My Big Fat European Family Vacation: The Road to Bavaria

Breathtaking. Beautiful. Picturesque. Awe-inspiring. Commanding. Cathartic. Intoxicating. 

All of these words perfectly embody my thoughts about Bavaria...and I'm sure I could say a thousand more words and it still wouldn't be enough to describe the things I saw those 4 days. Never ever in my life have I visited a place so rich in nature and culture than this little region of Germany. It's easily my most favorite part of our family vacation, and that's saying a lot. There were a lot of cool parts of our vacation, but something about Bavaria just screams Germany. It's one of those places that when you think about what Germany might look like, this is what you envision. I know I did. Bavaria hits it right on the money. Every stinking little detail. Ahhh, I love it. There are no words, just love. Like hearts popping out of my eyeballs kind of love. Like if I could marry a geographical region, Bavaria would be it kind of love. Bavaria rocks.
Did I make myself clear?
Good. 
Moving on...
After taking a trip to Rothenburg ob der Tabuer (i.e. the CUTEST little German town I'd ever visited) for our 4 year anniversary last year, my mom kept saying, "When we come to Germany, I want to go there!" Done and done, mamacita. Thankfully it was on our way to Garmisch-Partenkirchen where we were to spend 4 glorious days among the German and Austrian Alps. Truth be told, I probably would have made a detour there anyway. It's that lovely. We arrived in Rothenburg, the most well-preserved medieval walled town in the Franconia region of Bavaria, around 10am and lollygagged (it's a word, I swear) for a few hours, making stops only to eat bratwursts and take a ridiculous amount of pictures. And while I'm posting photos, I'll introduce you to the fam...since you'll be seeing ALOT of them over the next several posts. 

 

After stuffing our faces and introducing the fam to the wonders of the Flammkuchen (Alsace version of a pizza), we all hopped back into the car to finish the last leg of our journey to Garmisch-Partenkirchen. I stole a few of the cousins photos from the drive (Thanks, Linds!)...it's hard to drive and take pictures at the same time. People kind of don't like you to do that apparently. It's also hard to pay attention to road signs, and oh, ya know, keeping the car on the road when you see the friggin' Alps out your window.

{And...cue the whole angels singing, jaws dropping, world stopping kind of thing}

I knew this place was a big deal, but I had no idea it was going to be this amazing. I'm pretty sure there were lots of collective sighs and "WOW's!" being said by all parties as we drove through the gate. For those of you who don't know, Edelweiss Lodge & Resort is a Military Family/DOD Personnel resort located in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany and is only accessible to US military ID cardholders and their families. It's the spot adored by soldiers on deployment R&R's, vacationing OCONUS families (military living overseas), and retired veterans exploring Europe. Normally, I'd shy away from a place like this. My life is consumed by the military and I basically swim in a sea of camouflage on a daily basis. When I'm vacationing in Europe, I want to be as far from the military as possible. Here though, there are no uniforms (usually), no sub-par military issued living quarters, and no DFAC style cafeteria meals. It's exactly what resort vacationing should be. They've got rooms with amazing views, guided tours to numerous attractions, AND they speak English! Can I get an AMEN?!? I'm telling you right now, this place is magical. The ultimate "No-Thinking" vacation destination for Americans who want a little taste of home while still submersed in Germany. No wonder military families come from all over Europe to stay here. Now, less talk, more pictures! Here are some photos of our walk around the resort as the sun was setting. Can I just go back there now, please? 

Photographic proof that my dad, did in fact, enjoy this vacation. Believe me, that's a BIG deal! He's such a stinker! :)

So, there you have it. My caravan of vacationing Americans finally made it to Garmisch, safe and sound. I hope you guys don't think these photos of the Alps are as good as it gets here. Oh no. I'm far from done. And it gets better...much better! Come back tomorrow for photos from our trek up to the majestic Zugspitze, otherwise known as the highest point in all of Germany! We also may or may not have gotten the parents to paddle boat around Lake Eibsee. What a sight to behold.

Bis morgen, Freundes!