Crazy King Ludwig

Bavaria has some strange history. King Ludwig II was eventually declared insane (and the next day was found drowned in the Starnberger See, the lake by our house). His rule was controversial - he squandered a huge amount of money, he was highly eccentric, reclusive and some say paranoid. It is unclear whether he was in fact insane, or just declared so by those who wanted him off the throne. The many castles that he was so criticized at the time for building have long since paid for themselves in tourist fees - they are now considered treasures of Bavaria. Last week, we visited one of the most famous, the Neuschwanstein.

Ludwig was a huge fan of the composer Richard Wagner, and many of his castles recreate scenes from Wagner operas. Inside (pictures not allowed) we found opulent furnishings, a gold mosaic "throne room," and a recreated grotto complete with stalactites (!).

Just down the hill there was yet another collosal Ludwig castle: the Hohenschwangau.

And a beautiful white church in the field leading up to the castles.

Gwendolyn spent much of the day like this - bundled against the cold in her new blue hat.

David also tried on a new hat. We often see older Bavarian men wearing wool hats like this, usually with a feather or two on the side. It's a new look for David - but suits him well, don't you think?