The next day I went to Bavaria and saw several of King Lugwig’s fantastic castles there. They were as impressive as the pictures, and their location was perfect. Yesterday, I rented a bike and rode all over that region, crossing the Austrian/German border at least a dozen times. I saw three German kids playing basketball and asked if they wanted to play two-on-two, and for once in my life I was the best player on the court. Anyway, we went swimming afterwards in the Alpsee at the base of Neuschwanstein castle. It was their favorite spot, and they had constructed this rope swing from which they like to jump off of the cliffs, a la Tarzan. I, being 21 yrs. old, also joined in, and as a result got to experience what a German hospital was like. It seems that I swang too far and went George of the Jungle-style into a tree. They insisted on taking me to a hospital for a cut on my head, and I ended up with four stitches. One of the guys, Christian, had to act as an interpreter between the doctor and me, so I was grateful that I almost killed myself among locals.
I am okay, though, and my trip to Venice has gone on as planned. I am currently there, and can honestly say that this is the most unique city that I have visited. It’s a bit sad, given how everything look as though it is in decay, but I guess that’s part of the charm. Well, tomorrow I’m on to Munich, where I hope to visit the Dachau concentration camp. I had planned on going to Vienna next, but I just re-read with alarm John Harris’s last E-mail to me, saying that “July” 18-25th would be fine. I worry that there may have been a misunderstanding, so I suppose I will keep calling until it is cleared. If any of you know how I can get in touch, do let me know. Anyway, I am having an excellent time in spite of a few bruises, and I look forward to having more, less painful, news in the near future.
Ciao,
Andy