"Sigmund, as in Freud" is how this well mannered tour guide introduced himself as he entered the hotel lobby with his right hand outstretched for a welcoming handshake. Redheaded, clipped beard and a smile first thing in the morning. We sat in the lobby waiting for the others and he looked at the Lobby clock and in his perfect British accent said "look at that, it's going to be a great day, I'm not even late today!"
He drove a 9 passenger van and hoped we'd all be comfortable. I'm not sure who found this 45 year old tour guide with his sarcastic sense of humor, but I knew we scored when he flat out told us "My job today is not to lose any of you"... Then he put on his stylish RayBan sunglasses and opened the doors to the van.

First stop: the top of the German Alps!

He drove with speed and precision. As a back row passenger, our bodies followed the choreography of is "dodge and weave" driving strategy. I watched as a few minutes into the trip my fellow passengers decided to fumble around the cushion and look for their seat belts. He was a good driver. Defensive and precise. He was on a mission.

He told us of the political climate in Germany. How the Austrians had an advertising campaign stating they had mined away several feet of Germany's tallest Alp making Austria now the official neighbor with tallest Alp. The Germans reacted with Horror and a law suit. Because none of it was true! Austria just wanted to be on the tips of everyone's tongue ... The campaign was a success. At least, briefly.

He told us his parents both spoke German but he never did as a child. He was raised in Cape Town and has the perfect South African British influenced Accent. He's newly married. Says his wife makes him laugh every day!

He wanted to come to the top of the Alps with us on the tram but then at the last minute stayed behind. We were on stricked orders to not "dilly dally"...

You could tell he likes his job. "Every tour is different because the people are different. It doesn't matter that the locations are the same because the people show me the sites differently every time".

He had to be enjoying our company when he shared "at least you're not a bunch of whiners like a group I had last week who were so miserable they actually chose not to get out of the car at Cinderella's castle".

"Really?" We asked.

"Yes, the tour was planned as a compliment to a business convention. No one wanted to be on the tour. So I took them back to their hotels where the Internet was free."

We couldn't imagine. This tour was wonderful who would whine about it?

When we stopped for lunch he gave us the "synchronize your watches" speech. Like a parent telling the teenagers the rules of "Mall Freedom".

"We are going to be meeting at this location at this time. Don't make me come looking for you. Your being late delays all of us and could have grave consequences to the rest of the tour."

He says this looking out the top of his RayBans surveying our reaction as we sit at our outdoor tables with our authentic German lunch.

Trust me. We were all on time.

"It's like hearding cats, getting you to the right place at the right time!"

A good man, Sigmund. He loves his job. When he vacations he always takes a tour or two and plays under cover tour guide. Always learning what works and what doesn't when dealing with people on holiday.

It's his good nature and his love of this Country. And possibly the patience of a Saint that makes me hope you all have a tour with Sigmund some day!

Yeah and don't hold his singing Lionel Ritchie songs against him...at least he can carry a tune!

Milk, Name Calling and Walt Disney's castle...
German Dairy Farmers are pissed, really angry. You see, they tried to raise the price of milk and the government said "NO". So the milk in this country is imported!

The Dairy community suffers. As an awareness builder of this struggle, there are Cow Statues painted vibrant colors in rural areas. These cows Remind me of the "Whales" of Cape Cod! But our Whale statues were a fundraiser not a political statement.

Apparently the protests we've been seeing and hearing while in Munich are in support of a satirist who publicly shamed a politician and is now expected to be prosecuted for slander. His supporters have organized protests all over the City.

So far the protests have been loud but peaceful. The armed police presence has been a bit off putting.
But safety first!

You know the castle that tinker belle flies over at the beginning of every Disney movie? Some know the castle as "Cinderella's" castle. But Mark and I know it as the emblem that shows up just before the promise of an awesome childhood cartoon or movie from our youth.

We went there today.

