Experience 'WONDER'

Following a two-year renovation, the oldest museum in Washington, D.C. and the first art museum built in the United States — the Renwick Gallery — reopened in November with an exhibition titled "Wonder." Nine contemporary artists — Jennifer Angus, Chakaia Booker, Gabriel Dawe, Tara Donovan, Patrick Dougherty, Janet Echelman, John Grade, Maya Lin, and Leo Villareal — each selected for their ability to focus on process and unexpected materials, transformed the empty spaces in the museum by creating room-sized art installations.

"Each of the artists has demonstrated a talent for conjuring the right balance of materials, scale, and sensitivity to a site to prompt reactions among viewers that hinge on surprise, awareness, and, crucially, awe," Nicholas R. Bell, the Fleur and Charles Bresler Curator in Charge at the Renwick Gallery writes in the exhibition catalog's introduction. 

The installations, which will be on view for six months, draw inspiration from the specific galleries in which they reside. 

“Never stop wandering into wonder.”

— Suzy Kassem

“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.”

— Rachel Carson

“It is a happiness to wonder; — it is a happiness to dream.”

— Edgar Allen Poe

“Wonder is the beginning of wisdom.”

— Socrates

“It is a wholesome and necessary thing for us to turn again to the earth and in the contemplation of her beauties to know the sense of wonder and humility.”

— Rachel Carson

“Even in the familiar there can be surprise and wonder.”

— Tierney Gearon

Renwick Gallery, located on Pennsylvania Avenue at 17th Street NW, Washington, DC, 20006, is open daily from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

The exhibition will close in two phases to allow for the reinstallation of the museum’s permanent collection. The second-floor galleries will close May 8, 2016, and the first-floor galleries will close July 10, 2016.

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Travel Journal » Happiness In Harburg + Rothenburg

After two days of exploring Munich, I decided to schedule a last minute tour to Harburg Castle and Rothenburg on Viator. Come Wednesday morning and my fifth day in Munich, I set off to Hauptbahnhof central station extra early in the rain so I could snag a good seat at the front of the bus. I blindly got out the wrong exit and found myself a little lost but a kindly German lady sent me in the right direction and all was right with the world again.

I was hesitant of booking this specific tour as many of the reviewers complained of the long drive and the short time in Rothenburg. That’s the unfortunate downside of booking tours — the amount of time you spend in a location will never be enough. But how often when you’re traveling do you feel as though you’ve spent an adequate amount of time in a place? Unless you have the luxury of being able to spend weeks in a locale, and even then, I think it’s hard to find that you’ve truly experienced everything you possibly could from a city. I find a certain beauty in enjoying a place so much you’re left with It. You can’t explain what It is — you needed just a little more of It. It is what fuels the desire to walk down every street, fill every museum, walk through every garden, climb every mountain, and step across every bridge. It is what pushes you and drives you to pack your bags, throw caution to the wind, and set off to see the world.

Perhaps my years of traveling throughout countries in vans and buses prepared me, but I didn't find the drive to be too long. Moreover, only 1/3 of the trains in Munich were operating due to a rail strike so this would have been a logistical nightmare for me had I been planning to get around on my own. I was more than happy to sit back and be comfortably transported around so I settled into my seat and gleefully stared out the window as we set off on the Romantic Road to Schloss (castle) Harburg.

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Harburg Castle

Situated on a hill, Harburg Castle is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved castle fortifications in Germany. It was an important military stronghold during the 11th and 12th centuries and has never been seriously damaged during battles.

Harburg Castle

Town of Harburg

Harburg Castle Wall Walk

Visiting Linderhof and Neuschwanstein was an incredible experience because it was my first time seeing a castle outside of Disney World and Disney Land, and as magnificent as they were, they were more akin to palaces. Harburg Castle, on the other hand, was a real castle with a Wall Walk, replete with loopholes, arrow loops, and murder holes to pour acid or hot oil onto the enemy, as well as a dungeon and torture room. I embraced my inner nerd and LARPer at heart because the entire time I was walking through the castle I was imagining my long gowns and cape trailing around my feet or the weight of my armor as I was notching my crossbow. Someone needs to protect the Iron Throne!

Harburg Castle Murder Hole

Harburg

After a tour of Harburg Castle and a walk through the gift shop which used to be the bakery, I set off towards Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the most perfectly preserved medieval town in Europe. In the Middle Ages, Rothenburg was Germany’s second-largest city, with a bustling population of 6,000. It had been rainy and cloudy up until leaving Harburg but the moment I got to Rothenburg the wind began blowing celestially and the sun gloriously emerged.

Medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Nutcracker guarding the Christmas Village

Giant Teddy Bear

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is Germany's Christmas capital

Alleyway in Rothenburg

Rothenburg is an unbelievably magical city straight out of a fairy tale. It feels as though you're walking on a movie set which only becomes a million times better when you realize you've stepped out of a time machine. The perfectly intact town walls, larded with towers and gateways, still fully enclose the center of the city, and you’re able to walk on the ramparts to admire the various perspectives of the city's beautiful buildings, walls, and alleys. I ditched my paper map and decided to wander aimlessly in the Market Square, alleyways, and Castle Garden. I walked down cobbled streets and roamed through passageways — weaving, twisting, turning as I felt inclined. I then proceeded to climb the dusty stairs up to the ramparts and when I delightfully found myself up there alone the way you only can when you visit off season, I did what any normal, reasonable person would do — I began filming videos for my very own travel show. 

Walking the walls of Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Roaming around Rothenburg

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Rothenburg Market Square

I fell in love with the enchanting town of Rothenburg, and standing in the Market Square I promised myself I would return (hopefully soon) to see the Christmas Markets and stay overnight to venture around at night. Going through my photo album, my hair is crazy from the morning rain, my sunglasses were broken so I had to settle with a cheap pair I had thrown in my bag last minute, and the angle and lighting is off in virtually every picture, but none of that matters because when I look at every single one of these pictures, I see pure, unadulterated happiness radiating from my face, and I can recall exactly how I felt as if I was there now. Sitting on the garden wall, staring out at the beautiful scenery of the pastoral valley surrounding Rothenburg, my heart soaring and leaping out of my chest, I felt something inside of me switch back on — a desire to purge the negativity that had been consuming my life and the determination to once again live deliberately.

View of Rothenburg from the Castle Garden

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Soar And Sail Through History At The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center

Washington D.C. is famous for its historic landmarks as well as its expansive museums that appeal to a wide range of interests. The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, the partner facility to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum on the National Mall in Washington D.C. is no exception, and an absolute must-see for anyone visiting or living in the area. I’ve lived in the Northern Virginia area for most of my life but I never visited the Center until earlier this year. As a lover of all things soaring, flying, and space, it was a truly incredible and delightful experience. 

