There are still Americans in Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Garmisch-Partenkirchen has always been a top tourist destination for Germans and Americans alike. It is the closest town to the Zugspitze, the highest mountain in Germany.

We went there on a Sunday so the pilgrimage destination of US military wives, "Kathe Wohlfahrt" was unfortunately closed (but not unfortunate for Jason's wallet)!

We were still able to find good Bavarian Food like this Jagergoulasch and Schupfnudeln.

I was just excited that I could understand the Bavarian dialect! It's so much easier than Pinzgauish.

We ended our stroll through the town with a stop in a Konditerei for some Kuchen zum mitnehmen....

Bad Tölz

On the way back from Garmisch we made a spontaneous stop in Bad Tölz!

It has a historical Altstadt with beautifully painted buildings and a medieval layout.
Kaspar Winzerer III, the "Golden Knight" is prepared for rain

Inside the Mühlfeldkirche there is a very ornament nativity scene.
Perhaps some would consider the the interior a bit "kitschy" but I really thought there was incredible detail.
The reserved seating is a nice touch!
We went on a Sunday, so nothing was open, but there was enough to keep our eyes busy and a plenty of places to walk for our legs to get exercise.
On the way out of town I noticed apartments that looked exactly like the housing that I had lived in when my father was stationed in Germany. When I got home I looked up US Military installations and discovered that Americans used to be in Bad Tölz. There is a lot of history and culture in the area that is worth the research and a short visit!

And I'm Back......

And guess who is so happy??

So after 2 years of non-stop studying I am taking a break to embrace my destiny which is to snowboard and take advantage of Kasleberkas mit Gurken und Senf (see goodness below).



Das Nic PhD came over for a quick weekend of ski and apres ski.



I was home less than a day before I we were on the Schmittenhöhe. Beautiful weather and snow!