Deutschland Day 1: Neuschwanstein

February 16th through the 19th we spent in Munich, Germany. We enjoyed a day trip to Fussen to visit the famous Neuschwanstein Castle on Friday, and then toured the city of Munich on Saturday, and visited the former concentration camp of Dachau on Sunday. The pictures seem to illustrate the trip best, so enjoy!

Hiking through the small town of Hohenschwangau,
 just outside of Fussen on our way to Neuschwanstein Castle

Hohenschwangau Castle,
built by King Maximilian II, father of King Ludwig II,

King Ludwig II grew up here,
and eventually built his castle, Neuschwanstein nearby

Still climbing

And climbing

Neuschwanstein!!

Construction began in 1869 and continued
until 1886 when construction ended due to the King's death.
The upkeep is difficult and constant which is why
the entire one facade is covered in scaffolding.

Me in front of Neuschwanstein

The Gate House

Inside the Gates

Unfortunately, they don't allow pictures to be taken inside,
but I did manage to sneak a few pictures.

The ceiling of the thrown room, which is entirely mosaics

The royal bed

Ceiling detail

Main yard courtyard inside the castle

Music Hall

The group outside the castle!

The Castles are tucked into the Alps, Neuschwanstein is left and Hohenschwangau on the right 

When we got back we walked around Munich.
Here is the Glockenspiel at Night!

Ice Bar

So, with what do you do when you are stuck in Rome while it is experiencing the coldest weather in decades? You go to an ice bar of course!! During on our excursions through the city, we discovered that Rome is home to an Ice Bar, known as The Ice Club, so we had to try it! The Ice Club's walls, benches, and even the glasses are made of ice. The interior is kept at about -5 degrees Celsius, or about 23 degrees Fahrenheit. According to their website, every 8 to 9 months a group of ice carvers import 40 tons of ice from England to create the mystical icy interior. The cover to get into the bar was a little pricey, but it was definitely a unique experience! When we entered, they provided us with thermal capes, which actually proved difficult to move in.  We arrived early to avoid the "party crowd", which turn out great because we ended up having the entire place to ourselves for a few hours. Ironically, the day we went, it was just as cold in the bar as it was outside! All together, it was a unique experience, and the drinks were pretty good too!

Interior of the Ice Club!!
Everything except the floor and ceilings are ice!

The Bar

We had fun exploring!

The group (minus me because I wouldn't fit!)

The lights changed 

Ice cubby!

Even the glasses were ice!

extra cold drinks!

Snow in Rome

During the week of Feb. 5th, for the first time in almost 27 years, Rome was coated in a layer of snow. The irony of this was that it happened twice in the same winter. Even more ironic is the fact that it happened to be while I was there! The first time it snowed was during the weekend I spent in Switzerland, with most of Europe was plunged into a deep freeze. I only witnessed the aftermath of the first storm. Later that week however, I was able to witness the beauty of snow in Rome!

Slightly melted aftermath of the first storm,

looking across the Markets of Trajan in the Roman Forum

More of the snow from the first storm evident on top of the Pantheon

Second storm!! As seen from the courtyard of our apartment

We were some of the few who dared to venture out!

The Trevi Fountain with snowball decoration!

The Tiber River was barely visible through the snow!

National Monument to Victor Emmanuel (AKA the white birthday cake)
covered in even more white frosting