It's Show & Tell Friday!Hello my friends...welcome to "Show & Tell" Friday!
This fun filled Friday event is hosted by Kelli over at There Is No Place Like Home! Thank you, Kelli...for being such a sweet hostess and giving us the opportunity to "Show & Tell" our goodies!
Please go over to Kelli's and see what she has going today and while you're there you can check out all of the other Show & Tell participants!
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It's Pink Saturday!
I didn't think I was going to be able to participate for Pink Saturday this week...until I realized that there is some pretty pink to show in today's post!
Beverly over at How Sweet The Sound hosts this pretty-n-pink Saturday event. Thank you, Beverly! Please stop by Beverly's and see what pink she has goin' on for this Pink Saturday! You will find a list of pink participants over there as well! Don't miss out!!!
European Honeymoon
On June 4th, my honey and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary. I started thinking about the wonderful gift that my husband gave me for a wedding present...a honeymoon in Europe! I haven't really shared much of our European honeymoon on my blog and I have some wonderful photos that I thought you might enjoy!
The first trek of our journey was spent in Switzerland. We spent several days in Zurich and then traveled south into the Central Oberland region of Switzerland through the Swiss Alps...it was absolutely amazing!!! After spending several days in Switzerland, we decided to drive into Germany...into the region known as Bavaria.
2nd Trek of our Journey...
Bavaria and the German Castles
Our destination was the small town of Fussen, Germany. I circled it on the map below. Two very famous German castles are located only about 10 miles from Fussen...
Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles
The drive from Switzerland into Germany was so beautiful! The rolling hills of the German countryside were so lush and green...and so well MANICURED!!! It just amazed me! All of the pasture land seemed to be freshly mowed...it all looked so neat and tidy! In fact, Germany was probably the most tidy country that I've ever seen (as well as Switzerland). We actually saw an elderly German woman down on her hands and knees trimming her grass with a pair of scissors! Can you believe it? Litter was nowhere to be found!!! Bavaria is just breathtakingly beautiful!!!
Another interesting tidbit...
Nearly every roof in Germany or at least in Bavaria where we traveled...was red! I found that to be very interesting. Also, after traveling several days through Switzerland and Germany...I began to notice that there were NO small houses! That's right! They were all really big, multi story homes! It was awesome!!!
The lush green, rolling hills of the Bavarian countryside.Fussen, Germany
I just loved the quaint little German town of Fussen. It's a bit "touristy" since the famous castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau are nearby, but it was such a pretty little town! The large, steep roofed, multi-story buildings are all painted in pretty pastel colors! Look...pink buildings!!! Happy Pink Saturday!!!
Little ol' me...standing in the town square of Fussen, Germany.
The local pharmacy. Just look at the Trompe L'Oeil painting on the store front of this old pharmacy...isn't it fabulous? Ooooh...and the colors are so beautiful...peach, blue, and lavender! I would have loved to watch the artist paint this!!!
The Hotel Hirsch
A beautiful antique German armoire.
Schloss (Castle) Hohenschwangau
Just lil' ol' me again. Hehe! Taking a little break from the serious uphill climb.
The inner courtyard.
Honey and I at one of the beautiful fountains of Hohenschwangau.
One of the rooms at Hohenschwangau.
A view from Neuschwanstein. The famous Swan Lake is on the left side of the photo.
Lots of walking/climbing...whew...we're almost there!
Honey and I stopped at this "look-out" for a photo with Neuschwanstein in the background.
Ahhh...we made it! The front entrance to Neuschwanstein Castle!
The inner courtyard of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Ohhh my...just lil' ol' me again...I think I'm becoming a nuisance! Hehe!
The following photos have all been taken from the internet. Once again, we were not allowed to take photos inside Neuschwanstein....but I really wanted you to see just how beautiful and regal that this castle is.
Just one of the many waiting rooms.
The Hotel Hirsch This was probably my favorite hotel that we stayed in while in Europe! It was everything that this little ol' American girl expected a European hotel to be! I believe that the building was quite old...or it appeared to be. Our room was on the second floor. Ohhh, you should have seen the beautiful carved wooden staircase...it was gorgeous! Big wide halls that were filled with numerous German antiques....such as this pretty handpainted armoire that you see below. We found the hotels of Europe to be very accomidating...Hotel Hirsch cost about $90 for a night's stay. Oh my, they really put out a spread for breakfast too...not just a donut and cup of coffee like American motel/hotels do!
A beautiful antique German armoire.Schloss (Castle) Hohenschwangau
Hohenschwangau was the first castle that we toured. Hohenschwangau means "home of the swan"! Just look at that beautiful yellow ochre color! This castle is fairly new as far as castles go. It was built in the 19th century by King Maximilian II. Hohenschwangau was the official summer and hunting residence of Maximilian, his wife Marie of Prussia and their two sons Ludwig (the later King Ludwig II of Bavaria) and Otto (the later King Otto I of Bavaria).
