6/23/08
Where can you go to the highest peak in town, see nudity on the beach, and have great food in town that looks like its still in the 19th century-all in the same day? Bavaria of course. Today we went to Zugspitze peak which overlooks both Germany and Austria. We got there by rail train and then to the summit by seilbahn cable car. The temp was about 45 degrees up there in teh sun, about 35 in the shade. And the view was breath-taking!
Next we went down for lunch in the woods, and a walk along the lake where met our first Euro-nudes. Cool idea until you see someone who shouldn’t have their clothes off.
The day was ended at the village of Oberammergau. This was a sleepy little town with very little car traffic on cobble stone streets. The city is very “Old Country” and comes with its own legend. The village apparently prayed to God as a community to be spared from the plaque in 1633. In exhange for God’s deliverance, they promised to put on a play depicting Christ’s cruxifiction story every year. They were spared and the first Passion Play was created. It eventually moved to every 10 years, but continues to this day.
God definitely provides, but not always in our time frame as many already know and we have certainly learned again on this trip with troubles and getting lost.
I was also very impressed with a Catholic Church I found that was originally built in the 13th century. It had a traditional graveyard
around it that was very cool to photograph. I was especially moved by the fact that all of the graves were tended to and sported flower gardens. We get so caught up in modern living especially back home that we forget our mortality. At least these folks have not forgotten their dead, their culture, or their traditions.The night ended with more tradition as we got nestled into camp and saw the lanterns from the hikers on the Zugspitze. Apparently, it is tradition for them to hike up and light the peak at night. They even formed themselves into a huge cross that blazoned the darkness of the mountain side.
Its good to see that culture and tradition is alive in Bavaria.
Tomorrow: Austria!
More photos from our trip so far, you can go to my Flickr page.
Gabe
4 comments:
Hey guys,
I was starting to wonder what happened to you (Heather I opened the documents bag and thought should I call the embassy hahaha)Well it looks like you are having a great time. The beer hall looked especially magnificent. Hmmmm not so sure about those european restrooms. Can't wait for you next post. My mom came home two days ago and is doing great. Have fun
Hi Ellie,
I miss you already! I am glad to see that you are having a great time. Are you cold in that snow? I like your picture sleeping on the plane. You're so cute!
With Love,
Megan Sorokowski
I checked out the photos on flickr. Loved the one of you guys in the snow. Getting lost in Europe is part of the adventure, but you're taking it to a whole new level!! Take care.
I absolutely love the picture of the church near the snowy peak! (At least, it looks like a church.)
The combination of the superb photos and the descriptive text really brings it to life.
You truly are having the adventure of a lifetime!
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