the land known as germany

is a BEAUTIFUL place.


Let me count the reasons why.

"Intermediate rental car" translates into an Audi with GPS.


Sausages means thick, non-greasy links served drowned in piping-hot water in big tureens.


Infrastructure equals order and cleanliness (cough cough not Italy cough cough).


I could get used to this place.  And to the Audi.  Oh my gosh, *could* I get used to this Audi!  :)


First stop: Germany.  Kloster Andechs: Benedictine monks brewing beer since 1455.  I LOVE MONKS.  It was 6:30 AM American time but that didn't stop us from having beer.  Mmmmm.  German beer!


So, let's backtrack to Dulles Airport, where they have NASA photos of our solar system up now in one of the concourses - neat!

Arriving at the Closter and checking out the cat.

The church, built in the 1700's and looking good!

The inside of the Church, with the gorgeous white style that I loved so much in Austria.

Yep, that's the ceiling.

They have kept dozens of paschal candles.  Some are dated from the 1700's and most are beautifully decorated.

The upper walls are lined with pictures of the Madonna at the front of the Church, hung to give thanks for a special prayer or grace that was granted.

The outside of the church - just look at that wonderful bulby dome!

Detail work - see how the arches capture different architectural styles.

Jesus overlooking the valley.

Horrible picture of me looking sleep-deprived and jailbirdish - but check out the cool beerskellar! (sp)

LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THOSE THINGS.

Side spot in the Cloister.

Off for more adventures.  More to come!