Garmisch and Beyond

We’ve arrived in Garmisch-Partenkirchen along with many world leaders who are here for the G-7 summit. We didn’t think it was very considerate of them to plan their meeting at the same time as our stay but what are you going to do.                               

There were more police, police vehicles, road blocks, demonstrations, etc than you could imagine.

Amazingly, however, it all had very little impact on our plans.

Sunday, Jeff and Denise went to the Passion Play in Obermaggau (about a half hour from Garmisch).  This production is only put on once every ten years and was suppose to be in 2020 but due to CoVID was delayed until this year.  Unlike the G-7, they were very considerate and re-scheduled it for 2022.  It started at 2:30 and went until 10:30 (with a 2 hour break for dinner).  Live animals on stage, a 100 person choir . . .  J&D said it was amazing.  While cameras weren’t allowed during the production, here’s the theater and a couple of very happy attendees during the dinner break.

Monday we did the Zugspitz.  The day was glorious.  You really feel like you’re on top of the world.  

On our way back down we stopped at Lake Eibsee and hiked around it. 

 

One of the prettiest lakes we’ve ever seen.

Tuesday we planned on hiking the Partnach Gorge but Biden put a crimp in that plan.  The one time we were snookered by the G-7.  It seems the only time everything shuts down is when the American President is on the move.  But, after he passed (mid-day) and things opened up we went in search of a gorge to hike (Partnach was closed - thanks, G-7)).  A very helpful cop gave us directions to Hollentalklamm, another gorge.  Unfortunately the directions were to the top of it - reached by a 7K long single-track road.  And it was a long way up!

  As this was the only day we had rain, a day driving around in the mountains wasn’t too bad.

So, Wednesday, we went to the correct entrance and Jeff and Denise had a great day hiking in (4 miles and over 2,500 feet of elevation) getting up to the gorge . . . 

going through the gorge (note the "little person in the upper righthand corner" - this is a big gorge) . . . . 

and then coming back out.  Whew!  

They were blown away!  They found that this hike was just one leg of a number of "hut to hut" hikes.  

These huts are quite nice with restaurants and sleeping quarters for those intrepid souls who go hiking for days on end.  Here's one they came across - in the middle of nowhere.

Though it rained some on Tuesday, we once again must be pleasing the Rain Gods because the other two days were pretty much blue sky days.  And there’s nothing prettier than the Alps on a sunny day (as seen from our terrace).

It’s now Thursday and we’re off to Strasbourg for three days.  And, what a three days.  This is a hidden gem of a city and very, very old (the cathedral was started in 1015).

 And everywhere you turn there are patisseries and restaurants (OMG the food!) and very charming buildings and canals.  

The weather was fantastic and even late into the evening people were out enjoying this very special town.

Sunday we arrive in Brugge.  Another charming city - this one full of chocolate stores, beer stores (boasting over 500 local beers) and, of course, waffles!

It is truly a mecca for foodies.  Yum yum.

This city is known as the Venice of Belgium.  And, it definitely lives up to its name.  Even more canals than Strasbourg.

Monday we are off again.  With a stop in Dunkirk, it is on to Calais and a Chunnel ride across the pond to Jolly Ol’ England.  Here we are driving onto the train for the 35 minute ride through the Chunnel.

See you on the other side of the Pond.