Austria

While we were driving through Germany we would often cross the border into Austria. One little town was so beautiful we had to stop and take pictures. I kept on thinking of The Sound of Music the whole time we were there!

Germany- Neuschwanstein Castle

After Venice we all piled into a little car and made our way to Germany where we met Shane's dad. The drive was beautiful! There were old castle ruins on the side of the road, it was amazing! 

We arrived in Germany late that night where we all stayed in little cabins on the mountain. The next day we went to see Neuschwanstein Castle.

The little town below the castle looked like something out of a fairy tale. I loved it! 

We found a little gnome garden...

 

What better way to arrive at a castle then a horse drawn carriage! 

The castle that inspired Walt Disney. 

One of the prettiest places on earth in my opinion. 

The entrance 

The castle's courtyard. 

We had a wonderful day! 

Venice, Italy

 After a long sleepless train ride from Rome we arrived in Venice at 5:30 a.m! When we arrived Shane's brother Dennison picked us up at the train station and took us to their bed and breakfast so we could shower and get ready for the day. As we were leaving, we had a very unexpected encounter with the owner of the bed and breakfast. We cordially waved and smiled at her, only to be greeted by a ferocious italian temper. "I do not know you! Who are you in my house! You come into my house and I not know you!" . Shane diplomatically handled the situation with a reply " We didn't stay the night we just stopped by to visit Mr Harris and his family and get our bags from them". She responded "Yes, I hear you come in this morning! Mr Harris is a very very bad man for what he do! GET OUT NOW!" Haha she then proceed to literally lock us out and not let us come back in. Luckily we were able to send the keys back up with our 4 year old nephew Jude; she knew him, so she let him back in... Apparently she gave Dennison and Robin quite the earful when they came down later that morning. We learned by sad experience that you cannot have visitors in an Italian bed and breakfast. If you are looking for a wild time, we dare you to just go ahead and try. 

After a rough start, we actually had a very nice day in Venice!

The canals and gondolas were amazing! 

We loved Venice! 

Rome- Part Three

In the afternoon we made our way back to Vatican City to see St. Peter's Basilica. We were hoping to run into the pope but no luck. ;)

Michelangelo's Pieta

I loved the light shining through the dome. 

The Vatican guards did not have the best fashion sense.. 

The outside of St. Peter's 

Shane washing his hair off in Vatican City's fountain of youth. Now he'll never go bald! 

A little red Fiat. 

The Pantheon

We ate dinner in a square called Campo de' Fiori which in english means field of flowers. It was so picturesque!

 We ate dinner at the cutest restaurant! 

Spaghetti and Meatballs! 

Lady and the Tramp vibe 

Street performers were everywhere! 

I loved the little red Vespa in the middle of all the black and grey ones. 

From Campo de' Fiori we walked over to Piazza Navona it was brimming with artists and Musicans. 

If I were to live anywhere in Rome this would be the place. 

We ended our time in Rome eating our second (or maybe third) gelato of the day at the Spanish Steps. 

Last picture in Rome before taking a night train to Venice!