We started our time in Munich, a big city that I was not sure I would love. Right away I was impressed with the architecture of the city. We stopped at the Marienplatz of Munich. When I first saw it I thought it must be some grand cathedral, but no… it is the Town Hall! This great Gothic Revival building is stunning in the middle of the old part of Munich. There is a glockenspiel that plays and the square in front of the building fills with people who stop to watch it!
Of course, there were cathedrals as well and they did not disappoint. St. Peter’s Cathedral was simply massive! Each place my eye wandered was another piece of art or statue that I wanted to photograph so I could remember it always!
I was so grateful I had the chance to visit a place filled with amazing art! I was lucky enough to attend Mass while in Germany as well. I find it so beautiful to see how other places practice their faith.
Of course, the main reason I personally took this trip was to share the experience of seeing the Passion Play in Oberammergau which is only put on every 10 years with my Mum. We were supposed to take the tour and see the play in 2020, but that didn’t happen. Lucky for us, we were still able to take that trip in 2022! This play was 6 hours long with a 2-hour break in the middle for dinner.
We were not allowed to take any photos during the play, but it was very moving! There were hundreds of cast members as well as live animals such as a horse, goats, doves, and even a couple of unruly camels! During the climax of the play, we had a thunder and lightning storm that made the moment even more impactful! It was a long day, but so worth it!
During our dinner break, we had time to shop around Oberammergau. Shopping is one of my favorite sports of all time! And there was a LOT to see in this little town. Oberammergau is known for its amazing carvings. Everything you can imagine! Nativity sets, toys, back scratchers, and Nic Nacs galore. I was very sad I couldn’t bring more home! (I even found some moose!)
The houses were also so adorable with paintings and flowerboxes
on the outside!
While in Germany we also stopped at the Black Forest (where a Christmas-themed Cuckoo Clock might have found its way to my house) and visited an old winery with oak barrels that were over 100 years old!
Oh, and the food! The food in Germany was divine! I have never had such good bread in my life! Every breakfast we had our choice of meats, sausages, fresh yogurt, and fruit. You could also choose from fresh loaves of bread, rolls that were filled with seeds and nuts,
and even…giant pretzels! A bread lovers heaven!
If you are a Nutella lover you would also be in luck. Every breakfast had either small packages of Nutella or like this one restaurant, a massive pump dispenser! :)
While touring Europe, Germany especially, I thought to myself how much like Disneyland and Disney World the buildings looked like. Of course, Mr. Walt Disney spent a lot of time in Europe and it must have touched his heart as much as it touched mine for him to model so much of his parks after Germany.
It was a whirlwind few days in Germany, but our tour didn’t stop there! There were many more “Wow” moments to be had in the next 2 weeks! A shy mountain, an unexpected gift from a gardener, and a couple of the most breathtaking views I have ever seen! I can’t wait to share them with you!
If you think having an adventure like this would be something on your bucket list, just give me a call. I would be thrilled to help set up an adventure for you with Collett Tours!
Happy Planning!
~ Carol Born
The inspiration for Disney’s Cinderella Castle is behind me.
