Day 13

Today was very relaxed. We started first thing this morning and just walked around. Tried on some hats, checked out a few book stores. At one point, we found a small cluster of people congregated in an area that did not look very traveled by tourists. So, naturally, we investigated. There we found a small group of men standing as a group, all looking at another man in front of a music stand. They were about to start singing. We decided to stick around and see if they were any good... Boy, were they ever. They only did, maybe three or four songs, but they were amazing. And to top it all off, the mayor of Fussen even showed up to say a few words. It turns out it was a celebration of spring/ easter. Other than that, we basically just wandered around the city exploring as much as we could. Oh, we also found a really good ice cream shop and had some awesome ice cream. And that was about it for the day.

Day 12

Today we are headed out first thing in the morning (after breakfast) to go tour two castles. We took a bus to a little town were we bought the tickets for the tours. The first castle tour (Hohenschwangau) started at 10:50am. We had some time to kill, so we took some pictures of the outside of the castle. The tour started and we were not allowed to take any pictures of the inside. After the first tour we went back down and took a horse and carriage to the next castle (Neuschwanstein). That tour only started at 12:50.
Then we headed to a big bridge and Anne took some pictures (it was a little to high for me). It was all absolutely breath taking. The sky was clear, the sun was sinning and best of all, the company (Anne). I love being able to do all of this WITH Anne. We had a great time. And then we walked back down the mountain and waited for the bus. By this time it was about 4pm.
So when we got back, the first thing we did was find lunch. I had my first cheese burger since we got to Germany, it was amazing. After supper, we did some more wandering in and out of shops for a while, then headed back to our room. We then decided to go outside and play ping pong for a while (at the youth hostel). By the end of the day we were pooped, so we went to bed earlyish.

Day 11

Once again we caught a train this morning right after breakfast. Today we spent the morning ans part of the afternoon on a train. We only had to change trains three times, but the whole trip was going to take about 7 hours. The last time we stopped, we were waiting and waiting, until we were told that there was a problem on the tracks. So, we got off the train and boarded a bus (the bus driver actually asked one of the other passengers how to get to Fussen). The bus ride was good. I now know how sharp and how maneuverable a bus really is (we made it around some pretty tight corners). We made it into Fussen around 4 in the afternoon and after asking a few people for directions and taking the scenic route, we made it to the youth hostel (about 7 min. from the train station). It was about 4:30 when we got there and about 5:15 by the time we were in our room. We dropped our bags, caught our breath and started on the town. We walked around and tried to find a place for supper. But most places close around 6pm, so finding a place for supper was fun. We eventually found this little Italian, American, greasy spoon, type place and had pizza. The guy running the place was really friendly and the food was actually pretty good. After we had supper, we headed back and went to bed.
Tomorrow, we are going to try and go see some castles and other such stuff.

Day 10

This morning, we caught a ride with Petra to Kleve and got on the train to Koblenz. The train ride lasted about two hours. It was beautiful. We arrived in Koblenz around 2 in the afternoon. We settled into our room and the adventure started. Our first idea was to go see one of the castles in the area. But the first one we wanted to see was closed for renovations. We found one, at the top of a small mountain (large hill) and found a bus that would take us to the base and we would have to walk up. Great, we thought, we have been siting for two hours we need to do a little walking. The bus ended up dropping us off one bus stop too early.
So, we walked and walked, up and up, for about 45min., until a nice couple, which we were about to pass, told us that the castle just around the corner was closed for renovations. Yes, CLOSED. That was ok, we came all this way, we would at least look at it from the outside and take some pictures. No, they said, no can't even see it, it is all blocked off. That was quit a let down. Down we went. At least we only had half the distance to walk to the correct bus stop.
It was not a complete disappointment, we had a chance to see the town and get in “some” walking. But after that, we decided that with most if not all of the bigger attractions closed for the season, we would cut our stay from two nights, to just one.
It was getting late, so we found a mall and had curry-wurst and fries, and gelati for desert (believe it or not, the gelati in Winnipeg is better). Then we headed back and went to bed.

Day 9

Today we spent the day making our plans for the week (yes we're procrastinators, but we also like to be a bit spontaneous) and played a few (maybe a dozen) rounds of Rummykub with Oma and Opa. I won almost every round... I am getting good.
Tomorrow we head out via train to Koblenz.
Right now, we are sitting in a cute little cafe called “Coffee Shop”. I am enjoying a mezzo mix (orange cola) and Anne is having a cappuccino. The coffee here in Germany is strong enough to give most of us Canadians a heart attack (think of a full cup of Canadian espresso- strong enough to stand a spoon upright in).

Day 8

Well ok, I cheated a little. Yesterday was not a very eventful day, so I skipped it. I did however bake biscuits... They did not turn out quit right, but that will happen when baking from memory.

So, on to today. We had a lot of fun today. Johannes (Anne's uncle) came over and spent the day with us. The six of us, Johannes, Petra, Laura, Julia, Anne & I all went for a short walk. Then when we came back, Oma & Opa decided that they wanted to go for a “walk” as well.

So we geared then up, broke out the wheel chairs and took them for a walk. Now there are nine of us, the six mentioned above, Oma, Opa and Christina (the lady that helps take care of Anne's grandparents).

On the way Anne said, “Leave it to Oma & Opa to go the the cemetery on the walk in who knows how long.” After the cemetery, we continued our walk for quit some time (and quit far). We all had a blast. I think even Oma & Opa had a good time. The rest of the afternoon was very laid back.

Day 6

Today was not to exciting. We went with Petra to run some errands. We Picked up Laura and Julia and then went to a coffee house in Kleve. Afterwards, we just walked around town for a bit. Later on, when we got back, Anne and I started to clean out Oma & Opa's flower beds.
Then, we decided to go visit Johannes (Anne's uncle) after supper. We had a super good time just visiting with him. I think Johannes and his family may join us for Easter.
Time is moving so fast. It is had to believe we have been here this long and will be starting our tour in a few days. And once again, no Rummikub (Siiigh).
There is always tomorrow.