Mary Baker Engen Restoration Hangar

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird on the right

Boeing Aviation Hangar

The planes displayed throughout the two hangars span over a century of flight from the early days of the Wright Brothers, through the World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam, to early and recent commercial aviation. Just a few of the notable attractions include the balloon gondola and the suit Felix Baumgartner wore during his record-breaking jump and supersonic freefall, the space shuttle Discovery, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (the fastest jet in the world), a Concorde, and the Enola Gay, the B-29 bomber that dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan.

I  always find it astounding to see any piece of history in real life  (as opposed to models or recreations) as there's something extraordinarily humbling about being in front of such historically important artifacts. Closing your eyes you can hear the World War II fighter planes shooting down their German counterparts, feel the rush and soar of a Blackbird breaking the sound barrier, the lurch and immediate 160-degree turn of the Enola Gay taking the bomber away from the explosion, and see the view of Earth while standing at the edge of space. You can spend hours walking around the Center marveling at the sights and admiring the stunning restorations — navigating through a brilliant kaleidoscope of history.

The Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center is located at 14390 Air and Space Museum Parkway in Chantilly, VA. It's just a few short miles away from Washington Dulles International Airport, making it the perfect stopover before a flight or during a layover. Regular hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; summer hours extend until 6:30 p.m. Admission is free but there is a parking fee of $15.

Space Shuttle Discovery

Space Shuttle Discovery

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Travel Journal » Meandering Through Marienplatz

Tuesday brought my fourth day in Munich and at this point I was navigating around like a pro. Okay, fine, the morning started off a little unsteadily as there were moments of walking around in circles trying to figure out which way I was heading (not sure why we’re on iOS 8 and the blue dot in Maps is still not an arrow) but I found my bearings and headed towards Marienplatz, Munich’s city center. Dating back to the 12th century, Marienplatz is the heart of Munich and used to be home to medieval markets, celebrations, and tournaments.

At 11:00 am and noon, tourists gather to take in the Rathaus-Glockenspiel in the magnificent, neo-gothic Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall), replete with gargoyles, statutes, and a dragon scaling the turrets. The Munich Glockenspiel recounts a royal wedding and a jousting tournament on the top level, and a ritualistic Barrel Makers’ dance on the lower level, while different melodies play on the clock’s 43 bells. Lasting about 15 minutes, the show concludes with the golden bird up the top emerging and chirping three times. I came out of the station just in time to catch the delightful display.

 Neues Rathaus (New Town Hall)

It was apparent as soon as I landed in Munich that there are probably a total of, I don't know, 20 Asians in Munich. Despite Munich being Europe’s top technology hub and containing the second largest number of publishing houses in the world outside of New York, there is surprisingly very little diversity in this city. Looking back now, I’m realizing there were actually no black people either. I received a lot of stares when I was out and about but living in one of the most, if not most, racist countries in the world (Murica!), I wasn’t too fazed. Marienplatz, however, was full of tourists from most likely every continent and huge crowds of people filled the entire square chattering in numerous foreign languages. It was fascinating to see so many people gathered together from all over the world to admire the massive cathedral-like tower and architecture of Neues Rathaus. (This thing is so colassal it's virtually impossible to get a picture of it without using a drone.)

Cenotaph of Emperor Louis IV by Hans Krumpper inside Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)

Inside Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)

Inside Frauenkirche (Cathedral of Our Dear Lady)

I spent the day getting lost in the streets, observing people enjoying meals outside, walking in and out of churches, and doing some shopping. Munich is an expensive city but as the Dollar/Euro exchange rate is very favorable right now (about $1 to 1€), I didn’t have to deal with the additional stress of calculating the exchange rate every time I purchased something. Americans say the Euro is weak, Europeans say the Dollar is strong — either way, Europe is on sale right now and I’m glad I was able to take advantage. 

Open-air stalls of Viktualienmarkt

Open-air stalls of Viktualienmarkt

Biergarten (beer garden) Viktualienmarkt

The weather had been rainy, cloudy, and cool since I landed so I was delighted to have a gorgeous sunny day with a temperature of 83 degrees. After grabbing a smoothie, I made my way over towards Viktualienmarkt (victuals market) to explore the market stalls. The market boats 140 stalls and shops offering flowers and plants, fruits and vegetables, meat, herbs, spices, delicatessens, wine and tea, and more. There are butcher shops, open-air cheese and produce stands, beer halls, and plenty of places to sit, eat, and drink.

That’s one of my favorite things about Munich and Europe, for that matter — al fresco dining. There are always people sitting out and about, sharing a meal and a drink, and catching up while taking in their surroundings. In Munich, I love how there is never a rush to get the check but everyone takes the time to enjoy the beautiful weather, delicious food, cold beers, and each other's company under the cool shade of giant trees. It's evident that Munichs (a term I coined for people who live in Munich) appreciate the pleasures of a slower pace of life that is filled with good food, good friends, and good times, and it's definitely a practice I want to incorporate into my own life.

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Staying Connected Abroad: International Data Plan or SIM Card?

We’ve all grown accustomed to readily having internet access on our mobile devices anywhere and everywhere that it can be especially difficult when you travel abroad. Sure, you won’t need the majority of your apps but you would like to be able to access Google Maps to conveniently find your way around, use Yelp to make sure no one posted a picture of a cockroach in the food at the restaurant you’re about to eat at, and, you know, Instagram your travels because it basically didn’t happen if it’s not on Instagram.

Travel tip: SIM cards only work in GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) phones that are unlocked.

If you want to avoid being hit with a massive bill for roaming charges, you have two options for staying connected when you’re traveling overseas: 1) You can buy an international data plan through your mobile carrier, or 2) you can buy a SIM card in country.

If you have Verizon, you can check out travel packages through their Travel Planner link on their website. You enter the country you’ll be traveling to, the make and model of your phone, and it provides the bundle packages available to purchase. The only package available for my trip to Germany was:

Verizon.com

I wasn’t impressed. $40 for 100 MB of data? Yeah, no thanks. I wasn’t sure exactly how much a SIM card would cost me in Germany but I figured it would be cheaper than the package. I called Verizon and confirmed my phone was factory unlocked before flying out of the country.

I was really glad I didn’t purchase the data plan through Verizon because you can buy SIM cards anywhere in Germany as soon as you step out of the airport. There are a number of electronics stores that sell them and you can even purchase them in supermarkets. I saw a 100 MB of data SIM card for 10€ at REWE Center.

