved in making cheese and other dairy products.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 They sell two venues of food in this beer garden.  John and Little John and Franka chose the fish.  It is a  "whole" mackrel that is scewered on a stick and then slapped on a plate to be eaten.  They tell me it was delicious - it looked disgusting.  Those of you who know me know how much I LOVE fish!  I opted for a huge baked potato!
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 This pair of hand carved monks stood at the end of the beer garden overlooking a drop off - they, of course, had to be incuded in the pictures.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004   This is a rather typical German Chateau - charming but (in my opinion) without the character of what we see all over Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
	Sunday - May 9, 2004 You never go anywhere in Europe without umbrellas - and this is why.  =)  Another rainy day in Germany - we're sitting here awaiting the train to take us home from the monastary - we have probably walked 20 miles today and we've had enough sight seeing for one day!  It was great fun and we enjoyed everything we saw - but we are tired to the bone!
	Monday - May 10, 2004 Today John and I finally leave for Austria and I'm very excited about seeing Innsbruck.  This was just a shot from the train on the way to Innsbruck.
	Monday - May 10, 2004 I've done enough traveling in Europe to realize that when I walk into a new place - I'm going to hate it - or I'm going to love it.  I ADORE Innsbruck.  Austria (this part of it anyway) is breathtaking.  The people are extremely friendly and most speak English quite well.  This has been a WONDERFUL relief for John and myself as Munich has been very difficult for non-German speaking people - and frankly, Germans are not very friendly people on the whole.  This is the Triumph Forte (Arch) in the center of town - it was built in 1765 to commemorate the bethrothal of Leopold II to Maria Ludovica.  His father, Francis I Stephen of Lothring, died during the celebrations.  One side of the arch symbolizes the joyful aspect of the event, the other the sadness.
	Monday - May 10, 2004 A picture of the beautiful little town of Innsbruck at the base of the Austrian Alps. Wasn't a perfectly clear day - but the alps aren't so large that you can't get the idea.  It was just beautiful.  What a delightful and pretty place to live.
	Monday - May 10, 2004 This is the Annasaule (Holy Mother Statue) built between 1704 and 1706 by the Provincial Legislature to commenorate the Tyrol's successful resistance against the Bavarian invasion of 1703 during the War of Spanish Succession.  Representations of the Virgin Mary, Saint Ann, and the Tyrolian Patron Saints.
	Monday - May 10, 2004 There is absolutely breathtaking architecture in the small town of Innsbruck.  This is just a very small sampling of many of the fabulous structures that we saw today.  One thing the United States just doesn't have - the very old gothic architecture - guess we're just not old enough!
	Monday - May 10, 2004 One of our main reasons for coming to Innsbruck.  This was AWESOME!  The ski jump erected in 1925 was rebuilt and adapted on the occasion of the Olympic Winter Games 1964 and 1976.  The ski jump itself is 100 Meter Jump and we were able to take a cable car up to the very top of it.  I'm sure this is only by coincidence, but at the very BOTTOM of the jump is one of the largest and oldest cemetaries in Germany.  (I know it was there LONG before the ski jump was - but it looks really funny there).  Going to the top of this thing was just "out of sight" awesome.  We have now visited two Olympic villages - one in Munich and this one in Innsbruck - and I'm very greatful to have had this experience.
	Monday - May 10, 2004 If you get to this part of the world - DO NOT miss Austria - and try to not miss Innsbruck.  You will not be disappointed.  The people are wonderful, the city is spectacular - they actually all YIELD to pedestrians here!  Even the electric streetcars and buses!  That aside, they speak ENGLISH!  It's a charming city - and although we only gave you a brief overview of it - here are more of the mountains as we bid farewell to Innsbruck.    We'll return to Munich by highspeed train - we are completely and absolutely exhausted.  We were out very late last night at a dinner with a German couple who wanted to meet us - and up at the crack of dawn today to go to Innsbruck.  We planned to sleep on the train home to Munich (2 hour ride on the fast train).  We sat in a cabin on the train with a young German man who spoke not one word of English - and of course our German is limited to ummmmm nothing!  This man and I played charades for the next solid hour - he was ecstatic to find we were Americans and I finally understood that he wanted four things:  1)  To come to America 2) To shake President Bush's hand 3) To live in Indiana 4) To live in a Teepee like all the other Americans.  This was all accomplished through a ballet of charades.  He grinned from ear to ear the entire time and when he departed the train an hour before us - he ran back to our window to enthusiastically wave goodbye to us again and again.  It was a memorable experience.  =)
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 John and I are pretty travel weary at this point.  (I wonder why - we've covered 6 countries in 30 days and one of them TWICE - LOL) so we begged a "sleep in" day from Little John and just a few "local Munich" sights, tastes and sounds for the rest of the day - hopefully with an afternoon nap thrown in before dinner.  We began our day at this local market place and Beer Garden (what else???)  I'm convinced that no one in Munich works - the beer gardens are always packed with people eating and drinking.  The tall red and white tower is a fish stand - the fish is cooked at the very top - deep fat fried by Nutrisystem standards - and then slid down a metal slide to the bottom where it is served.  John and John had fish - I had potato pancakes and applesauce - another German dish that has nothing to do with the ocean - they were delightfully greasy and crispy and very good.
