Today we went, by the skin of our teeth, to visit Neuschwanstein castle on the edge of the Alps. It was one of those days where you think you planned well, and end up barely making the connections all day, but ends up okay in the end. But drives home the point that no amount of planning makes up for the inability to speak or read the language.
We decided to not take the tour from the hostel so that we could go at our own pace, and headed off to the train station to catch the direct train. But, upon arriving at the train station, we learned that the direct train wasn't running due to construction. Therefore we jumped on the bus with about a minute to spare, ended up changing trains twice, and then caught the bus to the base of the mountain where tickets were sold. As we walked up to the booth, there were only 18 tickets remaining for the last English tour of the day (this was 2 hours before the tour was to start), and right before we stepped up to order, the sign flashed up that it was SOLD OUT (when 18 had been listed just before)!!! We rushed up and ordered, and it seemed to be no problem, so it ended up okay, but quite stressful! From this experience, had we known it would take an extra hour due to the rail construction, wish we had just done the structured tour, but it worked out in the end. We couldn't take photos of the inside of the castle, but as you can see the outside was beautiful- photos taken from Mary's Bridge (there is a photo of that too, high above a waterfall)!
Yesterday we toured Dauchau, which was very moving and worthwhile- but no photos there (even though other people were taking photos, to me this is not an appropriate place to take photos to share...) After that we needed some beers and headed to Hofbrau House, where we sat with some very nice travelers from Mexico- which gave me a great chance to practice my Spanish!!
Some random bits of oddness to share before I wrap up:
- Today we encountered many, many rude people. First there was the lady who shoved me in the back 3 times as I waited in line for the bathroom and then pushed by me racing in. Apparently it couldn't wait....though maybe "excuse me" is better than shoving someone repeatedly.... Then there was the train ticket checker who, when checking our tickets, I asked if the train was going all the way to Munich. He very angrily yelled the response with large angry hand gestures that no, it was not and we had to change trains. This would be understandable reaction except that all signs said we were going all the way to Munich.... Then there was the fact that on this very heavily touristed section of railway that was under construction had NO signs in English, NO announcements in English, and really no communication that could be understood unless you spoke German. This really didn't make sense to me since 75% of the people around us ALSO did not speak German...which brings me to point 2.
- People seem to think Matt and I know what is going on. Even the Germans ask me (in German) for directions. It takes quite a bit of convincing to explain I don't speak German and cannot help them if they don't speak English. This morning a German man came all the way to the back of the bus where we were sitting, bypassing many people who probably did speak German, and asked me directly (in German) something I can only assume related to directions. Later in the day on the train back, after I asked the conducter about the connection, no less than 5 different people came to talk to me about how to get back to Munich....really a strange experience.
-Our suite-mate last night slept from 4 PM to 9 AM. Impressive. (and maybe longer than that).
-People here really don't do "lines"- they like to run and push you out of the way even when you are clearly standing in line. And no one (but me) seems to notice/care. A very different culture...
-When trying to use our credit card for breakfast (to go) this morning, we were told the machine was broken. When we said we were out of cash and apologized and turned to leave (leaving behind the pastrys which we had not touched and they could easily put back), the response became, well, maybe its not broken. Let me check. Suddenly, as if by magic, the credit card machine comes out from under the counter and it works just fine....
Tomorrow is unplanned as of yet, but I am sure the scenery won't match up to today's trip to the edge of the alps :)
love the scenery - sorry you are finding so many rude people in Germany!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! Even the bad stuff... that is a great part of traveling, and learning about other people. If everything was perfect, and easy, and in English, you may as well not leave the U.S. (though knowing what I know about where you lived the last 2 years I got a laugh out of you practicing Spanish 'when-in-Germany-and-hanging-out-with-Mexicans'), this makes it much more interesting, and leaves you with great stories and learning experiences! Remember that.
ReplyDeleteRegarding the disregard for lines/decorum, was this around the tourist areas? Where I lived in Germany... the line was a very sacred thing. But it was also not a tourist area.
And regarding the directions, that is both hilarious, and unsurprising. I know how you travel, and if I was confused somewhere and saw the confidence you exude, and also saw you speaking loudly with a conductor, I would probably harass you for help too.
Keep living the dream, these experiences are what make the trip in the long run.
Yea!! I went to all 3 of the places you mention with my grandparents :). Are the rude people American or German or from where? and it's funny ppl think you're german, ha!
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