Today was a very cool and rainy day.  After an early breakfast we left for the Hauptbahnhof (central train station) and boarded a train for Fuessen.  After a 2 hour ride through the countryside we boarded a bus for the little village of Hohenschwangau.  Hohenschwangau is in the foothills of the German Alps.  We purchased tickets for a visit to Schloss Neuschwanstein (Castle Neuschwanstein) and made a 30 minute, up the mountain, through the forest hike to the castle.  We had planned to hike further up the mountain above the castle, but the weather was so poor it was even impossible to see the mountains.  We returned down the mountain, which turned into a 20 minute hike, and then had time to wander through the village in search of trinkets.  We returned to Muenchen and had the evening free to eat and explore.  We’re hoping for better weather tomorrow.

Teacher’s note:  This is one impressive group!  Despite a lot of walking, grueling airport layovers and cold and wet weather, I have heard no whining.  Okay, the only whining I have heard was when I encouraged people to try the sauerkraut!  The first morning at the hotel after our group had left the breakfast room the woman working in the kitchen asked me where our group was from.  I said from the US.  She was astounded.  She said that most of the student groups they have from the US are loud and obnoxious, but she said our group was quiet and very polite.  I thought maybe it was just sleep deprivation, but this morning was the same!

Schloss Neuschwanstein and rain

Kylie enjoys a pretzel on the hike up to the castle

Group picture at the castle

More pretzel eaters

Rain clouds over the mountains

The Castle