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 The archway you see behnd us used to be a continuing wall around the city.  It no longer goes around the city - but this remnant remains and it's really very pretty - somewhat reminiscent of castle remains we have seen in other countries.
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 These gentlemen are called Mongolian Throat Singers and were performing inside a walk through tunnel on the huge town square where you saw (before) the massive town clock with the working marionettes.  Their instruments were fascinating and the sound they made was close to a swarm of bees nesting in their throats.  Of course, they do this for a living.
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 Yes, she's a mime in the city square.  Reminded me SO much of all the fabulous street performers in Victoria, British Columbia - this one was apparently on break however - we threw money in her bag - but she didn't move.  We later saw her performing at another place in the square.
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 The huge pavillion you see in the background in this picture is not part of what Germans remember fondly as a section of their history.  From this massive platform, Hitler made many a speech.  There is a point in town when you're walking toward this pavillion where there used to be guards and anyone passing on that street had to stop, salute and bellow "HEIL HITLER".  If you did not, you were arrested.  The townpeople who would not ackowledge Hitler had to walk many many miles around - through tunnels - far out of their way to avoid this guard post.  We have actively avoided the concentration camps in Germany - but it has been very interesting to stand on ground that was once dominated by the criminal Hitler.  I don't think you can see them in the picture, but at the forefront of the pavillion are two massive lions.  The pavillion is hundreds of years old, but the lions are attributed to Hitler - as a show of authority.  What a guy.
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 St. Cajetan's Church/Munich.  Muich's Theatine Church, whih has been under the auspices of the Domiinicans since 1954.  Allied bombs struck the church on four different occasions in the course of the Second World War.  Antonio Zanchi's High Altar Canvas, altar and tabernacle all went up in flames.  Of the Four Evangelists on the rood screen rails, only Mark and John survived.  The altar dedicated to the Immaculate Conception was also devastated.  The successful restoration took ten years to complete, with the result that the church could only be returned to full service on August 21, 1955.
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 Three aisles are discenernible from the ground plan of St. Cajetans's - the main aisle leads from the entrance to the Presbytery, and is comparable with the triumphal avenues of Roman cities.  There are a total of 46 pillars, symbolizing the construction of the temple in Jerusalem, which took 46 years to build.  I particularly loved this church because of the lack of "panach" (for lack of a better word).  Although it is heavily ornamented with elaborate columns, carvings and niches, it remains all white with the exception of a few priceless frescoes.  The more ornamental churches - heavily guilded in gold are awesome - but border on the tacky side (kitch - in German) for this worshipper.  I would feel at home here.  =)
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 After a fairly easy and restful day, John and I had dinner and went by bus in the early evening to the English Gardens close to our flat.  This location can surely be compared to Central Park in New York.  It's a haven for rollerbladers, bicycles, runners, walkers and strolling tourists who are too tired to do anything else.  There was a equestrian center at one edge of the Gardens and I enjoyed watching a horse being exercised as I stopped at the bridge over this small waterfall.
	Tuesday - May 11, 2004 This is the Japanese Pagoda in the English Gardens in Germany.  LOL  Of course it's the backdrop to a massive beer garden that was slam busy with people - but what is a day out in Germany without a beer garden???   We spent perhaps an hour in the park and then took the bus back to the train and back home again to our flat.,  We are just pooped.  =)  We must be up very very early in the morning to go to what Little John calls "The Most Beautiful Place on Earth" and I can't wait!  Until then - God Bless!  WE MISS ALL OF YOU!!!
