Lego Land - 2

Lego Land - 1

We had a day at the Lego Land themepark in Germany. It is similar to Dreamworld or Seaworld - but most of the rides and attractions have a Lego theme. The kids had a particularly good time and keep asking when they can go back.

Max the Knight

We came across a woodworker's shop in Füssen that had toys fashioned out of wood. After visiting Neuschwanstein castle, Max had his heart set on a shield and sword.

Lake swimming

In Füssen we had our first European lake swim. Europeans have a long way to go to the beach, so it's common to swim in natural lakes instead. The lakefront is controlled by private owners who charge a small fee for entrance. When the weather is nice it's not too bad, but the water is quite cold. The kids and I bravely swam over to the blue pontoon.

Neuschwanstein Castle

We visited Neuschwanstein Castle in Füssen that was built in the 1860s by German King Ludwig. So the story goes, in recent years the castle was used by Disney as inspiration for castles in its movies such as Sleeping Beauty. Tanja and the kids travelled up the mountain on horse and buggy, and the view from the top was spectacular. We toured some of the rooms in the castle, including King Ludwig's throne room, bedroom and private chapel. Max got quite fed up with all the walking.

Schwangau

We stayed three nights in a little village called Schwangau - southern Germany - with some old friends, the Greens. We rented a place big enough for both families that had a great lawn space perfect for kids. The Green kids are similar age to ours. The German countryside was spectacular and we were able to walk down the village road each night and find delicious hearty food. It is daylight until around 10pm every night.

Hungary - last few

Village square, umbrellas for sale, our group and a sneaky pic of a Hungarian Vizla in a Budapest park.

Munich - 2

Good food and a gingerbread heart in Marienplatz.

Munich

A couple of days in Munich - a visit to the Museum and a well deserved icecream. The weather continues to be beautiful - warm and sunny.

So long Hungary

We are currently on RailJet train from Budapest (Hungary) to Munich (Germany), a 7.5 hour trip. The train is very modern and has great seats, food and free wifi internet. The kids are completely engrossed in the iPad, and are failing to notice the beautiful European scenery zipping past.

Budapest - 3

Crossing the Danube in our rental car; budding junior photographer. The weather is spectacular - between 25-32 degrees, but not humid at all.

Budapest - 2

Budapest - 1

We have arrived in Europe, and are firmly in holiday mode. Our first stop is Budapest, Hungary where we are staying in a beautiful villa with some friends.

Europe!

We leave tomorrow for a month-long summer driving holiday - mostly in Germany - but we will have a couple of days in Hungary, Switzerland and the Netherlands as well.  Here's a Google map of our planned itinerary.

Clothes lines

Holiday haircut

Last minute haircut today for 3/4 of the family today - before we leave on Saturday for our summer holiday.

Summer

37 degrees here today. Ice cream is the only remedy!