A few extra days in Bavaria

A quick flight over the Dolomite mountains and we were in Munich.

Our hotel is just outside Nymphemberg castle where we enjoyed walking around the palace grounds.  Kendall was so excited to hear the crunch of the frosty ground and the many different water birds.

Midday we set off to Marienplatz to meet Barbara, my German exchange sister from the summer of 1986.   Almost thirty years later we immediately recognized each other amongst the Christmas Market crowds.

We walked al around the city, until night fell on Marianplatz. The Christmas lights were beautiful.

The next day it was off to Ludwig's castles, a two hour rail and bus trip from Munich.   What beautiful views of snow covered mountain tops as we approached.

Below is Hohenschwangau, summer palace of Ludwig's parents.  From here Ludwig watched his own castle Neuschwanstein (above) being built. 17 years later he moved in, but only for 171 days before he was dethroned and died.

Views of the snow covered countryside from the castle perched above. We took a horse carriage ride up to the castle and walked down.

Night had fallen as we arrived back down at the bus station.

Day 3: Dachau

Memorial to the unknown 

Barracks

The sheer magnitude of the site is overwhelming. It was a cold, frosty morning -- appropriate. The place empties you, but it is so important to go since we must remember. Below is a commemorative memorial designed by one of the survivors.

We will never forget.

And quite a change of pace for the afternoon:  BMW Welt and Museum, and dinner with Barbara:

An original Rolls Royce

To the vision cars of the future.

The festive sights and smells of another market on the way to dinner with Barbara.

Friday we enjoyed the Deutches Museum. Fantastic exhibits on all types of manufacturing (metal, paper, clay, biomedical and nano science, etc.) The most talked about exhibit is the one on mining.

We ended our week and our time in Europe with a special meal at the French bistro La Brasserie.  French onion soup, shrimp, steak, sea bass, pork, many sauces, wine and desserts were savored as we shared our memories of our four months and our hopes for the future.

And Saturday we are off to the states-- we will see Jazzy and baby Ryan by the end of the night :)

Farewell, Florence

While we've already left Florence and have been enjoying Munich these last few days, we miss our home away from home. Here are some final pictures of Florence:

Tree Lighting

Last hike to Piazzale Michaengelo for sunset. 

Final walk around our neighborhood. 

Touching the boar's nose to make sure we will be back.

And all our bags down the 65 steps for the last time.

Celebrating with a final home cooked meal and treasures from the Florence Markets

Saturday was the day to pack.... and wait!  We received a morning text message that my brother and his wife had just arrived at the hospital, contractions 3 minutes apart!

The task of the day:  how do we take four-and-a-half months and put it all into four big suitcases (50 pound limit), 2 carry-on suitcases (18 pounds), 2 backpacks, briefcase and a trombone?

That and a final trip to Sant'Ambrogio Market for the ingredients for a special home-cooked meal.

The meal wouldn't be complete without pastry!

Some Italian carols from our window (they were actually singing just around the corner, so you can't see them... the singing continued for more than an hour.)  Lovin' the holiday times!

Then the Facetime call came....a toast to the newest Boynton!

Born 1:00pm EST, 6 lbs 11oz  

Everyone is well.

Now we wait for the name!

Roast Beef, Crispy Fennel and Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

BBB (Baby Boy Boynton)
December 14, 2013

Two bags full....(48.5, 47.2) so a little room for the Christmas Markets!

Shopping at the markets for fresh food and special treats is one of the things we are all going to miss the most.  What fantastic meals we have made in our little kitchen!