Just back last night from Germany, Austria, Italy. 20 years since I was last in these countries. Some quick thoughts and impressions: <BR>Germany <BR>1. Rothenburg Ob Der Tauber, Germany - well worth the effort to visit. <BR>2. Driving on the autobahn was fun, but drivers driving 150 miles an hour and higher is urban legend. Impossible to drive more than a 110 for a few miles until you're slowed by construction work or slow drivers in the left lane. <BR>3. Sausages and cold cuts - ugh, I overdosed. Every meal. No imagination when it comes to food. <BR>4. Friendly people. <BR>5. Deutsches Museum, Munich; don't miss it. <BR>6. Hotel Bristol, Munich is a wonderful little hotel in which to stay. <BR>7. Hofbrahaus - the cigarette smoke is stifling and the noise is deafening. Lots of American and Japanese tourists, but few Germans. <BR>8. St. Goar on the Rhine - My wife requested that I cremate her and scatter her remains here (after she dies a natural death). Gorgeous scenery. Rheinfels Castle Hotel is a beautiful hotel, with a 4 star restaurant (a full page on the menu devoted to dishes prepared with white asparagus; the asparagus soup is to die for). <BR>Austria <BR>1. Mountains. <BR>2. Breathtaking. <BR>3. Spectacular. <BR> <BR>Italy <BR>1. It may be touristy, but the train ride from Florence to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower is a must. Simply amazing. <BR>2. Florence -- Michaelangelo's David takes your breath upon seeing it for the first time. Advance tickets for David and the Uffizi are the only way to go, unless you enjoy standing in line for two hours in the summer sun. Go with your wife cheerfully to the outdoor shopping stalls; you'll find great bargains in silk ties and leather goods. Best view of the city: Piazza Michaelangelo. Best restaurant: Maximillian's. <BR>3. Don't let folks here scare you away from visiting St. Peter's and the Sistine Chapel in Rome. We went at 2:00 PM on a Friday and walked right in. There were no long lines. We stayed for 45 minutes in the Sistine Chapel and reflected on and marveled at the work of Michaelangelo. <BR>4. We ate too much Gelato. <BR>5. We traveled by train from Florence to Rome. Bought tickets the day before. CIT Rail in US offered us tickets for 4 for $350 roundtrip. We bought them at the train station in Florence for $145. Go figure. <BR>6. Our first time to see the Pantheon. Missed it last time. Don't miss it. Incredible architecture. <BR>7. Food in Italy was the best; never a bad meal. <BR>8. I want Gelato!

Hi Stone, <BR> I too just returned from Germany and Austria; I also went to France and Switzerland. The entire trip was three weeks. I went to Rothenburg too and stayed at the Burg Hotel. I thoroughly enjoy it, but I agree, you can only eat sausage for so long. <BR> I also spent a few days in Bavaria. I toured the Mad King Ludwig castles and was very impressed. I stayed at the Hotel Mueller and my room overlooked Neuschwanstein. <BR> Austria is definitel beautiful. I went to Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna and loved all of it. <BR> Next year I'm planning a trip to Italy, Greece, and Southern France (maybe Spain as well). It's in the early stages. I'm glad you had a great trip. I did too. <BR>

Leaving Monday. Thanks for the report.

Great trip report. Thanks.

Hi Stone, I too returned (the 16th) from Germany. I agree with you with Rothenburg, Deutsches museum, Hofbrahaus, and St. Goar. Yes, the asparagus was to die for! I had it three times and also prepared with a hollandaise butter sauce. As for the sausages and cold cuts – we don’t want to see any for a long while! Glad you enjoyed your trip!

Hi Stone, I too returned (the 16th) from Germany. I agree with you with Rothenburg, Deutsches museum, Hofbrahaus, and St. Goar. Yes, the asparagus was to die for! I had it three times and also prepared with a hollandaise butter sauce. As for the sausages and cold cuts – we don’t want to see any for a long while! Glad you enjoyed your trip!

Pass the sausages.

Stone, <BR>Thanks for your tips. We leave tomorrow for Frankfurt. <BR> <BR>Mona