Bavarian Wonderland

March 12, 2010

We have just returned from one of the most surreal trips we have ever taken. I knew when we booked our trip to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany that we were going to be doing the winter thing. I bought and borrowed snow clothes, boots, and jackets. I packed hand warmers and extra socks. But somehow, I was not prepared for the strange experience of being transported inside one of those miniature winter wonderland scenes. You know the ones in snow globes or train scenes and yes even those created on movie screens? Well, we just spent six very full days sledding, ice skating, skiing, and exploring that winter wonderland known as Bavaria.

On our first morning we woke to a beautiful snow fall that continued for the next two days coating the village and the slopes with an amazing layer of brilliant whiteness. Having grown up in south Louisiana, I have a very distinct memory of the first time I saw snow and the first time I saw the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia. I was awe-struck. I had a similar reaction when I spent a summer working in Colorado. But seeing the Alps covered with that fresh snow...it felt as if I had never really seen mountains or snow before. Seriously breathtaking. And then to add the quaint Bavarian villages with their painted houses, wood carvings, and rosy cheeked children. It was almost too much! More posts and pics coming soon.
Katja | Driving Like a Maniac said...

Beautiful pictures, as ever, Lucia. :)

As a northern European and keen skier, I have a very soft spot for the Alps. It's flat and (at the moment) wet down here in Salento, and I *long* for some proper mountains and a big dollop of the white stuff. I'm most envious of your trip!

boatbaby said...

Wow how cool! That sounds like just about the only setting I think I would enjoy snow. I can't wait to hear/ see more about your trip!

Kerry Dexter said...

great shots, thank you.

Jeannette said...

Looks like a fairytale! I especially love the doorway with the C+M+B above it. We took part of our honeymoon in Bavaria, and I can attest it is as spectacular in the summer as it is in the winter. That said, Bavaria is really meant for winter, isn't it?

Jen @ Two Kids and a Map said...

I love Garmisch! My dad is currently living there and we try to go once a year. We went for Christmas last and man was it cold! Were you able to visit the Partnachklamm? That was my favorite part of the entire trip!

Mom2Isabel said...

Love that first picture!
(Can't wait to see more.)

It does, indeed, look like a snow globe.

From hot (already) and humid (isn't it always?) Florida.
: )

Amy @ The Q Family said...

Winter Wonderland indeed! Look like a great place to visit in winter (with proper outfits of course). :)

WanderMom said...

Stunning photos!
I'm happy for you that you got to enjoy a real winter experience!

Laurie said...

I had a similar reaction to seeing the Alps, even when it was the middle of the summer...it really is like seeing something straight out of your imagination, isn't it? I am SO glad you guys are having such incredible experiences...you are all going to remember this forever! Miss you!

House Mother said...

I love that travel is still so exciting for you and that new places are still magical -- I feel that way. Looking forward to more stories and photos about Germany.

p.s. Are you wealthy? Seriously, I'm trying to figure out how to finance all the wonderful travel dreams I have...

Theresa said...

Can't wait to see more!

Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish said...

Thanks everyone! It really is a beautiful part of the world.

Jen, so cool that your Dad lives there...I bet Christmas is a wonderful time to visit. We really wanted to visit the gorge but it was shut down because of the weather while we were there.

Jeannette, what an amazing spot for a honeymoon. We are anxious to return in the summer to do some serious hiking.

Laurie and Laureen, are the azaleas blooming yet? I love the south in the Spring...must be some southern hard wiring in me that makes me miss it so much. Miss you guys.

Housemother, we are taking full advantage of our time in Europe to travel as much as possible. We save our coins in a special travel jar, we try to get good travel deals, use military discounts,we try to stay places where we have our own kitchen to cut down on eating out, we try to do free things like hiking, we get advice from other traveling families, and we do a lot of research/prep planning...but yes, it is still expensive to travel as a family and it would always be nice to have more time and money to do it :)

Jocelyn said...

Here's how tantalizing you've made this look: I live in a winter wonderland, and I still want to go to Bavaria!

Latest Instagrams

© Dim Sum, Bagels, and Crawfish. Design by FCD.