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 Today we are taking a long trip up to Konigssee.  I was up for a beautiful sunrise (yes, a sunRISE) from our terrace.  Everyone tells me that Konigssee is the most beautiful place in the world.  I found out it is indeed, the most beautiful place in Germany.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 We took a bus over to meet Little John today and start our trip.  He has a friend who is a social worker who was driving to Konigssee today to see a client and he has offered to take us all up there with him.  We will take buses and trains home.   This is a BMW!  Can you believe how itty bitty it is?????
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 When you arrive at Konigssee - you get in a boat and you motor up the river between the German Alps and the Austrian Alps.  This was one of the small waterfalls along the way.  This really IS one of the most beautiful places in the world.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 One of the mountain ranges in Konigssee.  As the boat made its passage up the river, they stopped.  The Captain and crew member stood at an open window and played a duet on trumpet for us in the heart of the alps so we could hear the echo.  It was very moving and awesome!
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 Here we are looking at a piece of farmland in this beautiful setting.  We're all also wishing we lived here!  The boat takes you first to a church (which you'll see here in a few minutes) and then proceeds up to this gorgeous area.  Most people get off at the church and never come up here - in which case, they have missed the whole thing.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 John wanted a close up of the same picture - so he got one.  =)
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 I stop for a picture with my sweetie in front of a breathtaking mountain range.  Just before this picture was taken, a gorgeous butterfly landed RIGHT on John's head.  Unfortunately, it flew before I could get a picture.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 John's son and I cannot drink in enough of the view here.  There really are no words - but the pictures will speak for themselves.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 This is a larger waterfall that we saw after we had walked all the way into this gorgeous place.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 Our son John, the nature man.  He could easily live in the outdoors and be way beyond happy.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 The water was like a mirror today.  This was one of the prettiest days we have had in weeks - it was warm and still with no rain or wind.  The reflections in the water were sensational!  If you split this picture in half  (side to side) - the top half is the real mountain - the bottom half is the reflection in the lake.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 John - the ham - telling me - THIS IS A MOUNTAIN!  (Guess he wanted to ake sure I didn't miss it????)
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 This is the boat that took us up to the mountains.  Each of these boats is hand crafted.  I wish you could have been there to hear the trumpets!
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 When we'd stayed as long as we could - we made our way by boat back down to this beautiful church.  I've got to say, this wasn't really worth the stop - and those who only come this far - and stop - haven't really seen Konigssee.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 The two Johns head for the beer garden (What else???????)  This little area is real touristy - I mainly just wanted pictures of the church.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 When we went into the church, we were treated to a rehearsal by a children's choir.  That was pleasant.  =)  It's a cute, quaint little church in an absolutely glorious setting.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 This is a shot of the church from the boat as we were leaving.  It's beautifully constructed and is a beautiful architectural part of this lovely area.
	Wednesday - May 12, 2004 John figured we may as well have a picture of one of the trains that we have spent GOD knows how many hours on since we arrived in Germany.  Although mass transportation here is good - perhaps excellent - it's very tiring and you'd better know what you're doing - you'll get little or no help. This has been, by far, my favorite day in Germany.  Konigssee truly IS one of the most beautiful places on earth.
	Thursday - May 13, 2004 Today we're going to take things at a little slower pace and will start with this art museum.  If you look at the bricks in the building behind us - about the top center - a little to the right - you will notice a distinct difference in the bricks.  This museum was bombed in World War II and the newer bricks are part of the reconstruction.  One of the awful parts of war - the artifacts and treasures that are forever lost - unable to be replaced.  This is one of the largest art museums in Europe.
	Thursday - May 13, 2004 This is how the mailmen in Europe carry the mail - by bicycle in saddle bags.  Had to have a picture.  You'll notice a set of small wheels that look like traiing wheels.  These are dropped and used when the mail is too heavy for the regular wheels.
	Thursday - May 13, 2004 This is a shot of St. Paul's Cathetral in Munich as we are killing some time waiting for a train to take us to Franka's mother's for lunch today.
