The Author Write More...I Like It*

 

Intimate whispers in the Hofbräuhaus, Munich

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 Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to our post-Christmas visit to Bavaria. I've been in deep hibernation mode--lethargic and unresponsive--surrounded by strategically placed pillows and covered by the world's most heavenly down-filled blanket.

Hearing the distant rumble of Frau Müller's pastry truck making it's way up the hill, I begin to stir. My heartrate picks up. My withered muscles begin to tense...to move, ever so slightly. My pupils dilate. My back arches. Suddenly, like a giant grizzly, I emerge from the den in search of sustenance. 

With careful planning and consideration, I will write a quick post-- while simultaneously gorging on pastries--during my brief foray into the real world. It's a delicate balance fueled by carb-loading.

So sleepy. Must write something. Bed calling. Siren song. Must return.

 Maybe some mushrooms would help?

 

Florist, downtown Munich

Yes, that's better. The tiny receptors in my brain are being rewarded. Floods of "mushroom-sighting endorphins" have washed over me. I am whole again. The post can continue.

Now to show you a bit of our post-Christmas Baravarian Extravaganza. Because lord knows you haven't seen enough of my travels. Please pretend to be excited! I promise I won't notice you're faking it!

First, our visit to Oberammergau...

 

A place I used to stay almost every winter as a kid. A place packed with good memories...of skiing, snow and family. Of mountains and spectacular scenery. Of painted houses and charming shops.

 

Being there again with my sister Beth (and the rest of the gang) was wonderful.

We walked through the village and admired the paintings.

 

Oberammergau is famous for its "Luftlmalerei" or frescoes, which decorate the village facades. It is also famous for its wood-carving--which you can see in the shop windows above.

Many people know of Oberammergau through its "Passion Play." In 1634, the inhabitants of Oberammergau put on their first production of the play, having made a vow to God. If they were spared from the effects of the Bubonic Plague sweeping through Europe at that time--they would perform this play every ten years. Luckily for them, they were spared--and the Passion Play has continued. It involves over 2,000 of the local residents who are the actors, singers and musicians. People come from all over the world to see it.

 

I loved seeing the very plain facades with their exquisite paintings.

 

So beautiful, when surrounded by snow and seasonal decorations.

 

Here's my personal favorite:

 

It's the Little Red Riding Hood house!

 

I've loved this house since I was about six years old. I have never stopped wanting to live there. Even now.

 

 So there you have a brief look at Oberammergau and a little of its history. Hope you enjoyed the show.

Munich is up next...and a visit to the Hofbräuhaus!

Prepare for a super-cool video!

XX E 

 

*Sometimes spammers really know how to make my day!

Comments

[b.]

Welcome back, cupcake. I'm so sleepy I just typed "Welcome baby cucake!"

I love the pictures. They make me wish I was there with you right now, only not THAT cold. That was really, really cold. As snow can sometimes be.

[Jen]

Gaspingly beautiful fairy tale houses. And, may I say, much classier-looking than the replicas in Huntington Beach, California's "Old World Village," where I served up bauernfruhstuck in my dirndl back in 1988.

[Hausfrau]

What is this "real world" of which you speak? I do not comprehend.

The photographer take more photo...I like it!

[Lynn]

Me like author writing too. But me not understand how one town can have enough fine artistes to keep those houses painted so spiffy-like. Is it just one really busy person?

[green girl in wisconsin]

Wow. That is the prettiest place in the known universe.

[The Coffee Lady]

I don't like the look of that wolf.

[blackbird]

I just saw a travel show about Oberammergau! Well, not JUST. I'm at work now. But I'm commenting anyway. You don't know my boss, do you?

[Suburban Kamikaze]

I see a new hat in my future. Unless you already have one? In which case I could call you before I wear it just to be sure we don't end up looking foolish at some posh blogging event.

SK

[suse]

Oooh my mum and dad came soooo close to going to the Oberammagau play in 2000. I forget why they cancelled. They even had the tickets and all.

Maybe I'll get there in 2020.

It looks cold though. They do it in summer don't they? (*crosses fingers*)

[Paola]

You know, ages ago my brother went there BUT never told me how gorgeous it is!
SO thank you.
Re cold. WHY oh WHY would you wear jeans on the snow????!

[b.]

Paola,

Why, indeed! We wear jeans in the show because we are American and Americans love their jeans. Even in the snow. Actually, we had super fantastic long underwear underneath them and thick socks, but still.... cold.
Besides, snow pants make my butt look big. See sledding photos.

[Paola]

I have my theory about that on the snow.
WHO CARES.
Snow pants keep my butt warm and that's all that matters!
But I understand, you're young and still care about what people think about you ...

[b.]

Eurolush told me your butt was just spectacular, even in snow pants.

[Kata]

Like. (I want murals painted on my house.)

[Just Plain Jane]

That was so wonderful. Thanks for taking us along. In 1990, we went on an antique toy tour in Europe and the bus drove through..........THROUGH......not stopping once..........Oberammergau. My head swiveled on my neck and I vowed I'd be back. Enough time has passed that I have to admit that it's not gonna happen, but the memory is vivid and you've helped keep it that way .

[pam]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing these gorgeous images. I never, ever tire of your trip photos. Never will.

Now back to enjoy then again. And to bookmark in my "escape" file.

[pam]

Oops! Almost forgot to mention the mushrooms. You sure know how to drive me crazy - seeing them and not being able to take at least ten home with me!

[dt.tuli]

Lovely pictures!