King Ludwig created the castle as a monument to Patron Saint George the dragon slayer and Voggner, author of operas. But sadly he was mysteriously murdered at age 40 before the castle was complete. He spent 102 days at the unfinished castle. This castle, the inspiration for Disney's famous image, was never finished!

He had the first phone installed. Trouble was no one else had a phone so Ludwig had no one to call!

Sweet, ridiculous man!

Birkenstock open toes amongst the ski boots

Garmisch -Zugspitze
Sigmond, our tour, guide took us to Garmisch to join the skiers on a Gondola ride to the top of the German Alps! Austria just to our left!

The spring skiers bundled in layers,with helmets and gloves joined us in the crowded gondola. Sigmond said it was late for skiers. He was surprised by the crowds.

I wore Birkenstocks. Really. Open toed and no socks. The skiers were so concerned! "It's 19 degrees and windy at the top" they said...

I figured I'd buy a pair of overpriced socks at the top if needed. But it wasn't needed The peak of Zugspitze was Sunny and lovely. The gold cross planted in the snow signified the highest point 2962m.

I remembered spring skiing in bare legs and a dungaree skirt. I remember shedding the jackets and gloves for tank tops and sun tans in the snow! My toes were fine! But oh the concern from tourist and skiers alike!

I guess I'm not in Punta Cana anymore!

The jagged edges of the alps showed signs of avalanches and dwarfed trees the higher the Gondola took us.

Then to a reverent stop at the Ettal Abbey established in 1330. Rocco style architecture ... Lit 4 candles said a few special intentions for some favorite people.

Bavaria ... Spectacular ...

Garmisch -Zugspitze
Sigmond, our tour, guide took us to Garmisch to join the skiers on a Gondola ride to the top of the German Alps! Austria just to our left!

The spring skiers bundled in layers,with helmets and gloves joined us in the crowded gondola. Sigmond said it was late for skiers. He was surprised by the crowds.

I wore Birkenstocks. Really. Open toed and no socks. The skiers were so concerned! "It's 19 degrees and windy at the top" they said...

I figured I'd buy a pair of overpriced socks at the top if needed. But it wasn't needed The peak of Zugspitze was Sunny and lovely. The gold cross planted in the snow signified the highest point 2962m.

I remembered spring skiing in bare legs and a dungaree skirt. I remember shedding the jackets and gloves for tank tops and sun tans in the snow! My toes were fine! But oh the concern from tourist and skiers alike!

I guess I'm not in Punta Cana anymore!

The jagged edges of the alps showed signs of avalanches and dwarfed trees the higher the Gondola took us.

Then to a reverent stop at the Ettal Abbey established in 1330. Rocco style architecture ... Lit 4 candles said a few special intentions for some favorite people.

Bavaria ... Spectacular ...

Blank stares, bloated feet and tired organs...
As I near my 60th year I am more and more aware of my lack of ability to "bounce".

There was a time, not to long ago, when I would take on a new city after pulling a travel "all nighter" with gusto!

​Now I catch my self with the sleepwalkers stare on the train to Munich from the airport.

The inner conflict is the struggle between "not much time to see this City" and "I think my inner organs hurt".

I may have reached that time in my travel career where I cannot stay awake to adjust to this time zone!

My mind is willing but my inner organs are sleeping!😔

We sat with Ann from Arlington Virginia on the plane from Iceland to Munich. She has a brother George who has built an extraordinary photography career over 45 years in Munich. She comes to visit him 4-6 times a year. We had so many things in common that it was clear ours was no random meeting!

She gave me cool ideas for authentic and easy packing gifts to bring home. She reviewed our itinerary and suggested places we "must" make time to see.

George was waiting for her at the airport. Both in their 70's but eager to help us navigate the Schnellbahnnetz (sbon=train into Munich).
George and Mark went to the same University, St John's! 15 years apart but still a brotherhood of sorts!

Mark rolls his eyes every time I meet a new friend in foreign lands... You would think he'd be used to it by now!

I've Been passing out my "Chapstick" Business cards!

​So then the question is: "Can I write this trip off?"