If you're interested in the history of Hohenschwangau you can click HERE.
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Just lil' ol' me again. Hehe! Taking a little break from the serious uphill climb.
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Honey and I at one of the beautiful fountains of Hohenschwangau.
One of the rooms at Hohenschwangau. I took got this photo off of the internet...we were not allowed to take photos inside the castle. Isn't this beautiful? Look at all of the deep rich colors...very lavish!!! Our tour lasted about an hour...we were able to tour much of this fabulous castle. It was simply divine!!!
The famous Swan Lake...
After touring Hohenschwangau, we took a tour car just up the hill to Neuschwanstein Castle. These two castles are situated very close to one another. Hohenschwangau was the "family" castle. Neuschwanstein was built by Ludwig, the son of Maximilian. Ludwig didn't get very far from his childhood home. Hehe! Of course, we could only ride so far...and there was another long climb to get to Neuschwanstein. I took this photo on our way up to the castle...the view was absolutely breathtaking!!!
In this photo...you can see the yellow ochre colored Hohenschwangau. Swan Lake is located to the left of Hohenschwangau. And yes...this is the very same lake that the famous ballet "Swan Lake" was written about! Isn't that awesome?
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A view from Neuschwanstein. The famous Swan Lake is on the left side of the photo. Neuschwanstein Castle
Lots of walking/climbing...whew...we're almost there!
Honey and I stopped at this "look-out" for a photo with Neuschwanstein in the background.
Ahhh...we made it! The front entrance to Neuschwanstein Castle!*
Ahhh...isn't this regal? Does it look a bit familiar? Sleeping Beauty's castle at Disney was modeled after Neuschwanstein, also the classic children's movie, "Chitty, Chitty Bang Bang" was filmed at this castle!
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Neuschwanstein means "new swan palace". It was built by Ludwig II (the mad king) in the late 1800's as a retreat and as an homage to the famous composer Richard Wagner, the king's muse! The story is...that the king, after having this magnificent castle built, only lived in it for a few short years before moving back to his childhood home of Hohenschwangau. Ludwig had mental illness and was later declared mentally insane by the government of Bavaria.
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The inner courtyard of Neuschwanstein Castle.
Ohhh my...just lil' ol' me again...I think I'm becoming a nuisance! Hehe!The following photos have all been taken from the internet. Once again, we were not allowed to take photos inside Neuschwanstein....but I really wanted you to see just how beautiful and regal that this castle is.
Just one of the many waiting rooms. *
The wall murals and paintings, tapestries, etc. of Neuschwanstein pays homage to the German legends of Lohengrin, the Swan Knight.
Singers Hall.
Another waiting room...you can really see the Legends of the Swan Knights portrayed on the walls in this room.
Singers Hall.
Another waiting room...you can really see the Legends of the Swan Knights portrayed on the walls in this room. *
The magnificent...awe inspiring...Castle of Neuschwanstein!!!
Well my friends...I hope you enjoyed the tour through Bavaria and the castles Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein! See...fairy tales do come true!!! I married my "Knight in Shining Armor" and he took me on a honeymoon trip to the castles!!! I'll never forget it for as long as I live!!!
Well my friends...I hope you enjoyed the tour through Bavaria and the castles Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein! See...fairy tales do come true!!! I married my "Knight in Shining Armor" and he took me on a honeymoon trip to the castles!!! I'll never forget it for as long as I live!!!
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I'm so glad that you came by today! Please leave me a comment and let me know that you were here...I love our visits!!!
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Love ya'll,
Chari
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27 comments:
Looks like a trip of a life time. Wonderful pictures and you two look like you're enjoying every minute.
GORGEOUS photos.
I have but one question:
Who is the "beautiful antique" in FRONT of the armoire?
OH Chari, these pictures are stunning, breathtaking, I will never go on a dream trip like this so thanks for taking me along with these pictures!!! Your honey is your knight in shining armour, and you are his princess!!! Love ya sweetie! xoxox
Thanks for taking us along on your honeymoon. The pictures are wonderful. The climb would have killed these old knees - I would have had to sit and rest every other step. When can we see more? Sally
Chari, what a fabulous trip. Everything is just beautiful. I was in Germany about 20 yrs. ago and I thought it was just gorgeous. I would love to go back. I so enjoyed all the beautiful buildings and castles in your pics. I really liked the pics of you too. Hugs, Marty
Chari,
Thanks for the beautiful virtual vacation! I have been to Neuschwanstein Castle and agree the area is absolutely breathtaking. It truly is Heidi country so green and vibrant. I loved the murals on the outside of the buildings and the colorful sign poles. As I sit here writing this I can see a book I bought when I was there called King Ludwig II. ~Cathy~
GM Chari...now girl I could move into anyone of of those castles and be tickled PINK..and that German Armoire looked just like Russell ha ha!! Oh girl this was just a beautiful trip today...what a honey to give this to you for a honeymoon...I would never want to go home..I would have been checking to see if they needed an upstairs maid..ha ha!! Hope you have a great weekend my friend...Hugs and smiles Gl♥ria...ps sorry I haven't been around this week had to go to Reno to Len's mama's BD...she my Doris on "everybody loves Raymond" MIL...
