For the kids' ski break we headed to Garmisch, Germany for the week. On our way we stopped to visit Neuschwanstein Castle, built by King Ludwig II. Disney based their castle on this castle but from the west view that is only available by helicopter. The location is gorgeous but the history is a bit odd. King Ludwig loved the Medieval Castles so built this as a monument to Medieval history. He started it in 1868 but it was unfinished at his death (June 13, 1886). We toured the finished floors which were very elaborate with many rooms depicting scenes from Wagner's Operas. He also had a cave room built off his own room with colored lighting; when both doors are closed all the surroundings resemble the inside of a cave. He died mysteriously in a lake with his psychiatrist who had just diagnosed him as insane.
From Marion's bridge behind the castle.
Looking for Rapunzel on the tower while waiting for our tour to commence.
On the ski slopes, starting at the Zugspitz. Dan skied this as a child in a white out so his memories are completely different from our expansive views.
Off we go!
Great family dining on the Zugspitz. I even managed to get into this photo--check out the goggles.
Nate's snow angel on our favorite off piste.
Family break with amazing sun--we were actually searching for the shade.
The boys made a giant slide with a staircase to the left.
Taking the seilbahn down at the end of the day was a bit crowded and poor Nathan was packed in at the bottom with not much breathing room.
A quick trip to the commissary to pick up some snacks and dinner options.
Skiing at Garmisch Classic the next day. This is my favorite part as we ski through the ravine.
Lunch at the top with views all around. Nate was bribed by Kent to walk to the end of the view bridge (earned a Toblerone bar) where the glass windows slant out and the floor is a metal grate with views of the cliffs 200+ meters below.
Ryan cooking his lunch, leftovers from our French army rations.
One of many ski jumps the kids found along the way.
Some of our favorite off piste under the cliffs and tucked back in the valley.
A break from the slopes as we headed to Munich for a day.
Rathaus, Munich
We found some wasabi cheese at the market--care for a taste?
It's Fasnacht season! Watching the Glockenspiel on the Rathaus to see the mechanical pieces dance and hear the bells.
But what ultimately draws the attention of my kids ... the Apple store.
Then the BMW Museum with the coolest exhibit of these floating balls. They would constantly be moving to form various cars and then completely flatten out and form something else. Really awesome!
Nate's next bike.
Another day on the slopes. Family picture in our favorite off piste area.
The boys conjuring up ideas of what to build in the snow behind them. They explored and dug and created and destroyed while Dan and I skied and skied!
Dinner in town at Toscanas.
We enjoyed a wonderful trip together and returned with no broken bones :)
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