our last weekend in europe

Our last weekend (and Rangi, Sara, Roman and Michelle's) in Europe we drove up to Munich. We ended up driving two cars, one a giant, rented van that still made it over 100 on the autobahn (100 kph).

Our first stop was the Dachau Concentration Camp. I went with my family about ten years before and since I still remember some of the images I saw in the museum,  I opted to stay out and walk around with E.  I believe concentration camps are important historical places, but by no means are visits there easy or pleasant. Being in a place were so much human suffering happened, makes all your problems seem insignificant and your simplest blessings great.

 After Dachau we headed into Munich for the Christmas Market. When I found out we were leaving December 1st, I was a little bummed when I thought we would miss the famous European Christmas Markets. Luckily they start the week before December. We enjoyed some delicious bratwurst and briefly considered buying a hand carved nativity, we decided not to when we realized we didn't have a couple thousand euros just waiting to be spent. Instead we stuck to waffles and smaller ticket items.

E asked to have her picture taken with these lions and since she continues to be such a cheerful traveler we were happy to oblige. If she seems a bit distracted, it's because we weren't the only one's taking her picture. Somehow within seconds of posing she was discovered by quite a few camera wielding tourists.

 The next morning we went to the local Munich Ward, Rangi and Sara were impressed by the headsets and translation, Rocky and I were counting down to church in English, and E had no problems in nursery because she speaks German (she doesn't really she just insists she does).

I had a once in a lifetime drive planned for us through the Black Forest but failed to account for travel time and the reality that in the winter the Black Forest is pitch black by 5:30 pm. We did make it to one castle, unfortunately it was turned into a Christmas Market and only small parts were open. We probably should have been tipped off by the hoards of people on the half mile stairs/hike. Speaking of the hike, I wished I brought some kind of adult stroller, so I could've been carried up like E.

Then we drove home, sent off our guests, packed our bags, shipped some boxes, bought chocolate in bulk, paid some baggage fines to Swiss Air, and left Switzerland for Thailand--where we hope to have many more adventures, like a new baby.