Germany & Austria

After our time in the Rhine Valley, we drove to Rothenburg. This is a medieval town, and really cute! We spent most of the day walking the wall that still stands around the city. That evening we went on a Nightwatchman Tour, where a local dressed up as a night watchman and took us around the city on his rounds. We learned a lot of interesting facts, and the guide kept us very entertained!

The next day we drove down to Austria. On the way, we stopped at Dachau--a concentration camp near Munich. Walking through the camp was overwhelming and difficult. Everything you learn about what took place doesn't prepare you to see the places where such evil took place.

This morning we went from Austria back into Germany. We were able to tour two castles. First, we toured Hohenschwangau Castle, which was the boyhood home of "Mad" King Ludwig. This spectacular castle was not good enough for him, so he built another one above it. That was our second tour--Neuschwanstein Castle. This castle was amazing! It was interesting to find out that only 1/3 of the castle was completed, due to Ludwig's early death. It was also fun to find out that the Disney castle was based on this one.

Finally, we finished the day with a luge. Matt & I were able to get in a couple of good runs, and we had a blast doing it!

Once again, we have had great weather. We have been able to get some amazing views of the Alps! Tomorrow we'll wind through the Alps and arrive in Venice.