Garmish and Neuswanstein

 Our biggest trip of all was down to Austria. We stayed in this cute town called Garmish, they have a military related hotel there with all of the usual American amenities. It was a long drive to get there, because of traffic and a lot of accidents what would usually be a five hour drive turned into nine. The kids were great however, but we were all very happy when we finally arrived.

It was so nice to see mountains again, all of us Utahn's were missing that view.

The hotel was beautiful, they had a pool, restaurants, and even personal stylists!

The kids loved the pool of course, we went swimming at least once a day. I didn't mind it either, I love swimming when I'm pregnant.

The first trip we took was to Neuswanstein castle. This was built by Ludwig II, he bankrupt his family doing and didn't even live to see it completed. He only spent 11 nights in the castle over the many years it was being built. The bedroom alone took 4 years to complete. The decorations and architecture were inspired by Richard Wagner and his opera's and even had a room designed to preview operas as its sole purpose.

No photography was allowed inside, but we only saw about the dozen rooms that were completed. They all had very ornate paintings, woodwork, and textile work. Swans were everywhere (Neuswanstein means "new swan stone"), and are a symbol of luck and fortune. I am so glad that we got to see it, it is on every top travel list of the world but admittedly, a little disappointing over all.

On the way to the castle we stopped at a work working shop, there were so many amazing things from extremely talented people. Like most things, woodworking became so popular in order for people to make money. Farmers would create things during the winter for their families and eventually started selling in their towns. Once everyone owned their fill, they started spending the winters traveling to surrounding towns in order to sell their creations and earn some extra money.

The second stop we made was to a church that holds a statue that was carved in order to bring the people closer to God, to celebrate his life and sacrifice. It was moved a number of times, finally ending up in this church built next to the carpenters house in order for him to be close to it. Once day, the wood started releasing water, right by Jesus's eyes creating the appearance that he was crying. There was a mass going on when we were there so no pictures were allowed. I didn't go in because I didn't want the kids interrupting so we went and got these really yummy donuts and looked at the cows and horses instead. 

It was a great trip, and we were all so glad that we were able to go even though it was quite a hike to get there and back down. Another wonderful memory.