I went into a Vodafone retailer in Munich and they were able to quickly set me up with a new SIM card for my phone. I’ve read on a few travel forums that you need to be a German citizen to buy a SIM card from a German mobile operator. I don’t know if this is the case with a German based mobile operator but I did not need a German ID at Vodafone.

A 500 MB data plan with 200 minutes of talk and 200 messages cost me 10€ and 15€ to install, paid either through cash or a German credit card. They’ll quickly set everything up for you, switch out your SIM, ask you to wait in the store till you receive a confirmation text message, and then you’re good to go. The entire process took me less than 10 minutes.

Conclusion? Buying a SIM card in country is hands down always a better option than purchasing an expensive data package from your mobile carrier. 

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Travel Journal » Finding Comfort In Discomfort

Monday morning and my third day in Munich brought my first day of being on my own. My friend had flown into Munich for work so my week ahead was empty in plans but filled with enthusiasm to seek out adventure. I had booked a tour to Salzburg on Thursday but besides that my schedule was open to come and go as I pleased. Prior to leaving for Germany, I had done some research to get an idea of activities I wanted to do and places I wanted to see, but I also wanted to be flexible to new opportunities. 

Outside of venturing to foreign places by myself for school, traveling has always been with someone I was dating, in large groups, or with my family — so basically, never alone. I had grown accustomed to moving around with someone else and sharing experiences so I was in uncharted territory, literally and figuratively. Despite feeling apprehensive, I was looking forward to challenging myself.

After sleeping in and working on a few articles in the hotel room, I set off to explore the surrounding neighborhood and area. At first I had been hoping to be in a hotel closer to city center but as the days passed I liked how the hotel was further removed from the majority of the tourist areas. Walking down streets and through neighborhoods where locals worked and lived provided a more authentic experience of Munich's culture. 

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Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower)

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Rita McBride's 'Mae West' at the Effnerplatz

My first stop was to a Vodafone retailer where I bought and swapped out my SIM card. This was definitely better than purchasing an international data plan through my wireless carrier as I was able to get more data and minutes for a better price. Sure, I didn’t have my original number but I could call people if I needed through apps like KakaoTalk or Line — my only real need for data was for readily accessing Maps.

I then headed over to a nearby two-level supermarket and spent the next hour perusing the aisles. That may sound like a dull way to spend your time in a new city but I absolutely loved it. The smell of freshly baked bread and sandwiches floated through the aisles and I loved seeing the different array of fresh foods and fruits that were packaged and neatly displayed. I delighted over grocery products in packaging I recognized but words I couldn’t read, and looked uncertainly at foreign products I would never see on shelves in America. Then I bought and ate a sandwich in the café section of the supermarket while I people watched. It was fantastic.

Whenever I’m walking around in Washington D.C. or when I’m out and about on my own I have a tendency to listen to music, as, for the most part, I prefer to exist in my own bubble. Walking around with my headphones in ensures 1) I’m always entertained, but mostly 2) everyone leaves me alone. And perhaps it has a lot to do with 3) never feeling uncomfortable. It's partly why we all constantly stare emptily at our phones every chance we get, isn't it? I decided not to do that in Munich and instead listen to the cars, the buses, people's conversations carrying out into the streets, and the sounds of the city — to the hustle and bustle of everyday life I hastily block out back home.

Monopteros in the English Garden

Ceiling of the Monopteros 

I allowed myself to get lost for a bit and then headed over towards the English Garden. There’s something enthralling about researching a place and subsequently seeing it in person. I love the sensation of your brain recalling a memory of a picture along with your preconceived idea of what you thought something would be like, and simultaneously combining that with the reality of what you’re looking at — the way it feels to see one of the Wonders of the World or finally be standing in front of an iconic landmark. I felt the same way when I was staring up at the Leaning Tower of Pisa. I had written about the English Garden and the highlights of it so it was surreal to leisurely walk down the paths and across fields I had viewed in pictures and enjoy a beer in front of the Chinese Tower I had been so fascinated with. The entire time I was radiating with light like Yvaine in Stardust — an electrifying buzz of elation pulsating in my brain and coursing through my veins. Mostly, it was a sense of accomplishment, a 'holy shit, I'm really here doing this!' awareness, and feeling really fucking pleased with myself.

Looking at Munich's skyline from the steps of the Monopteros

I had been feeling slightly lonely and self-conscious exploring on my own — walking around by myself while I passed couples and groups of friends laughing — but walking through the English Garden, I was overcome with a tremendous sense of peace and tranquility, and for the first time in a long time, I felt comfortable with being uncomfortable. I've always had a tendency to retreat within myself — distancing myself from human experiences and expanding the bubble I exist in. Perhaps I had gradually developed too much complacency in comfort and too big of an aversion towards discomfort. I slowly began to let air out of that bubble, allowing myself to be open to feelings and the world I had carefully disconnected from, and sitting on the steps of the Monopteros, staring across the expansive green landscape towards Munich's skyline dotted with churches, I knew everything was going to be okay.

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Travel Journal » Chasing Castles

Sunday morning and my second day in Munich started off extra early in order to watch the Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight, which aired at 6 a.m. local time. It was still raining steadily when I got out of The Keg Bar, and it’s always a bit jarring when you enter an underground bar when it’s dark out and emerge hours later into the early morning light.

My friend and I had some time before we needed to head to Hauptbahnhof (Munich’s main railway station), where our tour was leaving from, so we escaped the rain by heading into a nearby McDonalds. I love checking out McDonalds all over the world not only because of the variety of the menus but because it’s interesting to see how the interior and atmosphere varies from country to country. My best memory of a McDonalds abroad was in Florence a few years back. It was incredibly expensive but the lights were dim and glowing, electronic music was playing on the speakers, and everyone was dressed up — it was basically a club that happened to serve McDonalds.

Travel tip: Check Viator regularly prior to and during your trip as they occcasionally offer specials for a savings of 20% - 50% off their original tour prices.

A coffee and scrambled egg McMuffin platter later, we headed to Karstadt department store, as all of the buses of Munich’s local tour company Gray Line Sightseeing depart in front of it. I had booked the ‘Royal Castles of Neuschwanstein and Linderhof Day Tour from Munich’ tour on Viator during the course of my research prior to leaving for Germany. As luck would have it, Viator happened to have incredible deals for Munich so I was able to book the tour for $35 as opposed to the usual $58 (offered locally for 49€).

There are plenty of ways to travel to sights and cities around Germany on your own but given my short time in Munich, I didn’t want to have to deal with the hassle of finding my way around and trying to book train and bus tickets. There are definitely cons to tour groups, such as a limited time at each location, but I also love the ease of being transported from place to place while being given a background of the destinations I’m visiting. Our guide, Elizabeth, explained in great detail the history of Munich, Bavaria, the life of King Ludwig II, and the palaces he built. In addition, these aren’t small Greyhound buses but large double-decker buses, which are rather roomy and comfortable. We grabbed the two very back seats on the upper level of the bus and set out towards castles in the rain.

