**File Name:** munich-glockenspiel-marienplatz-2004.jpg
**ALT Tag:** The famous Glockenspiel in the center of Marienplatz in Munich, Germany.
**Caption:**

Watching the performance of the Glockenspiel in the center of Munich.

Munich & Dachau, Germany

We arranged for an escape from Turkey on Condor airlines. Both feeling rundown and Corey quite sick we arrived in Nuremberg and took a train south to Munchen. Found a hostel near the central train station. Basically an entirely Turkish neighborhood so we’re right at home again.

First day in Munchen grabbed some lunch in city and walked the city and did some relaxing. Watched the performance of the glockenspiel in the center, to oohs and aahs from all. Can be checked off the life to-see list. The weather is overcast and drizzly. Many people are chugging big beers early in the morning here, which doesn’t sound too bad. Out to dinner at the Glock am Dom for typical Bavarian food. Very good meal of sausage and brat platter in an old beer hall type setting, complete with pewter and steins.

2nd day in Munich set off for Dachau. The weather was raining and a bit gloomy so probably the right type of day to visit a concentration camp. Hopped the rail on subway bus signed ‘Dachau’, trying to make it in time for an English version documentary. Train stopped 2 platforms early and started back for Munich. We got off and waited at first stop, caught next train and it did same thing. We got off and went by bus the rest of the way. Dachau station is closed apparently, but not marked as such.

The visit to Dachau was very moving, especially the museum and crematorium. The museum stepped through how the Nazis came to be and be in power and detailed the history of the camp from 1933-1945. Some interesting info for us, including the fact that the vast majority of people were killed only weeks before liberation on Death Marches and before troops could rescue and resuscitate them to health. Tragic. Parted ways on the train and went to have a brat and a beer at the marketplace near the main square. The beer gardens are bustling all day in Munich. Dinner at the Ratskeller beneath the Glockenspiel tower was excellent. Veal sausages with potatoes and gravy. Went to the Hofbrauhaus, where was a bit of a beer brawl out front. Why not?

**File Name:** salzburg-austria-lakes-2004.jpg
**ALT Tag:** The serene and scenic Gosausee lake surrounded by mountains in Austria.
**Caption:**

Taking in the serene views and mountain reflections at Gosausee.

Salzburg & The Austrian Lakes

Breakfast and a train bound for Salzburg, Austria. Found accommodation at Pension Elizabeth, newly renovated and nice. Took a long nap in soft beds (down pillows and bed covers). Ate at Steirische Botschaft on advice from Elizabeth. The owner was quite friendly and we discussed the England v. France futbol match on the TV. He also claimed to be related to Ahnold ‘the governor’, but who knows. England up 1-0 at the half. Had schnitzel and schnitzel with Turkey. Much like Chicken Cordon Bleu. Very good. Walked around city to finish watching the game. Found a crowded Irish pub, still 1-0 England with about a minute left. Too crowded to see, so we left and walked about. Sunday night very quiet in Salzburg.

Morning was nice breakfast at pension and hearty hike to the base of Geiserberg for a climb. Took some wrong turns and ended up climbing a very steep face of the 1200 meter hill. Took a break in a deer stand, or Army post not sure which and made the summit in a couple hours. Visited the pub on top and had some lunch and a pint of Stigl. Chatted with local named Michael and his dog Sam. He immediately wanted to know how we felt about the game last night as he thought we were brits. Informed us of the crazy ending, with France scoring 2 goals on penalty and free kick in final minute. Would’ve been nice to see the exciting finish. Went down mountain with Michael and Sam talking about the area and no politics which was nice. Stopped at his folks and looked at garden. Proceeded to climb the Kapuzinerberg at the edge of town and then back home. Dinner at Weissbrauhaus, good beers and another good meal of stew. Watched the fussball match until Sweden up 4-0 over Bulgaria. Felt we could safely stop watching even after prior night’s events.

