10 Day German Adventure

Went to Franfurt first -- you can fly into here and Berlin for the best rates. It was a busy city, much like a small NY or Philly. Great bar and club sceen--good food stands and public transportation.  Had no problem getting around, the subway was easy to follow and cheap, only used a Taxi a few times. Every one was friendly and helpful. Homeless people here and there, but hey its a large city. You can pretty much get lost here, something to look at or do at every turn. Good to only spend about a day or so here, if you are looking for more of the old world Europe you probably won't like it much. Caught the train to Heildelberg...

 Hiedelberg, can't say enough good things about this city -- great old world charm, ruins, history, food, and shopping. Mostly stuck to the old center and river. You can walk here and not need any public transportation, or at least if you are looking to see the old part of town and castle. Tips when visiting if you have extra time--take a bike ride along the river or one of the boat rides(not too much money) and its a great ride either way. There are several small towns down the river with good food and ruins to check out. Don't forget about Hiedelberg Castle!Took the subway to the train station, only about 3 blocks from my hotel and caught the train to Stuttgart...

 Stuttgart did not hold up to Hiedelberg, if compared. Still, for a large city it was clean and the Christmas mart was wonderful!!! The city seemed pretty spread out and there was not allot to check out for a tourist (or not to the naked eye), but it was still a nice city with good shopping. Agian, like Franfurt only spent about a day and was glad I had planned it that way. Took the train to Berchtesgaden.

Last was the border of Austria and Germany - the jewel of the trip --you should see the Alps if you have not--so awsome! The "Kingsea" was the most beautiful natural sceene I have ever liad my eyes upon. Clear blue water in a lake from where the ice caps melt in the spring, in the middle of the huge Alpine mountians. The Eagles nest was a bit of history worth seeing (the view to die for) it sets on the tip of a mountian -- you can see for miles. You have to catch a bus to get up there and it was not too much, I will warn you, if you are afriad of hights this will test your nerve. We took another bus ride across the border into Austria and saw Salzburg, we only spent about four hours there - so I don't feel right commenting on it too much, but from what I did see it is a great city!!! They didn't seem too big on tourist, but it didn't faze us. The downtown area that lies below a large catsle is allot like Heidelberg, but with more of a Baverian flare and larger scale.

Germany is a great country with plenty to do, nice people, and great food. If you love history then it is a dream, ruins everywhere! I think Germany often gets overlooked compared to France and other countries, but it shouldn't be -- It was a great vacation!