The Incomplete Fairy Tale.....

No, you jackasses, I'm not talking about my social life.

Rather, I'm referring on several levels to Schloss Neuschwanstein.  You know, "THE" Palace.  The one on all of the tourism fliers, the one that inspired the Disney castles, etc. etc. etc.  Pictures in the gallery to the right.

First, King Ludwig died before it could be finished, and when he died, work stopped.  So, spectacular as it is, it remains an unfinished work.  Second, when we arrived, we were disappointed to see it half-covered in scaffolding undergoing some exterior touch-ups.

So.....we took the tour anyway.  It wasn't bad.  I think Russ was more impressed with it than I was.  I don't know what I was expecting, but it was a bit more than what I got out of the structure itself.  I guess my problem is that it's a "fake" castle.  Built far after the Castle had become obsolete as a fortress and/or seat of regional power, it was never a functional Castle per-se.  It is rather imposing, but I would almost rather tour a formerly-functional ruin......

Which is cool, because Schloss Hohenschwangau is about a mile away on top of a different hill.  this was the site of a medieval fortification that was destroyed in the Napoleonic wars and then rebuilt by King Ludwig's parents as a fortress-inspired residence and lodge.  We took this tour as well.  While smaller, it had some interesting touches that made it pretty interesting.

Both structures allowed for some pretty incredible vistas.

I think the goal for tomorrow will be some activity that doesn't involve walking up eleventy-million stairs and/or a solid mile straight up a mountain.  Yes it was worth it, but by the time we plopped down at an outdoor Cafe' back in Füssen for dinner, my dogs were barking.

That brings me to a good point. Füssen....VERY Touristy.  This area is what all of those absurd attractions up near Pigeon Forge wish they could be.  I kept having to remind myself that this was actual Germany and not some show-boat facsimile thereof.  Not necessarily the type of experience I'm looking for generally, but whatever.  I got to see some pretty cool stuff all the same.

Quick summary:  Hotel, Castle, Castle, Dinner:

Checked into Questionable Hotel

Hohenschwangau

Neuschwanstein

Dinner