Our first stop was Schloss Linderhof (‘Schloss’ is ‘castle’ in German), situated a little over an hour southwest of Munich in Graswang Valley, near the village of Ettal. It is the smallest of the three palaces built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria and the only one he lived to see completed. The “Royal Villa” is a splendid Rococo palace inspired by the opulence of Versailles from the age of Louis XIV of France.

Neuptune Fountain and music pavilion at Linderhof

Schloss Linderhof

Luckily, the rain mostly cleared up when we arrived and though overcast, we were able to roam the grounds and take incredible pictures before heading into the palace for our timed tour. (Timed tours simply mean your pre-purchased ticket is at a set time.)

You aren’t allowed to take pictures inside but from an ivory chandelier to the Hall of Mirrors, each room contains opulent and extravagant furnishings dedicated to the Sun King Louis XIV who King Ludwig II idolized. Linderhof is exquisite and absolutely worth visiting and touring inside if you have an opportunity. 

Schloss Linderhof

We then boarded the bus to head to our second stop of the Bavarian village of Oberammergau, world-famous for its woodcarvers, richly painted houses (Luftl-paintings), and Passion Play. During the 17th century, the bubonic plague was raging throughout Europe. The surviving population of Oberammergau came together in 1633 and took a vow — that they would perform the "Play of the Suffering, Death and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ" every ten years if God would spare the village further suffering. From the moment the vow was taken, there were no further deaths in the village and all those who were ill from the plague recovered, and the town has been performing the Passion Play ever since.

Hansel and Gretel house in Oberammergau

I loved the fairy tale houses (Luftl fresco paintings are characteristic decorations on houses in Alpine regions) and it was interesting to see a Bavarian village but Oberammergau felt a bit like a tourist trap. Most of the shops in Germany close on Sunday but fortunately there were a few souvenir and wood-carving shops open to peek in and out of. We strolled around the neighborhood, looked at the grand theater where the Passion Play is held, and then headed back to the bus.

Hansel and Gretel Luftl painting in detail in Oberammergau

We continued our journey to the magnificent, neo-Romanesque style Schloss Neuschwanstein, which was the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. The bus dropped us off at Hohenschwangau, a small village at the foot of the castle, where we had time for lunch and an opportunity to explore the grounds of Neuschwanstein before our timed tour. We wasted more time than necessary by going from restaurant to restaurant trying to narrow down the “best” place to eat. We ultimately settled on one and ordered rather untasty pasta dishes but we were full so it did what it needed to.

I had researched Neushwanstein prior to my trip for my own knowledge as well as for this blog but I hadn’t realized exactly how much walking it would entail. From the town of Hohenschwangau up to the castle is a 30 to 40 minute walk (depending on your pace) up a steep hill. Luckily, the Stairmaster and walking the treadmill at an incline is incorporated into my regular gym routine because without it I definitely would have struggled. Prepare to sweat. However, there are also horse drawn carriages that can take you up and down the hill if you prefer not to schlep it like a commoner.

Walking up the hill towards Neuschwanstein

Pictures don’t do Neuschwanstein justice, as it is a truly majestic and spectacular experience walking up the hill towards this towering castle set against the Bavarian Alps. We passed the castle and made our way towards Marienbrücke (Mary's Bridge), a wooden bridge crossing a large gorge with steep cliffs on both sides. The view from the bridge is unbelievable as you’re able to take in the grandeur of the castle in its entirety and the landscape from a great height. We ended up losing track of time taking pictures and videos on the rickety bridge and raced back down to the castle to our tour — we made it just as our group was walking in. The interior of Neuschwanstein wasn’t as lavish as Linderhoff but it was still so delightful to walk through the rooms and observe the artwork, furniture, and detailing throughout.

View of Neuschwanstein from Mary's Bridge

Following the tour, we made our way through the gift shop and spent far too much time trying to decide what unnecessary souvenirs to buy (magnet or shot glass?!), ended up losing track of time, again, and raced back down the hill to the bus and, again (thankfully), made it just in time. It was an exhausting day but my eyes and heart were filled to the brim by the awe and beauty of the day's magnificent sights. Even the rain and clouds added romance and enchantment to the experience.

Once we got back to the station around 7 p.m. we picked up a pizza and salads from a nearby restaurant, cabbed back to the hotel, and happily munched away at cheesy deliciousness while we stretched our sore legs and recapped the day.

Castle chasing is hard work. 

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Travel Journal » Madness For Manny In Munich

The Mayweather vs. Pacquiao fight was on Saturday night in the United States, which meant I had to find a bar in Munich that was open at around 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning airing the fight. A Google search and TripAdvisor thread proved to be useful in providing bars in Munich that were showing, and then subsequently not showing the fight. Our best bet was The Keg Bar which stated on their website they would, indeed, be showing the fight. When they didn’t answer their phone, we ventured out in the rain at 5:30 a.m. to hail a cab, hoping for the best. Luckily, the bar was open (success!) and filled with locals and tourists cheering on Pacquiao. Nothing like starting off your morning at 6:00 a.m. with a Guinness. Breakfast of champions.

The crowd anxiously watches the fight at The Keg Bar

The bar was packed with people and as it was raining out and the bar was located downstairs the smell wasn’t exactly welcoming but the energy was palpable and everyone was excited for “the fight of the century.” Except it wasn’t. By now, if you saw the fight, or if you read the news in any form, you know the fight was boring, incredibly underwhelming, and Mayweather won by unanimous decision. However, as disappointing as the fight was, being able to watch the fight at 6 in the morning in Munich amongst a crowd of fans is a memory that’ll last forever.

The crowd at The Keg Bar

And what made the night even more memorable was seeing this guy who we had seen the night before at Augustiner Keller beer garden, already quite inebriated. While we had gone home from the beer garden, gone to sleep, woken up, gotten ready, and headed out to the bar, this guy had been out partying all night long. Man in traditional Lederhosen garb, I salute you. 

Champion hard partier

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Travel Journal » Guten Morgen Deutschland

My first impression when I landed in Frankfurt, Germany was simultaneously how impressive the airport architecture was, as well as how disarmingly good-looking the German men were. I had to go through passport control before heading to my gate to my connecting flight and perhaps it was the Polizia uniforms, but yes. More, please. Munich men, unfortunately, not so much.

