Dachau

Back in Munich we all decided it was something we needed to see. It was something you will never forget. We all learned from this tragic event.

3 great days in Salzburg- despite the rain!

Finding the laundry mat in the rain was a great adventure. It took great minds put together with a map in the rain to find the Bubble mat! Sight seeing included the fortress up on the hill, Mozarts Birth place and later residence. A fascinating cemetery where the Mozart family buried. To top it off was a delightfult dinner - 3 courses with an opera and orchestra ensemble playing Mozart all in period dress. All of this surrounded by the Austria Alps which peeked out at us by the end of day 3!

We have spent the last two days wandering the best of Prague. All available to us by riding the number 18 Tram! We have enjoyed St Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, and the multiple tower tours. Brian, Bruce, Annie and Maddie made it to to the top of 5 towers ( some twice). Today Papa Bruce and Nana split up from us so they could see the Jewish quarter, while we went to the museum of torture and the opera house where Mozart opened up Don Giovanni. The good part was we were always close to gelato! After a long day of sight seeing we would arrive back home at the Vretnik Pension ( Bed and Breakfast) A 900 year old windmill that had been converted. Milosh was our host, along with his wonderful family. Each night he made culinary delights. 3 to 4 course meals from veal, venision, roast duck and schnitzel accompanied with dumplings, cabbage, potatoes. Good thing we are doing a lot of walking!!

Family and more Cars!

All together stayed first night in an ivy covered hotel in Munich. Then took factory tour to see how our car was made. Then headed to Prague. We are staying in an old windmill from 980 that has been renovated to a bed and breakfast. There we feasted on a gourmet dinner from veal to venision! Our host is an award winning chef who has toured around the world. Fun experience- off to see the world!!!

Phase 2 Invasion

Today starts the invasion of the second half of the family. Bruce, Annie and Maddie begin their trek! Germany here we come!!!

Mercedes to Ulm

Today we left Baden Baden after a little concert of organ music in the local protestant church as the organist was warming up for the morning's service. We then headed to Stuttgart and avoided all temptation to turn at the Porsche signs as we were headed to the Mercedes Museum. The museum was intersting with history and cars along the years. I even found a few I wanted to take home. In the lobby we were entertained by the daimler chior that was singing songs in english. It was a net tour. Out side when were having lunch the Mecedes stadium was warming up for the concert tonight of ACDC. Lunch was started with a round of Hells bells, an interesting note to start the afternoon on. Next we headed to Ulm. It is a med-small town with the world's tallest Cathedral. I climbed to the top, and by that I mean I climbed within 20 feet of the over 500ft tower in Ulm Munster. The cathedral is in its orginal condition as completed in the 1300's. While I was climbing (it took an hour round trip) Mom was hanging out in the main sanctuary watching a concet put on by the EuroBrass (over 30 players). It was quite a concert and really filled the church even with the cellings about 10 stories tall. We can sure tell that Germany is going after the soccer world cup tonight. The streets are full of cars with German flages and people with German colors and noise makers. Needless to say we are tired travelers and looking forward to seeing family!!

2 extra countries in a day

Today we took a leisurely drive through Luxembourg and France on our way down to BadenBaden. Both countries were nice and had a simular apperance to the Black forest we are in now. When we were driving throgh Luxembourg we found a WW2 Memorial for US soldiers, over 5000 were burried there including General Patton JR. It was quite sobering. One nice find in Luxembourg is the lack of taxes so we filled the car up saving enough to pad the beer fund. Once we settled into BadenBaden we spent the afternoon in the newly updated Roman Bathes. The water was nice and hot (and all the people had thier suits on). When we were in the parking garage Mom found out the outside door handles on the new car are lighted, way cool.

Just 3 days till the family shows up and we can't wait!!!!