Day 5 - Munich to Innsbruck

Author: jawapro
Date: Mon 26/01/2009 07:47 AM




 

Today was scheduled to be little more than a drive from Munich to Innsbruck - with most of the day spent in Innsbruck. Thankfully - out tour guide decided to do a couple of stops along the way.

The first was at the BMW Welt. Not sure what a Welt actually is - but it was besides the BMW museum (which sadly we didn’t have time for) and was full of BMW cars and information about their eco stats etc. Quite a well presented exhibition.

 

Of course - we were here for the cars - and spend 20 minutes looking around and posing with the machines.

 

A few of the tour managed to convince the security guard to let them stand on his Segway. They had to do it in this corner, because it had to be out of view of the security cameras, so the guard’s boss wouldn’t see and get him in trouble. Nice friendly German chap.

 

The next addition to the tour was even better. Lots of people had commented that they were sad they were in Germany but weren’t going to get to see any Concentration Camps. Well - Cindy (the tour guide) had been listening, and had organized it. It wasn’t Altzswitch (wrong side of the country) - it was Dachau.

 

Dachau was the first concentration camp - and the rest were based on it.

It was incredibly moving, and even the rowdy Contiki travelers managed to be subdued as they looked around.

 

So much misery and death. To say we enjoyed walking around it is not the right word - but we were all very glad we’d had the chance to go.

It was unbelievable.

 

A much quieter bus left Dachau, and kept going until we reached the Alps. They sort of come out of nowhere. The ground is relatively flat until you reach them.

We crossed the border into Austria.

 

Our stop for the night was in Innsbruck. A nice little town. First stop was the Swarovksi shop.

 

I’d never heard of them before - but they are apparently quite famous, and make lots of very expensive Crystal stuff.

 

Sorry - Crystal doesn’t photograph very well.

Emma was very excited - but it wasn’t all that interesting.

 

We did some souvenir shopping - and I was very taken by this shirt. I wonder if people often make that mistake?

We tried some Mozart’s Balls (little chocolate things) and some Shnaps (alcoholic stuff). Both were ok - but nothing to get excited about.

 

And that evening - we had our first European snowfall. It was the first time I’ve actually seen snow fall - so it was pretty exciting.

Tomorrow is an early start to go to Venice - so I’d better finish this up and get some sleep. More tomorrow!




Comments: 3

 

Comment: 1

Author: mlipsy
Date: Mon 26/01/2009 08:24 AM




That's great you got to go to the concentration camp while in the area. It must have been odd to be in a place so steeped in people's sufferings and personal lives (and deaths). Wow. 

 

Comment: 2

Author: turkeybrain
Date: Mon 26/01/2009 09:55 AM




The Austrian people get sick of the American (and I would guess a few other countries as well, but predominantly American) Tourists asking if they have many kangaroos. (Please note, this does not imply that all Americans do or would make this mistake).

 

Comment: 3

Author: DarthOblivion
Date: Tue 27/01/2009 06:10 PM

Hmm, weeell... In Europe (especially Germany) V and W often make the same sound, so I think if it was (pronounced) a 'velt' you visited, you visited a valley :) Like I said, I'm not entirely sure though.

And schnaps? Well, we've got a bottle of the same type of schnaps that the Austrians use to help cure their colds :S They put a drop or two into some water and they feel much better O.o