More Pictures August 4

Fairy Tale Castle of King Ludwig in Bavaria, south of Munich. Do not know how I got two of the smae pictures. Uploading pictures is very slow!

August 4, 2010 Pictures

I went to the German Immigration Mueseum in Bremenhaven today. This is the port from which all of our ancestors left for America. The museum was great. It takes you on a journey like you are the immigrant. You view the ship loading dock, the ramp to the ship, you walk through various parts of the ship. It was amazing.

One of life's rules-never make assumptions! Boy did I get taken on that one. We booked the night train from Munich to Bremen-about 6-7 hour ride. I decided to go all out, plus I wanted a variety of experiences so I booked a two person cabin in first class. My reaction when we boarded? "You have GOT to be KIDDING!" It was nothing like in the movies, to say the least! It was about 4 foot by six foot but cut off a huge diagonal corner. All we could do was get into the beds which were from wall to wall. My bed had a support metal pole across the middle so I had to either scrunch above it or below it to get comfortable. I thought my 8 by 8 room was bad. We bought some rasberry vodka in the Ukraine very cheap so we both had some if it hoping it would knock us out quickly to get this ride over. Linda was in a 6 bed room and had the top bunk. I actually thought hers was better. But she was in there with two men-do you believe that?

We arrived at Bremen about 7 a.m. and tried to figure out what to do. We could not get Linda in our room so we switched to a brand new Courtyard Marriett right at the train station. It opened Sunday. Wow. I think I died and went to heaven. I tried to save money on this trip so I booked lots of cheap places. They have all been clean, but very cramped. This has two queen beds! And the mattresses are at a normal level off the floor. And we have an iron, hair dryer, and all the amenities. I am sitting at their new business center typing this blog while I slowly enjoy my second mixed cocktail. Everytime we have tried to order a mixed drink, the waiter has brought us a shot of vodka. This drink even has fruit ón the rim.

Today I took the train to Bremenhaven-about an hour, the bus to the museum and then did the reverse all by myself. I am getting the hang of the trains and buses. However, it is hard to not be able to read the signs. I must confess I met a young girl originally from Africa who guided me all the way to the museum and then told me how to come back. There are bikers of all ages all over the place. There was a couple at least in their 60's with their bikes, backpacks, getting off the train, heading to Bremen. But...the towns plan for the bikers. There are bike lanes and bike paths all over the place. Munich reminded me of all the bikes I saw in Boulder, Co. I am going to shut up and try to post more pictures.

Sleep tight-I am sure I will sleep great tonight!
Sandy