Next morning rented a car and did some driving around the country and the mountains and lakes. Visited near Hitlers Eagles Nest, but only a restaurant now. Visited the Salzkammergut Lakes area. Gosausee was serene and made for a nice hike around. Worth spending more time in the area for sure, maybe with mountain bikes. Settled in Bad Goisern at Gasthaus Elizabeth Laimer. Great house to ourselves for $40. Good pizza and watched fussball again. Getting hooked on Euro 2004. Next morning back to Salzburg to return our rent a wreck. Through Wolfgangsee, weather is gloomy, made for good sights but poor driving conditions. Once returned we made for train towards Vienna.

**File Name:** vienna-architecture-parks-2004.jpg
**ALT Tag:** The beautiful old buildings and green parks in the historic center of Vienna.
**Caption:**

Spending the day seeing old buildings and hanging out in the beautiful parks of Vienna.

Vienna, Austria

Decided on Melk as stopping point on Danube. Nice little town on river. Walked the whole town in about an hour. Staying in a hostel at the catholic school complete with nun admins. Fussball and dinner again.

Morning took the river boat for Krems, couple hours of nice ride on a nice day to another sleepy town. Caught train to Vienna and found the Wombat Hostel, to be a good time. Met loads of people and had great times in pub and watching the matches. Spent a majority of Vienna seeing old buildings and hanging out in parks. Very beautiful.

Out one night with big international group to a Turkish bar and then a small bar with dance area. Of all things comes on Herbie Hancock so a bit of the old break dancing of course. Corey lit up Vienna. Good times. Many girl shops on the street, like Amsterdam. Managed to make our way around town and even talk to some local people and hang with them. Last night took in the symphony with friends from Montana.

**File Name:** prague-charles-bridge-2004.jpg
**ALT Tag:** The historic Charles Bridge in Prague crowded with tourists and performers during the day.
**Caption:**

Walking the Charles Bridge in Prague, enjoying the performers and artists.

The Czech Republic

Off to Cesky Krumlov, Czech with Montana people the next day. Big loft at the Hostel 99 was good time. Absinthe is wicked, had some and other stuff at some dark damp cave bar. Pretty interesting. Went rafting on the river for the next day. Nice weather finally so great day for float. Did some climbing on the rocks by river with great views. Split with friends from Montana intending to meet again in Prague, but didn’t work. Will stop in Montana between Minneapolis and Seattle.

Hopped a train for Plzen the home of Pilsner Urquell worlds first Pilsner Beer. Asked some locals on the train about getting to brewery and they offered to escort us and have some beers. Wasn’t hard to sell them on beers in the afternoon. Good meal and great beer at brewery and then the locals offered us a place to stay for the night and to take us to an outdoor rock show. Saw Lucia, rock with orchestra a la Metallica and SF Symphony. Fun time. Stayed at flat of Michaela, Petr and Kohout. Very friendly and fun experience.

Off to Prague settled at Arena hostel. Kind of dumpy but a decent base. Watched much futbol, including 2 matches at Jagr bar where we actually talked to Jaromir Jagr. Great games, brit fans are nuts. Much time just exploring Prague and its awesome architecture. Charles Bridge is much fun in day with performers and artists, including the Bridge Band. Out with folks from hostel to the 5 level bar at the base of bridge was quite fun, huge place.

**File Name:** berlin-checkpoint-charlie-2004.jpg
**ALT Tag:** The famous Checkpoint Charlie border crossing sign in Berlin, Germany.
**Caption:**

Visiting Checkpoint Charlie and diving into the intense history of Berlin.

Berlin, Germany

Off to Berlin via easy jet and into Circus Hostel. Great place in city with many fun people, including Pauline and Justin from central Aussie, some folks from Israel and Florida. Day of visiting Berlin via the Inside Tour. Odd getting history from young American guy, but it worked out. Good tales and jokes. Unbelievable that 6 of 7 buildings were destroyed. Visited Checkpoint Charlie and the Topography of Terror museum exhibit at the existing Berlin Wall piece.

Hung with friends from hostel and out with a group to the bar built inside the remnants of the huge Jewish department store, bombed out and now squatted by artists. Very cool interior metal works. Off to Scandinavia for relaxation.

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