We said good bye to Hohenschwangau this morning, and departed on our final leg of the tour. On our journey, we stopped at a small town to visit Wieskirche (Weis Church). Standing in what looks like the middle of nowhere, this miraculous church is built in rococo style, which is another way of saying extremely, extremely detailed. Click on the link to see the Wikipedia page on Wieskirche and find out just why this church is so special. Many people from all over the world come to this incredibly small village, just to see the interior of the humongous church, with it's ornate carvings and incredible painted ceiling.
A lunch stop was had at an old medieval village further down the road. We only had an hour or so, so most people only had time to grab a bite to eat. Some were adventurous and made the climb up the bell tower of the church for a view of the walled city. It was drizzling a bit, so it kept us inside for the most part.
After a few more hours on the bus, we came to our final destination...Auerbach, Germany! What a welcome! We arrived at the school to the Knabenkapelle band playing in full force, dressed in their uniforms of royal blue vests and stalkings (see photos). They were so incredibly excited to welcome us to their town that you can't help but be overwhelmed and emotional. Following the greeting, the students were shown to their home-stay families and headed off. The rest of the night was spent with their family, and thus begins the adventure in Auerbach that will surely change their lives. Lifelong friends will be made here, and it will be very difficult to say good bye in a few short days!