	Thursday - May 13, 2004   You'll remember my story about the man on the train we met coming back from Austria.  I played communication charades with him for an hour on our trip home.  LOL  Believe it or not - here he IS!  We had John with us this time so we could communicate a bit.  We were at Grand Central Station waiting to catch a train to Moosburg to meet and have lunch at Franka's mother's home.  Suddenly my John turns around and starts shaking hands with someone jovially saying:  "GOOD TO SEE YOU!  How are you????"  Well young John and I thought he'd lost his mind!  We turn around and there is HORST!  I couldn't believe it!  He had tapped John on the shoulder.  LOL  In Munich!  He is from Holland - we're from the US - we're in a city of a million people in Munich and we run into him again.  Go figgur!  He was THRILLED to see us again - and I got a picture with him this time.  Too funny.
	Thursday - May 13, 2004 This is Rosemary's pride and joy - her gardens.  Rosemary is a delightful Bavarian woman and Franka's mother.  And the woman can flat COOK!  We had promised her a day with us before we left - she has many fond memories of the kindnesses of the Americans during the war and loves Americans - she couldn't wait to meet us.  She began lunch with a zuchinni soup to die for - followed by a veal Schnitzel and a cucumber salad - only to be topped off by Apple Streudel that could make a grown man cry and a chocolate cake that John figured was only made in heaven.  She spoke not a word of English - but we had John for translations - and with some people - there really just is no language barrier.  Know what I mean?
	Thursday - May 13, 2004 These fields of yellow flowers are all over Germany.  I was dying for a picture smack in the middle of them.  Finally got one today not far from Rosemary's home.  They are actually a white beet that is grown in this area and they flower much like potatoes do.  I think they're just gorgeous.
	Thursday - May 13, 2004 Myself, young John and Rosemary - before we take off for yet another train.
	Thursday - May 13, 2004 Myself (Rosemary insisted I be in both pictures) - John and Rosemary.  It was a wonderful day with her - they have a lovely home and she was a very warm and sweet person.
	Thursday - May 13, 2004 John and I decided to stop in the town of Freising on the way back to Munich from Moosburg to look around and do a little shopping.  They had these marvelous bears all over town and of course, I had to have a picture with one of them.  =)  Tomorrow is Friday and we have a flight out of here at 7:00 in the morning on Saturday - so we will spend most of the day cleaning the flat and packing.  Again.  LOL  Germany has been interesting.  We have seen many beautiful sights here - however, if you are not a veteran traveler - or don't have someone here that speaks the language - don't come.  (Unless you're just INTO complete frustration)  There are no menus in restaurants printed in English - it takes an act of God to make a phone call -  last night we spent 1-1/2 hours in a grocery store trying to put the ingredients together for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with potatoe chips.  It's not easy.  There's no one to ask.  Nothing in the groceries is recognizeable.  You never really know if you're on the right bus or train - there's no one to ask.  There is internet access here - but out of the dozens of places we stopped - there's no way to send files in a country with this type of technology.  It takes a German washing machine an hour and a half to go through the WASH cycle - and none of the instructions are in English.  There are no - or very few automatic doors to any establishment - you push and pull all of them - they all work differently from one another.  You have to pay to go to the bathroom almost everywhere.  If you can find the bathroom.  LOL  The people are not very warm and definately not friendly.  They have no time for you.  Unless you're a wonderful bum on a bus named Horst - or a sweet, little old Bavarian woman who loves Americans.  I can't WAIT to get home!
	Friday - May 14, 2004 Can you imagine this is America?  I can't!  LOL  All the chess piece would be stolen!  There are several areas in Munich where there are these super huge chess games going on - out in the squares - in the open - and people have continuing games - I had to have a picture!
	Friday - May 14, 2004 Today we just spent cleaning the flat and repacking AGAIN - and wandering the huge center square in Munich - basically killing time.  =)  We ran into a few more mimes.  I really enjoy these people - so had to have pictures.  This lady has a platform in a child's pool and when you throw a euro in her pool - she squirts water at you.  LOL  (Not a great act - I didn't throw money)  =)
	Friday - May 14, 2004 This mime was excellent.  The stand he is perched on has mechanical sounds that come out of it - so when he turns his neck and does other mechanical movements - his "body parts" screech and squeal.  It was a great routine.   I still didn't throw money.  LOL
	Friday - May 14, 2004 Tonight we will take John and Franka out to dinner since we're leaving tomorrow.  This is the square right by their flat with such GORGEOUS flowers and a fountain - you know John - he had to have a picture!  LOL
	Friday - May 14, 2004 John and John and Franka - we've said our goodbyes - we'll leave at 4:00 in the morning for the airport.  LITTLE did we know we would show up a day EARLY at the airport!  LOL  But that's another story for later today.  GOODBYE MUNICH!  (Or so we thought!)  We've been gone TOO long to remember days and dates and travel arrangements apparently!
