McLays in Europe

Our GPS system was doing a great job directing us to our next exchange closer to Munich. Ian now after a few days at the wheel of a left hand drive vehicle was feeling a settled driver, that is until we hit the Munich expressway. Cars and trucks zooming by in the fast lane, many at over 150kph. Then as the nicely spoken English woman on the GPS said - 'turn right at the next exit' - we again returned to beautiful rural countryside. We were met at the house by the owner's son Christian, who explained the workings of the spacious house. It had four levels, an open fireplace made redundant by an extremely efficient central heating system and large room with a mezzanine floor/study. Hungry at this stage we visited the local pub for dinner which appeared very traditional. The waitress was very nice but baffled by Ian's peppered steak requests and eventually tipped the salad dressing in his lap, which did not improve communications at all. Accidental of course. Having a hire car made a diifference and the next day we took off early. It was starting to rain and get cold so we took the opportunity to visit shops for new boots and coats as we were certainly going to need them. Then, I suppose a bit cheeky with the previous days success with the GPS decided to just drive around the place and if we lost our way the GPS would get us back. We therefore drove around back lanes and around hillsides that were very beautiful and seemingly through people's back yards and close to houses jutting out within inches of the roadside. It was so green on the ground with beautiful autumn leaves on the trees. Next day was more structured and we visited Chiemsee to see the lavish Castle of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. This King took the thone young and under difficult circumstances did some good things but will be remembered for his extravagent building of Castles, which were in the main replicas of the finest Castles in France. This castle at Chiemsee was on such a grand scale that it was never finished but the 20 odd rooms that were were breath-taking. They were adorned with gold chandeliers, furniture and trimmings. He eventually fell out of sort with the people and particularly his family,who he bankrupted and drowned himself under suspicious circumstances. Although he built castles elsewhere in Bavaria this was the one he spent most time at and it had to be reached by ferry in the middle of a huge lake. Next morning, looking through the back window at home revealed snow on the mountain caps so off we went to investigate. We found a cable car at Wallbergbahn and at the top an accomodating restuarant with 360 degree views around. We could not resist a Bavarian meal and warm red wine for lunch. In the middle of the snow season this was a toboggin slope but here we were with it to ourselves! The views around were simply stunning.
Next day was clean up the house day, recycling meant every group of rubbish had a different bin and this took time to sort out. We also realised that they do not use mops as we know but wrap rags around brooms to wash the floor! No wonder I couldn't find it at Schoweg. The car was under a pile of snow, we loaded up and set the GPS for the railway station in Munich.