Memories of Munich

I thought that I would be able to be able to create one post dedicated to our travels in Europe, but as I looked through my pictures yet again, I realized that there would be no possible way without completely overwhelming you with images! Best to break up our journey in sections. Well, it's already been a week back in Vancouver, and I'm already feeling homesick for our magical travels, especially Paris. As I look back on Munich and think about all of the wonderful things we were able to experience, I'm realizing that I left a small part of my heart in this city as well. I will never be able to explain the feelings that I held while wandering through the streets of this city, but I hope these images capture little pieces of those feelings. We were only there for 2 and a half days so we packed in as much as we could. 

The main purpose of stopping in Munich was not just to see the beauty that the city beholds, but to make the trek through Bavaria to a small town called Oberammergau (look to the pictures with snow!). I have heard this town name spoken since childhood but never really knew the significance of it until traveling through the snow covered hills to the wonder that lies there. My great-grandmother, who we called "Oma", used to talk about this place with such fondness. She was never one to open up much about her life during the time she lived there, post WWII, but she did describe this town as "feeling like heaven". As I discovered more information about the hardships and persecution she endured before arriving there, I began to understand why this place was so very special. It was more than just a pretty resort town, it was a refuge and place of freedom. And I couldn't help but feel a little emotional upon arriving at the Oberammergau station. It felt surreal...I was following her path to safety and rest. It felt sacred. Oma passed away when I was 13 but memories of her do pop into my mind every once in a while. And despite the fact that the town has been taken over by tourism and souvenir shops, I was able to find some connection with my Oma once again. 

Pictures from the top:// 1. charming view from our hotel window // 2. coffee shop details // 3. awkward coffee holding hand // 4. historic streets at 7am // 5+6. the wandering husband // 7. does it mean that I'm getting old when I become fascinated by park birds? // 8. Englischer Garten // 9. a German Romantic // 10.  beautiful views at the park // 11. again with the birds... I guess I must be old at heart // 12-14. views from The Residenz museum- like Versailles but without the tourists! I'm so glad we went. // 15-17. views from Oberammergau and Bavaria. // 18+19. I think these speak for themselves...just plain beautiful. // 20+21. Views over the city from atop a church tower.