|
In May of 1988, we took our first European vacation together, and it was Jo's first trip [as an adult] to a country where English was not spoken. We flew American from Phoenix to Frankfurt via Dallas. Eurorail was to be our only transportation within Europe, so we validated our Eurorail pass at the Airport and headed off to Garmisch. Our route took us through Frankfurt, Nurnburg, and Munchen. We checked into the Von Steuben Hotel [a military R&R hotel] in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and we were home.
Garmisch was beautiful, nested between German Alps, and located on a main rail line to the world. We took the 'Cog Train' and cable car up the Zugspitze, [2,963 meters], where you were supposed to be able to see France, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany. We were high and cold enough to believe it. We took the cable car all the way down to Ehrwald, located on a lake below. We took a bus tour, north on highway 95 to Oberammergau, the town that puts on the Passion Play every 10 years. We also visited and toured the Neuschwanstein Castle [the model for Disney] and saw the Linderhof Castle from the outside. King Ludwig's Palace and Grounds were toured and all of the above were really what sightseeing is all about.
About an hour's train ride into Munchen and we're walking to visit Marienplatz where the St. Peters Cathedral and the the Glockenspiel are located. Just south of there is a beer garden, the Viktualienmarkt and the famous Hofbrauhous. After seeing much of the old city, we departed through the Karistor Gate to the Hauptbahnhof and caught the train back to Garmisch.
A sudden urge found us on a train south to Innsbruck, Austria for a walking tour of the city, some photos, snacks and drinks, and most things that tourist do in new places. The trip was scenic and the half a day visit was very enjoyable.
We visited Wiesbaden after our return to Frankfurt and finished a great vacation in style. |
