4th Weekend - Schwarzwald

It was very nice of my colleague in Ulm who drove all the way to Stuttgart to bring us to Schwarzwald or call it Black Forest. The Black Forest (German Schwarzwald) is a wooded mountain range in Baden-Württemberg, southwestern Germany. Here, it is known for its cuckoo clocks, honey, Black Forest ham, Pork Knuckle and Black Forest gateau (Black Forest cake). Too bad that we are too full to try their black forest cake.

We went to the largest cuckoo clock in the world and waited for the cuckoo bird to come out to cheer our day, hahaha! Well, it was really a huge one. Losta cuckoo clock sold as souvenier at this town.

Next, head to Triberg for the Germany's highest waterfall. Climbed up all the way and it was tiring. Anyway, in such a weather, we don't complain much because it was breezy and I bet it will not get you sweat. Nice scenery... and if have time, shall try hiking at this place.

Then, we drove to Titisee-Neustadt which is popular for winter sport. Here, there is a lake.. and we have lunch at one of the restaurant here. Wow, such a nice environment... cause the wind blows gently while you have your food. A little cold for me...

Well, last destination for the day... Freiburg. Popular opinion has it that Freiburg is the warmest city in Germany. Went in to a very old church which stands strong during world war II even the whole town was destroyed. Lastly, had a cup of coffee under the sun and drove back to Stuttgart.

Schwarzwald (Black Forest)

4th Weekend - Heidelberg

Fourth weekend in Germany... This time just go to a nearby place. Feel lazy to drive so far as work are quite tiring. So, tried to catch some rest during the weekends and decided to go to Heidelberg and went to the Heidelberg castle.

Heidelberg castle is a famous ruin in Germany and is the symbol of the city of Heidelberg. The castle has only been partially restored since its destruction in the 17th century. The first “big barrel” in the cellar of Heidelberg Castle was built in 1591.

After the castle visit, we just hang around in the nearby town...

Heidelberg

3rd Weekend - Neuschwanstein Castle & Munich

It is already the 3rd weekend in Germany and next destination is the Neuschwanstein castle and Munich city within 1 day... hahaha!

ok, what's there in Neuschwanstein castle? It is the most famous 19th century neo-romantic castle in the world built by Ludwig II, King of Bavaria. Heard from my colik that the castles in Disneyland look alike to this castle and this place is nominated as one of the NEW 7 wonders of the world.

After visit to castle, went to Munich city the 3rd largest city in Germany. Tried their popular dish, white sausage.. Hang around at the center of the city, Marienplatz a large open square. There are old church where you can climb up and enjoy the city view. Hmm... not my choice, so I headed to shopping complexes and 'window shopping'... :)

Neuschwanstein & Munich

2nd Weekend - Switzerland

Today came back early to hotel and decided to do some write up on my 2nd weekend trip to Switzerland. Since it was a long weekend (good friday + easther holiday), we decided to drive to Switzerland... We heard that this is a wonderful place to visit and once we reached, we really do believe it.

First we went to the Rheinfall (near to the border between Germany and Switzerland) to see a waterfall. I only saw this kind of nice waterfalls in the postcards... but now, I see it with my own eyes.

Next, we headed to Lake Lucerne. This is a small town around a lake which has very very nice sceneries. You will feel extremely comfortable being at this place. We hang around the city area... and was quite unlucky cause we reached city around 3+pm and the shops closes at 4+... Could not really shop... Anyhow, things were quite expensive over here.. and food as well.

The next day, we drove to Interlaken... a smaller town in Switz. Staying there, you will feel so healthy and relaxing. wow, how I wished my retired life is at this place... day dreaming ;)

Next, head to Zurich... a big city. Well, just hang around here 'window shopping' as all the shops were closed, we just look from the windows. However, restaurants were open at night. Lots of people were out for dinner.

The next destination was Stein and Rhein. Here, the buildings were painted with images. I don't know if the images represent some historic info or not :P But I would say this is a nice place, beautiful. And by the way, lost of cafe/restaurant here... The european likes to sit under the sun and have a cup of espresso. My colleague told me that the colmar tropicale in malaysia tries to imitate this place.

That's all for Switz trip. Overall, nice sceneries and very relaxing trip. However, the cost of livin in this country is quite high. So, food etc were kinda expensive for us... Check out the photos...

Switzerland

1st Weekend - Mercedes-Benz Museum

Sunday, we went to Mercedes-Benz Museum at Stuttgart. Work at Bensi, must go and see look, see look their museum la. See the cars from all the generation, the invention and revolution of the cars... There were English version of pre-recorded text for us to listen to. Many floors, walk until leg also a bit tired. Maybe just look at the photos that I have took :)

Merz Museum

1st Weekend - Metzingen

Decided to drive down to Metzingen to spend the first weekend here... The journey was around an hour from Stuttgart. It is a shopping paradise where most of the branded factory outlets are located. So, I was kinda eager to find out if there is anything worth to buy. There were really lotsa shops there ranges from not so expensive brands to very costly brands. E.g. Esprit, Swatch, Adidas, Nike, Levis&Dockers, Diesel, Puma, Bally, Burberry, Joop, Pope Jeans... and etc. Check it out at this website...

The buildings, most of it look alike (the shape)

The brands they have there

The river, nice hor...

Me, so cold cause it rains almost the whole morning

My colik, Rihaab

Me sitting at one of the bench

Tommy Hilfiger

At the factory outlet stores

I did not get myself anything here cause I felt it is quite pricey after conversion and also I do not think it is worth the price. I better save the $$ and buy more in Malaysia :)