Day 9-Munich, Germany

It was so sad to leave Hopfgarten this morning, Austria was so much fun, from the Contiki staff to the awesome outdoor activities we got to do. In order to stay in Austria a little longer, Ryan took us on a special stop to the Swarovski Crystal Factory. Inside the shop it was gorgeous everything was sparkling and glittering, there was this amazing spinning globe in bright, beautiful colors. Most of the girls picked up some jewelry for themselves and the guys took care of the presents for their moms. The factory wasn't just a store though, there was a hilltop lookout, labrinth garden maze, playground, and a "Yes to All" sign, which created some interesting photo ops.

After the Swarovski factory it was back to the coach and on our way to another special stop. As we crossed over the border into Germany we arrived at the Dachau Concentration Camp, which was the first Nazi concentration camp in Germany. Here we were given time on our own to see the museum, barracks, memorials, and other areas of the camp. Being here was unreal, you read the plaques on the walls, and the descriptions in the rooms, but its so hard to believe the things that went on here. It was definately a moving experience being able to come to a place where such history has happened. Back on the coach there was a quite, reflective mood, and Ryan pasted out rocks from the grounds of the camp to each us, giving us a reminder of what people have been through and this would be a reminder to us to be strong when we need to be. This stop will definately be remembered forever by me and probably all my tourmates as well, it was a great opportunity we had to be able to see this kind of history.

Shortly after the concentration camp we were dropped off in the center of Munich at the Glockenspiel, a famous clock that is like a giant cuckoo clock with moving figures inside. We had sometime to sightsee, eat lunch, and shop. Erika and I headed straight for the closest Bratwurst place we could find, what else could you want for lunch in Germany; and it was amazing. We then browsed around the market place we were at, and just spent time people watching a relaxing in the city center. Before heading back to the coach we stopped in at a Church that was said to have the devil's foot print in one of the floor tiles of the entrance way. Luckily Erika's and my foot didn't fit the mold so we aren't the devil! ...are you??

Tonight dinner was at the famous Hofbrauhaus, one of the most famous beer halls in the world. The upstairs dining room was full of long wooden tables filled with people, and all the staff was wearing traditional German attire. As soon as we sat down almost everyone order the famous beer, which are huge! And we learned that cheers in German is Prost! It took me and Elise the entire dinner to finish our beer, but we were proud of our accomplishment in the end. Similar to Switzerland, tonite was a cultural dinner, so on stage there were performers throughout dinner, even one of our own got in on the action. Kevin got dressed in lederhosen and a hat and danced alongside the traditional men, it was hysterical. After dinner some people went downstairs for some more beers, while some of us headed back to the hotel.

Today was amazing because we had so many experiences and saw so many places all in one day. The crystals were beautiful, the concentration camp was moving, the brats and beer were yummy! Tomorrow we arrive in our final city, Prague! can't wait to see what is in store for us there.