Zugspitze

Top of Germany

Took a 15 minute walk this morning from Edelweiss Lodge and Resort to Hausberg where I bought a round trip ticket to the top of Zugspitze- A 2962 meters high mountain where you can see over 400 summits in Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland. There is even an Austria/Tirol boarder crossing up at the top and Germany's highest church (that was consecrated by Cardinal Joseph Ratzenger-today's Pope Benedict XVI). To get to the top you hop on a train and head to Eibsee where you board a cog train that takes you up the mountain through a tunnel and then you take a cable car the last distance to the top! It is such a sunny day and the sights are wondrous! At the top I had so much fun taking pictures and having lunch. Goulash with bread and fruit tea overlooking the mountains was fabulous.

Afterward I walked around downtown Garmisch and ran into a Fasching Festival where everyone was dressed up in costumes (like Halloween). They had food and beer, games for the children and bands that played oom-pah-pah type music. There were many costumes with carved wooden masks and even a whole troop of yard gnomes! I took a picture! The buildings are fun to look at and there was lots of shopping to see.

Back at Edelweiss I ran a load of laundry and hopped in the hot tub with a view of the ski slopes and met some funny characters from Scotland, Whales, and the UK in general. It was hilarious listening to them tease each other and brag about whose home country was better. I loved it. Had an hour massage at 8:30 and a quick dinner before I absolutely crashed for the night!

Lessons learned:

1. Remember to take a map with you if you plan to wander the town (though I found my way pretty well)

2. Don't drink too much wine in a hot tub. :)

Tomorrow Plans-

2:00 departure for Milan through Innsbruck and Verona arriving at 11:35pm. Staying at the Ostello La Cordata Hostel