Experiencing Bavaria

Journeys become untold stories insisting to be told. Why?  Because they push us out of our comfort zone. At any moment we are pushed to engage with people we can’t speak with, taste unknown food and drinks, hear commotion around us that we don’t understand, find our way when we don’t know where we are and experience firsthand what we have only read about. For me there is nothing like undertaking modern adventures in historic lands. We had a unique opportunity to experience Bavaria with Bavarians! We were invited into their beautiful home and treated like family. Our hosts introduced us to the history, customs, dishes and desserts, castles, gardens, restaurants, cities of Bavaria. 

Our incredible hosts, in their beautiful kitchen, enjoy a view of the garden. I love the colorful Eames chairs with their wooden table.

Rothenburg is a medieval walled town in Bavaria. We enjoyed the cobble stone lanes, flowering window boxes and half-timbered houses of this fairy tale dream town. Rothenburg is home of the original Rothenburger Schneeball and Leyk porcelain candle houses.

Ulm is another beautiful city we enjoyed exploring. In 1805 after winning the Battle of Ulm, Napoleon separated Ulm into two cities, even today Ulm and Neu Ulm are divided by the Danube River. Ulm is actually in the state of Baden-Württemberg, while Neu Ulm is in Bavaria. Um Minster is a protestant cathedral. It is the world's tallest church and was one of the tallest buildings in the world before the 20th century, after the Eiffel Tower and Washington Monument.

Einstein's Birth Place

During our time in Ulm there was a rain storm, we stopped inside an old tavern for drinks and to stay dry. I include this photo because I often admire European center pieces. Aren't they simple, natural and yet beautiful?

We wanted our children to visit the famous castle of Neuschwanstein. The castle is set in the gorgeous Bavarian Alps near Swan Lake and was once home to the interesting Ludwig II.

Our generous hosts introduced us to a couple of special dishes. One breakfast we had a bakery fresh pretzel with a smoked weisswurst.  Weisswurst is a white sausage made from veal and pork and typically flavored with parsley, lemon, mace, onions, ginger and cardamom. I don't usually like sausage but this was delicious! All three of my kids, not to mention my sausage loving husband, loved it! Another meal we especially enjoyed was Schwaben fried beef with onion and cheese spatzle.

Laura Mares is an experienced photographer specializing in capturing timeless family keepsakes. Laura works on location and in her fully equipped home studio, located in Mt. Lebanon, eight miles south of Pittsburgh, PA. Laura’s style is creative, natural, and timeless. Would you like beautiful portraits of your newborn baby, to update your child and family portraits or to document a milestone in your life such as a wedding, graduation, birthday or reunion? If you are interested in high quality, timeless photographs, book your session today, call (412) 654-3367 or email [email protected]. To view a wide range of gorgeous portraits and to get great tips, advice and beautiful inspiration follow us on Instagram and Facebook.