Greetings from the road

Updating 15.October with images and links... =)

After Heidelberg, we made our way to Munich. It was an "exciting" drive which included rolling slow downs by the semi's on the autobahn in both directions, making a 4-hour trip into a 6-hour trip. Here's a picture, taken from the RV window to show you the scale of what was going on. Basically, the semis would speed up a bit, then slow to a stop about every 10-minutes. We have never been so glad to veer off the freeway and go in a direction opposite of other vehicles our size. (Normally, driving behind a semi signifies an ability to get through the path without significant restrictions.)

On the bright side, we spent a fair amount of time behind this truck...whetting Dan's appetite for Oktoberfest.

Upon arrival in Munich, we found small streets and cars parked where we needed to drive. No worry, we mostly made it through without incident. The real kicker came when Dan spotted the bridge height of 3.6m (we need at least 3.7m) and we suddenly had to figure out how to force AutoRoute how to reroute. What we wouldn't give to be able to import height restrictions in to our software. (post note - Dan found the files to import for the US and UK... still searching for other countries.)

Upon arrival at the campground (Camping München Thalkirchen), we were met with disbelief and initially, denial of a camping place. Yes, we had called in advance ... they didn't take reservations... and had been assured that our size was not a problem so long as we arrived after the weekend. A little whining (Dan says he released the "Microsoft Sherry" on the campground) and we secured a parking place for a premium (30Euro/night). The campground was filled with tour bus loads of Oktoberfest tourists ... the pictures below doesn't do it justice. I've never seen tents so tightly packed together! It rained the first several days we were in town and we have never been so glad to have our RV... warm coffee in the mornings and a dry place to sleep at night (we'd walk by and see the bottom of many tents filled with water.)

Our friends Aaron and Kerstin (and Ella) were so accomodating. Aaron arrived first thing the next morning, map and tourist books in hand. He patiently taught us the basics of using the U-bahn and most importantly, how to find their house. We spend a bunch of time together over the course of the next 12 days and can say nothing but a huge "thank you." Aaron and Kerstin arranged for us to go on a hike one day (I forget the name) - at the top of the hike is a playground and beer garden. Then you take a "sled" and use the "slide" to luge down the hill. No snow - beautiful day - lots of fun (well, except for Dan and Megan, who tipped out of the slide on the first hill after issuing a speed challenge to Kerstin... no worries, everyone is fine).

We spent another day at Schloß Neuschwanstein - one of King Ludwig's castles. Think Cinderella's Castle at Disneyland, but this one is real. Very beautiful scenery inside and out. The interior is painted with very vivid and detailed scenes from Wagener's operas (no photos allowed due to copyright issues - but you can see interior pictures on the castle's web page).

Aaron, Kerstin and Ella visited the original castle, which is in the same area. The two castles had one of the first telephones connecting them. Mysteriously, our tour guide completely skipped this fact during our tour. Aaron had informed us of the fact so we were on the lookout during the tour. Visiting Neuschwanstein was very controlled - visitors aren't allowed to freely wander the castle. We felt a little rushed through as the interior is fantastically painted with intricate artwork. The tour does walk visitors through a "secret" door in the King's bedroom, which leads to his dressing room. Other fun facts include the castle having 'running' water (so long as a servant was pulling the cord next to the wash basin) and a flushing toilet.

Later that afternoon we visited a small town called "Garmisch-Partenkirschen" and enjoyed some local "bauernbrot" (barn bread) with "almbutter" (butter from high in the mountains), baumkuchen (yum!), and of course, ice cream for the kids. We had planned to spend the night and take the zeug to the top of the mountain, but as evening set in, so did dark cloud cover. With bad weather pending, we decided to call it a day and enjoy a really nice, traditional Bavarian meal together on the way home.

Upon hearing that we had a series of chores to do, we split forces Saturday, with Kerstin taking me and the kids clothes shopping downtown Munich and Aaron taking Dan out to the outer lying areas (we finally have a coffee pot!!!). I can only say that downtown Munich was a total zoo! Think an American shopping mall in the height of the holiday season and double the amount of people! What a contrast from just a few days prior, when we were there in the middle of the week, on a rainy day.

We missed a bunch of excellent attractions in Munich - just means we need to come back and spend more time in this beautiful city and surrounding area.

Yes, Dan did experience Oktoberfest ... it's a little crazy to say the least. Maybe some pictures will follow in a few weeks - but the experience probably warrants its own blog post.

For the past few days we have been in Uttenreuth, near Nurenburg, visiting a friend of mine from when I was an exchange student in Germany. Lars and Anke have been very gracious hosts, spending evenings with us, reuniting and sharing stories (and beer). Huge thanks to Lars for staring the introduction of Italien food and culture in advance of our visit to Italy! It's much appreciated. Maybe we'll meet again on holiday this winter.

We miss our friends and family - and are enjoying life on the road.

Ciao!
Sherry, Dan & kids