Travel tip: When leaving Franz Josef Strauss Airport in Munich, all of the terminals link to the S-Bahn. You can take either S-1 or S-8 to get to Hauptbahnhof (central station) where you can easily transfer to the U-Bahn. The S-8 is 5-6 minutes faster but get on whichever train arrives first if Hauptbahnhof is where you want to transfer.

The flight from Frankfurt to Munich was only a half hour or so but by the time I landed I was exhausted from 11 hours of traveling and it was now 1:00 am back home. After meeting my friend we decided to forego a cab to the hotel and take the S-Bahn as I wanted to get a look at the German countryside. The funny thing about Munich is that it’s almost exactly as you would imagine it to be. We passed green pastures dotted with yellow flowers, slowly pulled into and out of the quaint stations along the tracks, and rolled through sleepy towns that ended in -schleißheim. The scenery through the train car window was familiarly comforting.

We ended up hailing a taxi from Hauptbahnhof, the main central station, but could have easily taken the U-Bahn (Munich’s underground railway system) to our hotel, which was only 8 stops away. The transit system in Munich is incredibly well organized and easy to use, and the ticket machines offer multiple language options so you don’t have to deal with the anxiety of, well, not being able to read or understand German.

Breakfast at Wiener's Cafe

After dropping off our bags at our hotel we had a Bavarian breakfast of smoked salmon on greens, eggs, hash browns, and a basket of bread along with a glass of Rosé. The Rosé was a nice touch. I really should start off every breakfast with a glass. 

After checking into our room and a quick nap we ventured out and started exploring the city. We had both (naturally) researched Korean restaurants before our trip so we went to the one with the best reviews. Korean restaurants in foreign countries are always interesting because they’re all different but entirely the same, down to the very Chinese-influenced decorations. The majority of my travels through the world have been with my family arranged through Korean travel agencies, which meant stopping at least once at a Korean restaurant (often the only one for miles). Old school Koreans (my father included) are notoriously picky eaters. The fare is always the same on these tours: bulgogi (grilled marinated beef), giant vats of jjigae (stew), and a variety of banchan (side dishes).

Kim’s is a small restaurant run by a small Korean woman, and while the place was virtually empty when we stepped in, by the time we left the entire place was filled with local Germans. Kim’s offers traditional Korean fare you would expect to find at a typical Korean restaurant from meat dishes to soups. We ordered a seafood pajun (pancake), my friend ordered bulgogi, and I ordered the soondubu (tofu soup), along with an ice cold glass of beer for each of us. 

Seafood pajun at Kim's

The seafood pajun had teeny pieces of seafood in it and it was mostly fried batter but it was crispy and delicious, and the weather was rainy when we landed so my warm stew definitely hit the spot. All in all, the food wasn't anything extraordinary but surprisingly adequate. I know that doesn’t sound particularly favorable but you can’t have high expectations for Korean food when you’re in a city or country with a very low Korean population so you learn to adjust your expectations. So 'adequate’ is actually a compliment.

After dinner we went searching for a beer garden as we are in Munich, after all. Bavaria’s beer gardens date back to over 200 years and there are more than 180 beer gardens of varying sizes in and around Munich. A great feature about Munich’s beer gardens is that you’re allowed to bring your own food as long as you purchase drinks. This dates back to 1812 when King Max Joseph I wanted to allow all citizens, even those who couldn’t afford to purchase the food, to enjoy the gardens. We decided to skip the famous Hofbräuhaus as it seemed too touristy for us and instead went to Augustiner Keller, which has been around since 1812. With about 5,000 seats it's the third largest beer garden in Munich. The service was terrible as I’ve found most German places to be but the beer was fucking delicious. I’ve never been a fan of beer but beer in Munich is liquid gold. 

Insile hall of Augustiner Keller Beer Garden

It was an incredibly lovely day and I'm excited to see what adventures await me. Tomorrow brings castles which I'm really looking forward to.

Gute Nacht and Auf Wiedersehen!

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Delayed? Bumped From Your Flight? Get Paid

I was packing my suitcase the morning of my afternoon flight when I received a notification from United Airlines that my flight was delayed by 245 minutes due to a late inbound aircraft arrival. I had booked a nonstop flight from Washington D.C. to Munich, Germany, arriving at Franz Josef Strauss Airport right around the same time as a friend who was flying in from another country, so a delay was far from ideal and also, just plain irritating (get it, plane irritating?!). Furthermore, getting into Munich nearly 5 hours later than I had originally planned completely threw off my itinerary.

I first tweeted United Airlines expressing my dismay and was surprised when they replied. I always appreciate great customer service so knowing my feedback wasn’t lost in the Twittersphere and that United was actively monitoring their account gave them bonus points in an otherwise frustrating situation.

I loved you @united until you sent me a notification my #flight is delayed by 245 minutes.

— BOSSY GALS (@thebossygals) May 1, 2015

@thebossygals I know the delay can be frustrating, but it won't deter us from not loving you. Let me know if you need to be rebooked. ^JH

— United (@united) May 1, 2015

I then called United Airlines and a representative was able to rebook my reservation to a Lufthansa flight at no cost. It wasn’t the ideal resolution as my flight now left two hours earlier than my original flight and I had a layover but I was able to arrive into Munich the same time as my original flight would have. I realize my hiccup was tiny compared to travelers who arrive at the airport only to be delayed for hours or end up staying at an airport hotel until they can get a flight out the following day.

@united Thanks for rebooking me on @lufthansa and for the mini upgrade! pic.twitter.com/bjNuUz9CEi

— BOSSY GALS (@thebossygals) May 2, 2015

Flight tip: In the event you are involuntarily bumped from an overbooked U.S. flight, accepting a voucher offered by the airline makes you ineligible to receive a cash payment. Take the cash!

Many people are unaware that under European law, passengers whose flights from Europe are delayed by at least three hours or canceled are eligible for up to about $825 (depending on the length of delay and distance of the flight). Flights to Europe and within Europe on an European Union-based carrier are also subject to European Union law. 

In the United States, you can claim up to $1,300 if you’re involuntarily bumped from a flight that’s oversold. You can submit claims that are up to three years old.

How? European fliers can find forms at individual airlines or through the European Union, and U.S. forms can be accessed through the Department of Transportation’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division. Or websites such as AirHelp and refund.me can easily help you determine if you have a claim and deal with all of the messy paperwork for a percentage of your claim.

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Travel Journal » IAD — FRA — MUC

Paris is always a good idea but to be honest, anywhere different from where you live is always a good idea. I’m a firm believer travel does wonders for the soul, which is why I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to visit Munich, Germany for a week. Dealing with ongoing personal issues, still reeling from a breakup I should have been over months ago, and unsure about the direction of my life, I was craving any opportunity to explore the world and fill my heart with happiness and wonder again.

