Neuschwanstein, in pictures

Our next stop was Neuschwanstein, one of the castles built by Bavaria's Mad King Ludwig. It's often called The Fairy Tale Castle because it inspired the castle in Disney's Sleeping Beauty film. It was most impressive.

The castle was gorgeous, but even better were the views:

The yellow palace on the left was one of Ludwig's "old castles," apparently not sufficiently grand for his taste.

It was quite chilly, but that lake was so clear and beautiful, I wanted to dive right in. Alas, I did not.

Gorgeous!

Next up: On to Austria and Innsbruck.

Even better than a day in Germany...

Julia took this one.

Now check out the faceplant:

She was coming to get me with tickles.

She was making a pile of leaves and suddenly the tree started raining leaves down on us. She was so excited.

"This is how high my pile will be."

Oberammergau, in pictures

We spent a short time in the charming village of Oberammergau, famous for its woodcarving and for putting on a Passion Play every ten years which involves pretty much all of the 2,000 residents. It's a lovely, charming place.

It's a very religious town, and this cross, which looks very tiny from here, rests high upon the cliffs that surround the village.

They also have the world's cutest trash can.

Next up: Schloss Neuschwanstein, Mad King Ludwig's fairy tale castle!

Munich, in pictures

The first stop on our grand tour of Germany, Austria, and Slovakia was Munich, and we just happened to be there for the first day of Oktoberfest. I highly recommend it.

Uncle Eric was making friends at Oktoberfest.

Just plain having fun.

Dad goes on the crazy flying swing ride with Emily.

The world famous Munich glockenspiel.

Mom and Dad at the Linderhof Castle gardens.

And back to Oktoberfest!

Full disclosure: I did not finish this.

Weird cheese platter that I ordered. The Germans love their onions.

Okay, guys, I swear Uncle Giz is not meaning to flip anyone off here. He's just trying to balance a spicy bratwurst. At least I think so...

Nutella crepes! (They were beyond delicious.)

Mr. Corn

Mr. Bratwurst

Mr. Blue Hair who likes to jump in front of the camera.

Next up: Oberammergau!

Ikea, once again, stuns with its brilliance

Quirky little souvenir

Whenever I leave the country and I'm sending some postcards back home, I always throw in one for myself. It makes a cool little souvenir. You're reminded of how much fun you were having when you wrote it, and you get a stamp and postmark from the country you visited, all for the price of a postcard and stamp.

I think one of the aunts first suggested this to me in Italy, but I can't remember which. Any takers for this good idea?