9-10-19 - Are we in Germany or Disneyland?

Day 86. Leanne Here.

All good things come to those who wait!  Even though I spent six months working in Munich back in 1997, I was remiss in catching its attractions with noted exception of Octoberfest.  One such spot has just nagged me for over two decades!

Therefore, today I have insisted we all tour Neuschwanstein, arguably the most famous castle in the world - at least, hands down most famous in Bavaria.  That fame fosters from its owner and creator — a beloved king (Ludwig II) who conceived this castle as a teen living in the castle below and peering up to a high point in the Alps; let’s also note Walt Disney might have helped a bit too as he modeled Disneyland off this place.

Even though Neuschwanstein was built in the latter half of the 1800s, it has a throwback feel from medieval times wrapped with some Romanesque and Baroque.  (Wow, I’m starting to know what I’m talking about.). The castle has a relatively small footprint as it was  meant to serve as a refuge just for the Kings individual needs (versus some of the palatial homes we have enjoyed earlier.)

When King Ludwig II died an unfortunate and questionable early death at 41 (he’s definitely worth the Wiki read!), it was only a third complete.  And, despite being intricately involved in its design and construction, he had only lived in his dream fantasy place for 160 days. 

To sojourn from Munich there, we took a morning train to a shuttle bus to a strenuous hike up for a mile to then an additional 5 flights of stairs to see his Royal apartments.  Worth every minute of gorgeous Bavarian countryside. 

More than 50 million people have visited this place - over the last 135 years its has been open as a tourist destination.  

Sometimes when one travels quite that distance to a spot, one might be disappointed with their choice. Not us.  Just learning about this chap’s incredible life makes you really think of being born a firstborn royal was more curse than blessing. 

The place is choke full of mural opera scenes meant to look like tapestries (Ludwig superfanned and bankrolled composer Richard Wagner). There are more swan images than the actual population of swans!  On the hike, our New Zealander tour guide TomTom offers a nail biting story of the “mad” King’s life .... his sheltered and abusive childhood.... his strong interest in the arts .... his introverted personality paired with handsome looks..... and his ability to connect with commoners in rural Bavaria during nocturnal sleigh rides.  In these parts, even more than 130 years after his death, King Ludwig is still beloved by many.  

After we all take a walk on the bridge across the Alps that gives you the killer castle view that many will recognize, the rest of the day was spent just returning to Munich.  

At Hard Rock Cafe, we meet up with Kyle, who forgo castles for future trip planning.  The 34-floors we ascended today (per my Apple Health app) exhausted us to the point that we barely finish our appetizers before the teens ask for Uber’s back.

We have just two more nights in the  “cozy” Airbnb with the hopes the “mad” neighbor upstairs wouldn’t be there ready to pounce on us again.  Will we be able to get out of Munich without another incident with him?