When the idea of traveling to Munich first arose, I did what any person in this day and age age would do. I Googled, ‘Is Munich worth visiting?’ My initial search results weren’t particularly favorable. I was going to be using my carefully saved miles so it was important I visited somewhere “worth it.” While I realize this is an incredibly subjective question to be asking a search engine, I knew thousands of people before me had wondered and asked the same, and I was curious to know what my fellow citizens of the world thought of this Bavarian capital. My initial reaction was to wait — to see if somewhere “better” would come along — but the more research I did, the more I fell in love with the history and culture of the city, and I came to terms with the reality that any city you visit will be what it is you make of it. And honestly, how much of our lives do we waste waiting for something better to come around? How often do we fail to see the beauty and significance in the opportunities directly in front of us while we’re chasing something we think is bigger and greater? So with barely two weeks to prepare I decided to pull the trigger, and here I am, sitting on a Boeing 747, headed towards Frankfurt, Germany to make my way towards Munich.

I’ll only be in Germany for a week but I’ll gladly to take it. And through this culmination of events I can’t help thinking how funny and unexpected life is — how the people you think will remain forever are the quickest to abandon you and those you think will remain in the shadows emerge in your greatest time of need. A year ago I couldn’t have imagined I would be where I am in my life now and just a few weeks ago I couldn’t possibly have fathomed I would be sitting on a plane to Germany but isn’t that what makes life so beautiful? How unpredictable and unexpected it can be? How painful and heartbreaking it can be but almost immediately, how it will redeem itself and provide you with an opportunity and series of events that will take your breath away?

I’m on my way towards a completely new city on the other side of the world feeling nervous and excited, heart and mind open to adventure, friendships, and new experiences. I’m constantly hoping to revive and redeem others but for the next week I’m on a journey to restore, renew, revive, and redeem myself.

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6 Essential To-Dos Before Your Flight

Your bags are packed, you’ve planned every outfit down to the accessories and shoes, you’ve Yelped and found a list of bars and restaurants you want to hit, you’ve mapped out an itinerary of activities you want to do, but have you done these 6 essential tasks before you head to the airport?

1. Make sure your Passport/ID is valid (and you have it). You’d be surprised how many people don’t realize their passport/ID is expired before they head to the airport. Luckily, with domestic flights, an expired ID (or if you happen to lose or forget yours) won’t ruin your travel plans. Approach the security area and explain your situation to a TSA agent. You’ll have to fill out a TSL 44 form — a release that states your name, the last four of your SSN digits, and your home address (you must have lived there for at least a year) that grants the TSA permission to check your social security records. You’ll then be asked several questions, such as your date of birth, names of relatives, etc. to verify your identity, TSA will call your answers into a hotline, and if everything checks out, you’ll be able to proceed through security. Arrive at the airport early to leave time for extra interviews and security checks. So while you can fly domestically without a valid form of ID, it’s obviously inconvenient and you want to avoid it if possible.

For international travel, several countries mandate that you have at least three to six months left until your passport expires. If you enter the country with an expired passport, not only will you be fined but in some cases, you’ll also be immediately deported. If your passport expires while you're abroad, you can face significant problems, and you may also face problems returning to the United States.

2. Call your bank/credit card company and let them know your travel plans. A good bank and credit card company will flag your account and lock it when someone tries to authorize a transaction in a different state or country. The last thing you want to do is rack up international minutes on your phone trying to connect with a representative who can sort it all out, and this is assuming you’re calling during a time when you can even speak to a representative.

3. Call your wireless carrier (or visit its website) to see what international plans it offers. It’s often easier (and cheaper) to buy a package of minutes and international data than pay roaming fees. Or seek out a local cellular provider once you arrive in your destination country, and buy a pre-paid SIM card. Keep in mind, for this to work your phone needs to have an unlocked SIM slot. I have a Verizon iPhone 5 which comes factory unlocked. A quick Google search will help you find out if your phone comes unlocked or how you can unlock it. 

4. Withdraw a few hundred dollars in cash from your bank account. Sometimes, even with the best preparation, complications and hiccups arise. The last thing you want is to land in a foreign country with all of your credit cards frozen. Luckily, cash is the universal language. In addition, I know multiple instances where having cash helped people get out of sticky situations abroad.

5. Call your hotel in advance to confirm your reservation. I’m surprised more people don’t do this considering it takes less than 10 minutes and can help avoid unnecessary stress, anger, and precious vacation time in the event you arrive to your hotel and they don’t have your reservation on file. Oftentimes, it can easily be sorted out but I have heard stories where the hotel had no trace of the reservation and was completely booked.

6. Check the weather. While we all know weather forecasters are famously inaccurate at times, and the weather can change at a moment’s notice, it’s good to have an idea of the weather so you can pack appropriately. Sure, you can buy ponchos or umbrellas overseas but do you really want to be spending your time going shopping for items you could have easily thrown into your bag with a quick Google search? For example, if it's raining the day you fly in, you'll want to keep an umbrella in your bag. Getting soaked is not an ideal way to start off your vacation. 

This BOSSY GALS essential to-do list before your flight will allow you to focus your time and energy into what you should be doing on your vacation — adventuring! Safe travels and have fun! 

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Europe's First Public Garden: Bavaria's Englischer Garten

Munich’s Englischer Garten (“English Garden”) is one of the largest urban parks in the world – even larger than Central Park in New York and Hyde Park in London – with an area of 370 hectares (910 acres). Named for the English style of landscape gardening, the English Garden was commissioned by Elector Karl Theodor in 1789 and designed by Benjamin Thompson.

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The park is popular with locals and visitors alike who come to lounge and picnic on grassy meadows, bike through winding paths, imbibe at the beer gardens, surf, or sunbathe naked. There are over 100 bridges and footbridges, as well as hedgehogs, squirrels, wild rabbits, hares and foxes, and 50-60 species of birds that breed in the English Garden. The English Garden is divided into two parts, separated by the Isarring, a road that goes through the park.

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Highlights of the English Garden include:

• Chinesischer Turm (Chinese Tower) and its huge beer garden which seats 7000 people;
• Japanese Teahouse, where you can take part in a traditional tea ceremony on the weekends;
• Monopteros, a Greek-style temple, the highest point in the English Garden offering great views over the park and the city;
• Lake Kleinhesseloher See, where you can rent a paddle boat, and its idyllic beer garden Seehaus; and
• Schönfeldwiese, the lawn where nude sunbathing has been allowed since the 1960's.

