Spring Break a Sucess? I think so!!!

Fun Fact: The film, The Never Ending Story was filmed and created in Garmish!

This is the view from the balcony. That is the Olympic Ski Jump, and behind the Bavarvian Alps.

Our last days in GP were packed full of adventure. We went up to the top of Zugspitze, which is the highest peak in Germany. At the top is a ski lodge, and museum. We had to take a cable car all the way up to the top. It was absoulutly incredible, and FREEZING!! 

Some fun facts about Zugspitze:

-The Zugspitze, at 2,962 metres above sea level, is the highest peak of the Wetterstein Mountains as well as the highest mountain in Germany.

-On the flanks of the Zugspitze are three glaciers, including the two largest in Germany: the Northern Schneeferner with an area of 30.7 hectares and theHöllentalferner with an area of 24.7 hectares. The third is the Southern Schneefernerwhich covers 8.4 hectares.

-The Zugspitze was first conquered on 27 August 1820 by Josef Naus, his survey assistant, Maier, and mountain guide, Johann Georg Tauschl.

-In April 1933, the mountain was occupied by of 24 storm troopers, who hoisted a swastika flag on top the tower on the weather station. A month later, SA and SS deployed on the Schneeferner in the shape of a swastika. On 20 April 1945 the US Air Force dropped bombs on the Zugspitze that destroyed the valley station of the Tyrolean Zugspitze Railway and the hotel on the ridge. After the war the Allies seized the railway and Schneefernerhaus.

-Shortly after World War II the US military took over the Schneefernerhaus (as the hotel at the top was then called) for the exclusive use of US military and civilian employees. Room rates, including meals, were US $1 per day. Ski lessons were available, taught by Austrians and Germans, at a cost of US $0.25 per hour.

The Unexpected Adventure:

After our descend from Zugspitze we began packing up to head to Venice. Unfortunatly, there were some complications with the train (we have had more trouble with the stupid train system more then anything else), Under the advice of our friend, we decided to rent a car and drive the 3 hours from GP to Venice. It was an adventure! I think it was worth it though, we go to see more of the Austrian and German country side,  I really got a feel for what it was actually like to live in Europe. It was worth it!

We had the most smallest car. Our little Piccola Macchina:

Here are some of the sites from the road. Driving in Europe is not that much diferent than driving in the US. Except that gas is by the liters instead of galleons, and it is super expensive.  Its a good thing we had our little smart car, we only had to fill up once the entire way down! They also have toll roads, and lots of tunnels which we did not expect at all.  

Coming soon: Venice!!!