Germany~ Frankfurt, Freiburg, Fussen, Munich

Day 1

Left very early in the morning at 3am. Thats because the flight is in the morning at 7.30am. Yup, but at least this time we managed to leave London without much of a hiccup. =P

The journey is not over even after landing in Frankfurt. We have to take a 2hr coach ride to the city. Luckily for us, the dropoff point was not too far away from our hotel. Not bad, quite posh. Since there wasn't much places to go in Frankfurt, we nuah-ed in the hotel until about 3 in the afternoon before dragging our bodies out.

Frankfurt is the commercial city of Germany, heart of the country's commerce. It was stated blandly in the guide book that "Frankfurt is a city where only the rich or the pretty will survive". Imagine that~

Walked along the river towards the city center. There wasn't much stuff really, but Bingrong was having his field day as there were really loads of beautiful architectures in the city, and he was busy giving his synopsis of the craftings. We managed to find a store that sells just Maggi stuff *surprised*. We didn't think that Maggi is a German Brand though =P.

At the end of the walk, we reached this shopping center that offered its rooftop to visitors to take photos. Had a clear view of the entire Frankfurt city from up there. Since there weren't much to see, we headed back to the hotel for a good rest, since we have to be up early for the train the next morning.

Day 2 : Freiburg / Black Forest

Freiburg, a quiet little town that neighbours the Black Forest. We arrived there around noon. We had a quick lunch and we are off to conquere the mountains.

We set off from 'Talstation' and headed up towards one of the shorter hills. The way up was littered with really nice views, but on route, we got lost *darn*. After wandering a little longer on the current path that we were on, as army trained officers, we decided to bash our way through the undergrown. *Sigh*. Luckily, we hit a highway, and managed to get back onto the correct track.

From there, after another 10 minutes of treking or so, it hailed. Talk about bad luck~ We pressed on, and managed to get quite far up the mountain, far enough to get a really cool view of the city!

By the time we got back to the city again, my feet was soaking wet *sad* so was feeling rather cold and miserable =P. We camped out at Mac's till it was time to board our Intercity Express. Night train, so we didn't get much of a rest.

Day 3: Munich

Upon arrival, we tried to check in, but we were told to come back at 10.30am. Since we were really tired, we sat around in the hotel, waiting for time to check in. Of course, all of us fell asleep there and then ha~ So by the time we can check in, we had enough rest to continue our adventures =P

First stop would be the Munich Science and Technological Museum. On route there, we grabbed a "Curry Wurst" - meaing curry hot dog - as lunch. The museum was really interesting, not to mention huge. It took us well 4 hours to finish walking through all the exhibits in there. It is really and engineer's paradise as described by the guide book. Of course, that only applies to engineers who are obsessed =P.

We spent the earlier part of the evening roaming through the streets and the "Red Light District". Surprisingly, even though all the shops are closed in the evening, and that its Good Friday, there are still lots of Germans roaming the streets. As for the "RLD", well, its not as bad that that in England. At least no one tried to drag us into the shops~ =D

Day 4: Fussen

*Yawn* Really have to wake up very early in order to get the 8am train. Slept through the entire journey there. Even before we arrive in Fussen, we were already treated to a real good view of the Alps from inside the train. Fussen is a little town thats 5km away from Neuschwanstein, meaning "New Castle".

There were 2 castles built on the highlands in Southern Germany. Honschwanstein (Old Caslte) was where the mad King Ludwig stayed and observed the construction of his Neuschwanstein. It was such a beautiful castle that Walt Disney modelled the castle of "Beauty and the Beast" after it. From atop the highlands, we really got VERY beautiful shots of the surroundings.

Played Bridge all the way back to Munich. By the time we got back, we were too tired to go anywhere else (Try climbing 2 hills in 3 days), so we didn't wander elsewhere. Played more bridge, and slept.

Day 5: Munich

Last day in Munich. Youwei and Kianhoe went for a concentration camp tour (for what??), while Bingrong and me got a day pass - sick of walking - and went to the Munich 1972 Olympics Stadium. Paid to go up to the Olympia Tower, the highest point in Munich, and whew~ The view up there is simply breathtaking.

Headed for the BMW museum after that. We actually wanted to ogle at some of the newer 5 and 7 series of BMW cars, BUT we forgot that we are entering a museum, hence we are treated to a display of antique BMW roadsters and motorcycles that resemble those driven by Ice Cream Uncles =P. We nevertheless had an interesting time there =P.

Met up with Bingrong's friend for dinner, at Burger King (well, the traditional restarurants, for some reason were all on full house status). Headed to Hard Rock Munich, before we bought German Beer and went back to hotel to party.

That basically sums up my Southern Germany trip. There weren't much sights, but the 2 hikes up the hills and the sceneries that I saw were, undoubtfully, the best I have seen in my life. Fantastic~