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The Castle Of The Fairytale King: Bavaria's Neuschwanstein Castle

Neuschwanstein Castle was built between 1869 and 1886 on the ruins of Vorder and Hinterhohenschwangau under King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The castle was built on a rugged hill against a backdrop of picturesque mountain scenery, and is known all over the world as a symbol of idealized romantic architecture and for the tragic story of its owner. King Ludwig II's extravagance and romanticism earned him the title Mad King Ludwig.

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Neuschwanstein was intended to "embody the true spirit of the medieval German castle," as King Ludwig II wrote in a letter to his friend Richard Wagner, and he planned his private refuge with the help of a stage designer rather than an architect. The picture cycles in the castle were inspired by the operas of Wagner (such as "Tannhäuser" and "Lohengrin"), to whom the king dedicated the castle, and the corresponding medieval legends from Wagner’s works. Despite the medieval motif of the decor, the castle was actually outfitted with latest technology of the time with running water and central heating.

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Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. Every year 1.4 million people visit "the castle of the fairytale king” that was the inspiration for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle.

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Want to live in your own fairytale castle? Here are 7 stunning castles in Europe you can buy right now.

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The Most Beautiful Spring Garden In The World: Holland's Keukenhof

The world's second largest flower garden and arguably one of the world's most spectacular gardens, Keukenhof Gardens is located in the picturesque town of Lisse in the Netherlands (just an hour by train from Amsterdam).

Keukenhof Gardens, known as the Garden of Europe, showcases seven million blooming bulbs on its grounds, all of which are hand-planted, including rare species of tulips, an impressive collection of orchids, vibrant daffodils, more than 2,700 trees, and a spring garden covering 32 hectares (that’s roughly 79 acres for us Americans). Keunkenhof contains large indoor exhibition pavilions named after the Dutch royals, a traditional 19th century Dutch windmill, a lake with stepping stones, and an electric boat ride (45 minutes) past the adjacent bulb fields. The park also contains many outdoor artwork sculptures, and even a petting zoo for children. Also located nearby is the Keukenof Castle, a Dutch manor built in the 17th century.  

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Despite the Keukenof Gardens being open only for 2 months between late March to late May each year, the attraction draws up to 800,000 visitors. Peak bloom is around mid-April, but this can vary somewhat with the weather. Every year, Keukenhof creates a completely new look according to a central theme. This year, the park will pay tribute to Dutch artist Van Gogh with their curated, hand-planted floral designs and a Selfie Garden (inspired by the "selfies" Van Gogh painted).

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Keukenhof is open from March 20 to May 17 this year from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. daily (The ticket office closes at 6 p.m.).

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Northern Lights Illuminate the Sky Behind Glacier Climbers

When ice climbers Mike Stuart and Takeshi Tani set off to scale the Athabasca Glacier at Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, their photographer Paul Zizka was just hoping for clear skies. The trio was in for an unbelievable surprise when the Northern Lights illuminated the sky behind them as Stuart and Tani scaled the glacier upside down, and their ice walls began glowing from the breathtaking natural light show. 

"As if the wild playground wasn't enough, the Aurora Borealis came out in full force, adding a surreal effect to the scene," Zizka told Caters News Agency. "This photo shoot ended up in the top five of my photography career, especially because of how all the elements came together that night."

Top five? Can I see the other four that made it in that list because these photographs are unreal.

The photographer, who specializes in snapping auroras in Canada's most picturesque parks, said what made the pictures incredible was the stillness of the subjects contrasting with the movement of the lights. 

"I had planned the shoot wanting only clear skies so that we could capture the stars, and when the Northern Lights started to dance I was thrilled," he said. "It was well worth a long night out and climbing into bed at 4 a.m."

Okay, how do I move to Alberta and become either a) an ice climber or b) a famed nighttime photographer? Step aside, storm chasers, light chaser in the making here.

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Ireland: The Land of Saints and Scholars

Millions of people around the world are wearing green today and drinking pints of Guinness, because everyone's a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day, and who doesn’t love an excuse to day drink, as well as get a free pass to assault and sexually solicit people. Kiss me, I’m Irish! Someone’s not wearing green! I myself never need an excuse to drink or sexually harass people at odd hours of the day.

TBS

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City — which marks its 253rd year — kicked off at 11:00 a.m. this morning. The parade was born in the 1700s, then later adopted by Ireland and around the world. More than 2 million people are expected to come out and watch the colorful display of Irish pride from around the country as well as from Ireland. For the first time, an openly gay group will be able to march under a banner. 

NBC

City officials in Chicago dyed a portion of the Chicago River green on Saturday in a tradition that dates back to 1962. Nowadays, the city turns the river green by dumping roughly 40 pounds of a secret formula powder into the river, Tom Rowan, the head of the river crew told The Chicago Tribune. Boats help churn the water, which mixes the environmentally-friendly powder, into the river turning it a maximum green in about 45 minutes, Rowan said. Environmentally friendly? Pretty sure dumping 40 pounds of chemicals into any body of water, especially one that is teeming with beavers, muskrats, turtles, fish, and birds, is not being particularly friendly to the environment.

Also known as the Republic of Ireland, Ireland is separated from Great Britain by the Irish Sea. Half the size of Arkansas, it occupies the entire island except for the six counties that make up Northern Ireland. Ireland is famed for, among other things, its vibrant literary tradition, having produced many of the English-speaking world's most renowned writers, including Oscar Wilde, W.B. Yeats, George Bernhard Shaw and James Joyce. Let’s take a look at the Land of Saints and Scholars.

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Lavender Is For Lovers True

Lavender isn’t just pretty to look at and delightful to smell, it’s a soothing herb that can be used to calm your stomach, skin, and mind, and is also an incredibly versatile herb for cooking. Lavender is an herb native to northern Africa and the mountainous regions of the Mediterranean. Long renowned for its calming effects, the health benefits of lavender essential oil include its ability to remove nervous tension, relieve pain, disinfect scalp and skin, and enhance blood circulation.

I never knew there were so many lavender farms in Virginia! The lavender fields begin blooming in May and are in full bloom in June and July. I already know where I’ll be spending a significant amount of my time this summer adventuring and taking photographs. Here are a few farms that are the perfect day trip distance from Washington D.C.

• White Oak Lavender Farm
• Seven Oaks Lavender Farm
• Lavender Fields Herb Farm
• Evergreen Lavender Farm

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Be The Queen Of Your Own Castle

Think marrying a prince is the only way to become a princess and live in a castle? Wrong. Be a bossy gal, build an empire, and buy your own castle. Here are 7 stunning castles in Europe you can buy right now to live out your Cinderella or better yet, Game of Thrones fantasies.

