Today I spent the day with hubby and extended family/friends at the DeYoung. We had the opportunity to see this exhibit, and it was spectacular! I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at these works. The experience of seeing them in person is vastly different to looking at a print or copy in a book.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Beautiful Impressions
Today I spent the day with hubby and extended family/friends at the DeYoung. We had the opportunity to see this exhibit, and it was spectacular! I don't think I could ever get tired of looking at these works. The experience of seeing them in person is vastly different to looking at a print or copy in a book.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Summertime Begins
Home Again, Home Again
We then began the crazy train/bus ride back to Munich with some confusion with a couple of bus drivers as to whether we needed to go to Huglfing or Uffing. We made it and along the way passed field after field of mustard (the flowers are brilliant yellow).
I said good-bye to Mom at the airport as she had another 24 hours still in Munich before her flight. I was quite sad as this was our first trip together (without kids!) in 11 years, although this time we were both grown-ups. I really enjoyed spending time with her and having the opportunity to talk to her uninterrupted.
I made it back home after traveling for over 24 hours. I was very tired, but very happy to see K, M and of course, hubby. Came home with lots of happy memories, pictures, and souvenirs feeling very lucky.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Passion Play
Lunch was early so the everyone could be ready sharply at 2:15 for the 2:30 start. We had no idea where the tickets were when we booked the package, but we ended up sitting in row 5! All playgoers were given a full textbook of the play in both German and English, and it was hugely helpful to be able to follow along.
The play itself was just amazing. My favorite actor in the entire production was Judas. The music was beautiful, especially the singing by the three soloists. The huge scale of the play with over 2000 participants was mind boggling, not to mention the inclusion of pigeons, pigs, sheep, horses, and a camel!
Dinner break was at 5:15 and again the streets filled with tourists. Every tiny detail is planned in the nine years between plays, so that everything is run seamlessly. No cars crowd the streets because everything is within walking distance or shuttles are planned. Dinner is ready to go for everyone at once so you can be ready for the 8:30PM start. In fact, the flow of tourists into the town is carefully controlled throughout the week by the various play packages that are offered. The entire production, the involvement of the entire town of 5200 for 4700 visitors four times a week is meticulously planned and run.
It is an enjoyable experience both because the visit to Oberammergau is so well thought out, but also because of the wonderful quality of the play: elements of Greek drama, Shakespeare, opera, and the Passion Play. It is emotionally draining, but extremely gratifying to see.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
On to Oberammergau, Germany
After a delicious dinner of schnitzel, soup and fries, I wandered around the town for a short while. The entire town is painted with beautiful 18th century frescos. I really enjoyed looking in the windows of all the woodworking stores. You could see the different styles of each artist even though much of the art reflected the religious themes of the Passion Play. Also, visited the Parish Church which is located directly across the street from the hotel. Since it was getting dark, it was a little hard to see some of the amazing Roccoco artwork, but beautiful all the same.
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Bellagio
Weather was perfect: sunny and warm. We rode the "slow boat" (versus the "fast boat" which doesn't make as many stops). Taking in the villas, relaxed travelers, and snow-covered Alps waqs quite surreal.
I left Mom resting her leg on a bench overlooking Bellagio. I took the opportunity to explore in every direction and took lots of pictures so that Mom could see what was around us. Everything was scenic. I visited a 11th century church, lots of charming little shops, and looked in a lot of store windows that offered very expensive, very lovely things of all kinds. Gave in and bought a beautiful silk scarf from Como.
Somewhere along the way I saw George Clooney's villa. I knew the general area and heard that it was supposed to be white so I had to take a picture of them all. Also saw where parts of the latest Bond and Ocean movies were filmed. Absolutely gorgeous.
Mom and I dined at a lakeside restaurant close to the hotel (we stayed at the Hotel Barchetta Excelsior--the location is perfect--the breakfast room overlooks the lake). I ate a delicious dinner of spinach gnocchi in a crispy Parmesan cheese shell.
What an amazing place Lake Como is.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Travel Adventures Continued
We rode the train to Milan, but along the way Mom's ankle started to swell and bruise. There wasn't much to be done on the train so we figured we would get to Lake Como and then figure it out. Unfortunately, it was three different trains which meant a lot of hopping off and on trains quickly with luggage.