	Saturday - May 15, 2004 Ok so we no longer know what day it is - what time it is - what date it is - LOL - we often look at one another and ask:  What country are we in???  We didn't leave today!  I believe everything happens for a reason.  This did too.  We had a shuttle pick us BACK up at the airport since we couldn't go anywhere and they delivered us to the NICEST small, family run hotel in Hallbergmoos - about 10 minutes from the airport.  I'm pretty sure I have died and gone to AMERICA!  LOL  The room is beautiful with a private patio and rod iron furniture.  THERE'S A BATHTUB!!!  WAHOOOOOOOO!!!!!!  We have DSL internet connectivity IN OUR ROOM and a TELEPHONE!  Across the parking lot is a hotel owned restaurant where we had about the most delicious spaghetti dinner I've ever had and breakfast will be there at some god awful time in the morning before we go BACK to the airport.  LOL  We WILL get home.  Honest.  =)  What have we learned this time?  It was difficult to determine (until I left) why Munich stressed me out the way it did.  Population wise, it is a million people - the same size as the town where I live.   However, none of these people live in houses - they all live in flats (apartments) and therefore, pretty much live right on top of one another.  There are no houses in Munich.  So you have a million population living on a small chunk of real estate - at home we have a million - but we have SPACE.  Germany is a beautiful country.  We've learned that we're "OK" out on our own ordering food in a restaurant - we must just remain open to what is actually served.  It may not be what we thought it was.  LOL  We've learned that a "dinner out" is an all night affair here - it literally takes hours to be served and to get your bill.  We've learned that in some places you have to have the precise change - some places you have to have folding money.  Don't ask - we haven't figured it out either!  We've become accustomed to seeing dogs brought into restaurants and grocery stores - that's ok here.  People can still smoke in a restaurant.  We've learned that escalators start when you actually step on them and they are multi-directional.  The cars always stop for pedestrians, but you can flat get NAILED by a bicycle.  You always get to the train station and the bus stop just as they pull away.  Most toilets have two ways to flush - one for a small flush and one for the "big one".  LOL  The pharmacies are called apothocaries, always bring a bar of soap with you and a washcloth - Diet Coke is Coke Light and sometimes Coca-Cola turns out to be hot chocolate.  In the beer gardens you make a deposit on your plate and drinking glass - when you're finished with your meal and return your serving pieces - you get a refund!  It's hard to keep the bidets, duvets and holidays all straightened out - but you manage.  On an elevator (lift), the first floor is "O", the second floor is the 1st floor, the third floor is the second floor, and the basement is -1.  (Minus one)  LOL  Some stores even have  Floor One Plus.  Don't ask - now you know what we stay confused and can't remember what day to go to the airport!  Your taxis are all Mercedes - your taxi drivers are generally not German but are fluent in the language.  They've never heard of English or Americans.  LOL  Franka told us it took tremendous courage to do what we do - after Germany - I might agree with her.  The American who is faint of heart - doesn't need to come here. We've broadened our horizons immensely and will some day come back to see John - but we will be wiser.  =)  Stay tuned - give us some time to rest up a bit and we are NORTH TO ALASKA!  Of course, we'll take you along when we go.  =)  Bon Voyage, Germany!!!!
	Sunday - May 16, 2004 We're HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Everyone here is as happy to see us as we are to see them!  LOL  We walked in the house to WELCOME HOME banners all over the place!  And good it is - to be home!  Now I think we'll sleep for a week!  =)  GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!

Stay tuned for more to come!
 

	Go to Home Page for this trip
	Go to Ireland - April 14 thru April 21, 2001
	Go to Scotland - April 22 thru April 24, 2001
	Go to England - April 24 thru April 25, 2004
	Go to Wales - April 25 thru April 29, 2004
	Return to Ireland - April 29 thru May 5, 2004

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