1. Poitou Charentes, Vienne, France (€4,750,000 / $5,382,000)

moulin.nl

moulin.nl

“The château dates back to the 15th century... It has an ornate entrance gate leading to a beautiful, typically French styled garden, terrace overlooking the valley below, magnificently carved stone fireplaces and ceilings and a chapel with protected frescos and is set in 32ha (that’s 79 acres for us Americans) of pastureland and woods with over 1km (.6 of a mile) of river frontage.

It comprises a... chapel with the famous (listed) frescos, living room again with feature fireplace, entrance with carved stone vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, games room, 13 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, stables, guardian’s lodge, tennis court, swimming pool, kennels and a riverside lodge.”

I'd really love to stroll those grounds with my gowns trailing around my feet. Braids. I need to research Game of Thrones braid hairstyles on Pinterest.

2. Wiesbaden, Hesse, Germany (€5,796,000 / $6,640,697)

sothebysrealty.com

sothebysrealty.com

“Impressive castle complex, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Upper Middle Rhine Valley"... radiates the venerable splendour of bygone days. The great hall, a vaulted cellar, seminar rooms, the castle courtyard, a tower room, the castle chapel, a medieval skittle alley that is a protected historic feature and even its own registry office...

The first documentary evidence of the village surrounding the Sauerburg castle dates back to the year 1120. The "Subburne" castle was erected in the years from 1355 to 1361 at the behest of Count Ruprecht with the permission of Archbishop Gerlach of Mainz... The Sauerburg is located on a hilltop with an altitude of 360 metres above sea level in Sauerthal, a secondary valley of the Wispertal valley.”

I'm imagining myself galloping up towards this castle on horseback with a cape fluttering behind me. Then feasting in this magnificent dining hall.

3.  Midi Pyrenees, Gers, France (€1,200,000 / $1,360,000)

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“Sitting on the summit of a hill overlooking the countryside of Armagnac in the Gers, southwest France... Large entrance hall opening to the courtyard, salon with fireplace, grand staircase, elevator, large dining with fireplace, kitchen, back kitchen, bedroom wing with hall onto the courtyard... rooms in the towers, side entrance ancient kitchen, 2 garages, access to the chapel and east wing.”  

$1.3 million seems strangely, incredibly affordable for this CASTLE in FRANCE, considering it'll get you a 400 sq. ft. apartment in New York City.

4. Caverswall Castle, Staffordshire, England (£3,000,000 / $4,634,385)

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"Caverswall Castle... built on the site of an Anglo-Saxon Manor, on the spot where two tributaries of the River Blythe rise... is one of the most attractive mansions of Staffordshire both because of its appearance and interesting history. The earliest owner of whom we know was Ernulf de Hesing, as Saxon-holder, who was perhaps driven from the estate during the Conquest. From him it passed to Sir William de Caverswall who incorporated the tributaries to form his moat when he received a “licence to Crenellate” his Saxon Manor house in 1275...

The Castle fell into decay until 1615 when Matthew Cradock, Mayor of Stafford and a wealthy merchant, bought and rebuilt it as a Jacobean mansion in about 1625. He kept the great tower, the walls and the turrets which became garden pavilions and remodelled the gatehouse to match. In the middle of the bailey attached to the keep, he erected a formal Jacobean manor house.”

That knight armor is probably real armor that was worn to defend these very castle grounds. Bonus: The castle has AN OLD DUNGEON. Sold.

5.  Creuse, Limousin, France (€4,240,000 / $4,806,000) 

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"This solitary Fortified Château sits surrounded by a moat, meadows and lakes within a 16 hectare walled estate.. The Château sits on a very old site dating back to the 12th Century, it suffered enormously during the 100 years war (1337-1453) and was rebuilt several times. For over 600 years the Château Fortress defended the Foucauld family seat - a Protestant, noble Clan, Companions-at-Arms with Jean D’Arc. In October 1605 King Henry IV stayed at the Château, in the room now known as 'The Kings' Suite' - he trusted and bore great friendship to the Foucauld family.”

My own real life moat? The only thing that could make this even better is if it had a drawbridge. I'm already planning my "lawn parties."

6. Essonne, France (€50,000,000 / $56,672,500)

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“Surrounded by a completely reconditioned moat, this castle (from the 13th century) is one of the most extraordinary examples of Medieval Castle in France... set at the centre of a walled and landscaped park, which includes a beautiful 3-acre 18th century flower garden.

The Château is situated on 500 private acres of beautifully preserved countryside, forests, streams, gardens and hunting grounds... The Château with its 6000 sq m (64.583 sq. ft.) features a main dining hall, a “hall of festivities” and variety of smaller dining rooms and salons. The 12th century Kitchen is still fully functional, the 16th century painted kitchen is the ideal setting for Family gathering while the 18th century wood and copper pastry kitchen still produces it share of delicious sweets and home–made jams and preserves. A professional kitchen is also equipped to serve hundreds of guests.

The Chateau also benefit from a charming 19th century building, entirely dedicated to sports and relaxation which houses a rare combination of wellness facilities. A spectacular 25m (82 ft.) indoor pool, a perfectly equipped spa and Gym, an oriental tea-room, an exotic garden and a meditation room... also offering Tennis courts, stables, helipad, THX equipped theatre, recording studio for music, 8 car garages...”

This castle is a little ridiculous as I'm not Bruce Wayne. I could only live here if I had at least 10 ladies in waiting to explore and roam the 3-acre 18th century flower garden. A helipad and a recording studio? Okay, who lived here? Was it a celebrity I know?! Was it Sir Paul McCartney?

7. Siena, Italy (€28,000,000 / $32,080,660)

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“Despite the alterations and extensions that have occurred in the course of its history, the Castle has retained the appearance of a real fortress. As you go through to the courtyard, with its charming loggia and gardens, the view of vineyards, olive groves and typical Sienese countryside is spectacular. Although some rooms were decorated in the 18th century, many remain medieval in their architectural style. The estate extends over 630 hectares (1,556 acres) not far from the medieval city of Siena. In fact one can see Siena from certain parts of the property.

The Castle dominates its surroundings looking out over several of its farm houses that have been meticulously restored and given comfortable and luxurious interiors with big gardens, four large swimming pools and a tennis court. There are currently 18 hectares of vineyards but there is the potential to increase production up to 60 or 70 hectares (148 to 170 acres). The vine varieties are Sangiovese, Canaiolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Viognier. The property produces award winning wines and olive oil. There is an olive grove of 1,500 trees. The property would also be ideal for horses with 28 hectares (69 acres) of pasture and ample room for barns and boxes. There are two lakes on the property used for irrigation which are also used for fishing."

A castle with its own winery? Where do I sign?

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