Sheryl & I spent the last 15 days touring the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary on Viking Cruise Line's "Vili". It was our (belated) 30th Anniversary gift to ourselves, and also Sheryl's 29th birthday again.
I think we set the bar really high choosing Viking. These guys are phenomenal - any service company can learn a BIG lesson about treating guests/customers from these guys.
Sheryl's maiden name is Wurzburger, so the trip had to include a stop in Wurzburg Germany. My bucket list was to attend Oktoberfest in Munich, and see some of the remnants of the 3rd Reich - some amazing... others examples of pure evil.
This part of Europe is predominantly Catholic, and every city/town/area has magnificent churches or cathedrals... so many to where you get Gothic & Baroque burnout. Our tour guides called it "ABC"... "Another Big Church". Many of the towns & areas we visited were relatively untouched during WWII, others were carpet bombed to 65+% flattened (depended upon military value). Most have been rebuilt and restored to their former glory & style.
I've got a zillion photos to wade through, but I'll post a few here as a teaser.
Got back last night about 9pm from Europe.
Sheryl & I spent the last 15 days touring the Netherlands, Germany, Austria and Hungary on Viking Cruise Line's "Vili". It was our (belated) 30th Anniversary gift to ourselves, and also Sheryl's 29th birthday again.
I think we set the bar really high choosing Viking. These guys are phenomenal - any service company can learn a BIG lesson about treating guests/customers from these guys.
Sheryl's maiden name is Wurzburger, so the trip had to include a stop in Wurzburg Germany. My bucket list was to attend Oktoberfest in Munich, and see some of the remnants of the 3rd Reich - some amazing... others examples of pure evil.
This part of Europe is predominantly Catholic, and every city/town/area has magnificent churches or cathedrals... so many to where you get Gothic & Baroque burnout. Our tour guides called it "ABC"... "Another Big Church". Many of the towns & areas we visited were relatively untouched during WWII, others were carpet bombed to 65+% flattened (depended upon military value). Most have been rebuilt and restored to their former glory & style.
I've got a zillion photos to wade through, but I'll post a few here as a teaser.
Kinderdyke Netherlands
Cologne Cathedral
A BierHaus in Cologne, enjoying some Kolsch-style beer & Schnapps
Ok... start with the "Young Frankenstein" quotes... I saw these and just had to do it.
Nuremburg - Nazi Rally Grounds.
The podium with the railing is still there...
The accused in the defendant's box, Courtroom 600 - Nuremburg War Crimes Trials
The same room 74 years later, and occasionally still used for court proceedings.
On our way into Munich, we had a short stop at BMW Headquarters.
All of their 2019 models from all lines were on display in the "Showroom/Delivery Center".
One of the 1st "supercars" - the BMW M1. Only 399 built.
The irony of a German company owning the premier English automobile company is wierd... but you can get a custom surfboard for your Rolls!
Enjoying a Lowenbrau after lunch in the Ratskeller, Munich.
The entry gate to Oktoberfest.
The Hacker-Pschorr tent... totally nuts in here!
We found a little quieter Bierhaus in the "old" part of the fest, and had a Paulaner
When in Hungary, have some goulash and paprika chicken... also some beer & wine.
The "Chain Bridge" in Budapest.
It wasn't all food, fun, beer and wine... Shoes on the Danube
I made it about 1/2 way along the memorial and just lost it. I had to sit down on the bench for a few minutes... tears rolling down my face.
Congratulations!!
Karl
That's awesome! Glad you had a great trip!
I have never travelled outside of the US, but seeing WWII historical places in person is something I would really like to do.