We checked out the city from above by climbing the Alter Peter just off Marienplatz. Silvio showed us around and took us to the markets where we had dinner at a beer hall and then cashed in pretty early. We also were able to show Silvio a terrible, but hilarious movie, Eurotrip, which he found amazing. The next day we got up early and went out to Schloss Neuschwanstein, apparently the inspiration for the "Disney" Castle. It was a really amazing site, and I'm glad we went when there were not many tourists. I was amazed at how new it is (built in the mid-late 1800's) and how incredible the art inside the building was, each room depicting a different fairytale or myth. Also unbelievable was the area around the castle, with many walking paths to explore the forest and mountains. These paths lead to the most amazing views of the castle as well.
After the castle we went back to Munich and had hot pot as dinner at home with Silvio and some of his friends, which was interesting because we were able to discuss many aspects of life and work in Germany when compared to the states, as well as stumble upon a few (sometimes not very intelligent) arguments. We discussed normal items like politics, food, and experiences. But one of the funny ones involved video games, whereby we were reminded of how stubborn we can all be, sometimes for no real reason. And of course, we played in the snow a bit as well.
From Munich we went to visit Switzerland where we visited two friends, Fabian who lives in German speaking Switzerland and John who lives in French speaking Switzerland. Here we spent our New Years, in the way that apparently German Swiss who live outside the cities generally spend it, in a small hunting cabin in the mountains. At first it was rough because we did not have anyone to talk to, but as the night progressed and Fabian's friends became more comfortable with us, we were able to start talking. It was not my ideal New Years, in a cabin with no heat or a shower in the mountains, but it was one I will never forget.
And it was, of course, very beautiful in the mountains.
We then went to French Switzerland. I was actually surprised at how different they are. It is like going from Germany to France. The two barely seem to integrate at all. One of the best aspects of staying with my friend in French Switzerland was that his parents do not speak any English, so I was forced to recall my 6 years of French and put them into practice, and it went surprisingly well. While I know my grammar was atrocious, I was able to have decent conversations with his parents and also relearn a bit of French. We also checked out a cheese factory, tried curling, went ice skating, and, importantly checked out a chocolate factory (which was amazing for me), especially once we hit the tasting room and unlimited chocolate...
After a long, healthy day of chocolate, we decided it was time for Cheese Fondue, which was our amazing Swiss dinner, in Gruyer, where the best cheese comes from (so claim the individuals in that region).
After awesome cheese fondue we got some sleep because we still had to check out Bern, back in German Switzerland, and then come back through Maastricht before heading for the end of our trip, Paris and Brussels. Bern was, of course, beautiful as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but bitterly cold. We went around the city and checked out the very strange statues. We also checked out the bears, the symbol of Bern.
We had a few days in Maastricht (I actually had some work to finish up), but luckily had wonderful weather so Barbie and I explored the city a bit and I was able to show her around.
We also made it up to Amsterdam for a bit, because you can't come to the Netherlands and not see Amsterdam!
After Amsterdam we hit the train to Paris, where we were able to see a lot of the beautiful sites there, and even got some decent weather for Paris in January. We hit the Louvre, went to the Eiffel Tower, Sacre Couer, and of course had wonderful french meals while we were there. We also met up with Cyrille, an old friend from Mizzou for dinner.
After Paris we made the last stop on our trip, Brussels. I had never spent time in Brussels before but found in a city of contrasts, with towering high rise buildings as well old buildings as well. We had wonderful food, including waffles and fries, wandered around the city, and met with the Director of the International Center from Mizzou, who happened to be in town. It was a great way to finish up the trip, although I think Brussels may not be quite as impressive as many of the other European Cities I have visited, but it was still a great place to finish up the trip. Now, back to classes on Monday.