Oh Chari! I loved your pictures! Thanks for sharing your trip with us! You and hubby look so cute!!!! I've always wanted to go to England but now I'm thinking Germany & Switzerland! God Bless! Hope you're feeling better! Lauralu :)
Gorgeous photos! I was there as a child (like 5) and don't rememebr any of it. I would love to go back as an appreciative grown up!
I tagged you. Please come over if you want to play.
:)
No doubt, it is a trip you will never, ever forget! The photos are just breathtaking. What wonderful memories you will treasure forever.
Iris
Beautifcastles. One of my customers just got back from Germany. Her mom was born there and she died last year. They use to go back all the time. She went with her sister this tiime and they stayed in a castle on the Rhyne. She showed me photos, they were wonderful. Kathy
Gorgeous! Howard and I travelled throughout Germany 10 months after we got married --it was a fabulous trip. Seeing Fussen and the castles brings back great memories!
And you are right -- Germany is THE tidiest country in the world. I don't think dust or clutter is legal.
Cass
Chari,
Fabulous photos!!! When we went to Germany we only got to see the castles from the Rhine River cruise we were on. Not sure which castles we saw & it was quite foggy the day we went, but so fairy tale like. I would have loved to actually have gone in a castle. I want to go back someday & do just that. Thanks for sharing your photos and the photos of the inside of the castles off the internet.
I'm starting a new blog. My family is complaining that my family blog has too much decorating stuff and not enough family stuff. So I am going to have a separate blog for my decorating stuff & blog parties. Check it out at starshinechic.blogspot.com. Be sure to sign up as a follower too. I'll still keep my Manning Family Tree one as well, but it will mostly be family stuff. But you can still follow that one if you want.
Kim
Hi Chari!
Wow what a wonderful virtual tour of your honeymoon trip!! What a nice honey you have to take you on such a special honeymoon!!
I had no idea how gorgeous Germany was! It's so lush and green, and all those grand castles!
That last photo was absolutely breathtaking!!
What a trip of a lifetime!!
You lucky girl!
Thanks for sharing your trip!
Hugs, Sherri:)
OMG Chari!
I am so in love with this post and the pictures are truly breathtaking! You did such a wonderful job of story telling that I almost felt like I was tagging along. Girl, you truly are a gifted story teller and photographer, such artistic flair!
I'm going to grab Dan so he can see what beautiful pics these are. This really is a fairy tale honeymoon with your handsome prince! You both look so cute and happy in all the pics, Happy week-end my friend, hugs, Cindy
What a beautiful honeymoon! We've never been to Europe at all and it's definitely on the list. Thanks for sharing your honeymoon with us. :)
What a beautiful honeymoon! We've never been to Europe at all and it's definitely on the list. Thanks for sharing your honeymoon with us. :)
Oh Chari, it does look like a fairy tale, and I what beautiful memories the two of you created! That view of Swan Lake took my breath away just in the photograph. I can't even imagine how it would be to see it in person! There was some serious bling inside on those castles! Great post. laurie
Oh how I would love to take a trip like this!!! Maybe someday but on a missionary's salary God will have do some big miracles for that to happen!!
Have missed you! It has been 4 weeks of running and it has caught up finally- today I am laying low and trying to rest up which is a good excuse to get on the computer!!
Have you gotten through all your Father in laws stuff and are able to slow down some?
blessings
mary
Well I see plenty of Pink! Gorgeous photos in fact stunning!
Happy Pink Saturday!
I can't imagine living in a place so special with so much history. It just looks so quaint, like a storybook picture. I have always been fascinated with this castle! Thanks for sharing your pictures, I really enjoyed seeing them. Happy Pink Day and have a loveleigh weekend!
What a wonderful post, Chari. I enjoyed all the photos!!
Happy Pink Saturday!
Chari, Happy Belated Anniversary..and what a great wedding present. I have had 2 foreign exchange students from Germany and they have shared many pictures and stories of their country.
Happy Pink Saturday.
Beautiful and fun Pink Saturday blog entry! It's a little gloomy outside today (hope the sun comes out) but your blog and a little cup of tea are giving me a little sun!
Happy Pink Saturday. Sending you good wishes from the tip of Michigan for a special weekend filled with sun, surrounded by those you l♥ve.
Wow, beautiful photos. What a great time you must have had.
Chari,you're so funny. You're the best focal point in all the pictures! You had a great location for a honeymoon, wow!
I love happytodesign.blogspot.com! Here I always find a lot of helpful information for myself. Thanks you for your work.
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