From Erik:

After we all regained consciousness after the longest day ever, we were all anxious to get underway and begin exploring this incredible land! For our first adventure we decided to spend our day visiting the Deutsches Museum, which is a wonderland of Science and Technology, but as they say, sometimes getting there is half the fun. Our first snag came when I was trying to purchase our Fahrkarten, or tickets, at the kiosk. When we arrived in Munich, there was a very helpful attendant that simply pushed a few buttons and had us off the races. In Unterföhring, where we are staying, there isn’t anyone around, so we were on our own. I knew exactly what I wanted to buy (basically a family pass that lets us ride around the inner city as much as we like for the low price of €12.60), but in spite of all my clicking, I just couldn’t get to the right screen. Luckily another passenger came along and gave me quick rundown of how to use the kiosk, and we were back on track!

Once we got off the S-Bahn and made our way to the surface we searched all over some sort of signage indicating the general direction of the museum. Using our keen sense of direction we made our way toward the museum (we think). After walking for about 10 minutes, while dodging bicycles, (“I think there is a bicycle race today!” exclaimed Charlie at one point) speedy little cars, and people moving with purpose, we arrived at our destination!

The Deutsches Museum had something for everyone, which was a great way to kick off our exploring. Sam and Charlie really enjoyed the Kinder Reich (Kid’s Kingdom), Katie loved completing the logic puzzles in the mathematics exhibit, Juliette had a blast in the energy area, and I got to see a Fokker Dr. 1 Tri-Plane. Liz was overjoyed, and perhaps a bit surprised, that everyone had such a long attention span!! At the end of day, as we made our way back to our Munich house, we stopped for a pizza!

On Wednesday I got up at the crack to dawn to pick up our rental car! For the next 17 days we will be traveling throughout the country in this little (and I mean it) Ford Galaxy. I somehow managed to drive the car out of the parking stall (the guy that got it in there deserves a medal, or perhaps the parking garage was built around the car), picked up the crew and we were off to the Zugspitze, the top of Germany! After a two hour drive we arrived at the base of the alps and took a cogwheel train to the top of the glacier. The kids quickly discovered the snow, and between the snow ball fights and snow man building, we had an amazing time. We then rode the Gondola up to the tippy top of the mountain. I attempted to get to the official summit, which technically requires harnesses, and a helmet, and maybe some other proper gear, but after a discussion with properly equipped Germans, I decided against it.

Once we came down the mountain, we headed to the adjacent Eibsee to take in the view. Basically, it looks like a postcard, and even the children were impressed with the beauty they were taking in. Then, since kids love to swim, despite the water temperature and the fact that we had no swimsuits, they took a dip in the water! After a little hike we headed into Garmisch to find some dinner, and while Liz and I are enjoying the cuisine, the children decidedly are not. This is going to be an ongoing struggle, so stay tuned!

Yesterday we had another early start so that we could drive to the Neuschwanstein Castle which was built, but never finished, by King Ludwig II. This castle, which was the inspiration for Cinderella’s Castle at Disney World, is only a few kilometers away from the Hohenschwangau Castle, which was built by King Maximillian II, Ludwig II’s father. The day started with  another two hour ride, which was shortened a bit by making liberal use of the Autobahn. So far the top speed was 185 km/hr (112 mi/hr), and if we get a good stretch, I’ll open it up and see what the little Ford Galaxy can do!

We made the trek up to the Neuschwanstein Castle and took a guided tour, in English. You aren’t permitted to take pictures inside the castle, so you’ll have to make the trip yourself! The finished areas are covered in beautiful fresco paintings depicting both religious themes, as well as German mythos and legends. The kids, again much to my surprise, were engaged and interested in the history and the aesthetic. It also didn’t hurt that I told Charlie that there was a secret dragon in every room, which he became determined to find! After the tour we walked up to the Marienbrücke, an iron bridge that spans a gorge.

We then made our way back down the mountain to take a tour of the Hohenschwangau Castle, the summer house for the Bavarian Royal Family. The castle still has all of the original furnishings, and we had an amazing guide named Barbara. She let our kids take part in the tour, ask their crazy questions, and clearly has fun at work. The highlight of this house is the King’s Bedroom, that has crystals mounted in the ceiling and an adjustable moon. The servants would light an oil lamp in the area just above the room, and then, using an umbrella lined with mirrors, would direct all of the light back toward the crystals. The king could then enjoy the twinkling stars and his choice of moon phase from the comfort of his bed. It’s good to be the king!

As we made our way back to Unterföhring, with reluctance we decided to “treat” the children to a McDonald’s meal. As much as we want them to wholly embrace this opportunity, the reality is we also don’t want them to be miserable and have their primary memories to be those of hunger. They all welcomed the familiar, which I’m hoping allows us to push them toward some new foods in the coming days.

Tomorrow we will be doing our laundry in the tiny washing machine, and then as a family we will be making some plans. Thanks so much for following along!