Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau

June 2006

A trip with the family is an interesting thing. Pack a suitcase for four people, add some in-laws and shove it all into an extended van, with some snacks and jet lag, and you have a recipe for a classic family vacation.

Traveling from our house, it is just over a three hour drive to the beautiful Alps, specifically, the bustling mountain town of Fuessen, and the quiet village near it, Schwangau, where the castles are located.
Well, all things considered, especially the fact that, indeed, this is a family vacation, a three hour destination will surely not be acheived in the anticipated three hours. One must consider that jet lag can make even the nicest people a little grumpy, that children who get carsick DO need motion sickness mediction, and it never fails that when the first vacation day finally arrives, everyone's excitement will make them forgetful, and, in our case, edgy. Throw all these things together and stir it around with a beautiful day, the evils of human gas, and corny jokes, and you have an unforgettable journey.
After several hours on the road with lots of pitstops along the way, we finally saw the Alps come into view. And what a beautiful sight! It was my first time seeing the Alps with my own two eyes, and it was magnificent watching the landscape change. What wasn't so great was the crying children and the puking... blek. I've really got to remember to give my kids a doggy bag!
The visit to the castles Neuschwanstein (Ludwig's Cinderella castle) & Hohenschwangau (Ludwig's parents' house), was very nice. Getting there early, and before the high season was a definate plus and we didn't have to wait long in any lines, except for the carriage ride up the mountain.
The view from the castles out over the land and lakes was breathtaking. The water was the most odd color I've ever seen in a lake, apparently due to the minerals in the water. The walk by the Alpsee was wonderful. It somehow took me back to the highly romantised days of kings and queens, knights in shining armour and chivalry. We all know that these things are in actuality over-rated, but still, the time warp was there for me, and I loved it.
The trip overall was a great adventure, and a great bonding experience with family. It is wonderful to enjoy life with one's family, and mine is no exception. In fact, them being there was the highlight of the trip.