hi jude, just wondering, are you going to the Passion Play 2010?

I agree, Germany is a really special place! I think a lot of people do expect coldness and sterness from the people and culture there, but if you really take the time to get to know the country you will find that it is quite the contrary. It's true about the tremendous caring for their land- their homes are well-kept with such care, and the germans give attention to little details that make it so homey. I espcially like the Christmas markets that you can see throughout the country, they are really special. There is also such rich German culture, in terms of literature, theatre, opera, etc

I visited Germany this year for two weeks in May and fell in total love with it! I envy you so much, judwest, for being able to live there for so many years. I wish I could do the same. I love their way of life - it just seems so much less stressful. The homes are so lovingly cared for and neat as a pin. You can just see the pride they take in their homes and towns.

We bought a railpass for our trip, and it was so easy and convenient to use. Why don't we have such a system here?? We visited the Rhine region with its quaint towns along the river, and we visited Rheinfels and Burg Eltz castles. Then headed to Munich for three days and absorbed the sights and sounds of Marienplatz - people everywhere shopping, eating, listening to music! Did a bike tour of Munich - one of my favorite things! Of course, we went to the Hofbrauhaus for an awesome dinner and mug of beer.

Then spent a few days in Fussen as our home base to tour the castles (Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau) and make a day trip to Oberammergau. I would love to go back next year to see the Passion Play! Such a lovely town - I wandered and shopped, stopping for a beer and pretzel in a shady biergarten.

The last leg of our trip we spent in Rothenburg. What a way to end a wonderful trip! I encourage anyone with a desire to travel to Europe to make Germany part of your itinerary - you won't be sorry!! I definitely left a piece of my heart in Germany . . . .