Podcast #9 - Travel Tips in Germany (Oberammergau)

Join me as I walk down the mountain along a babbling brook.  Rounding the bend in our two hour hike just outside of Oberammergau, Germany, I thought I needed something to keep me going those last few minutes...hence, the podcast!  I share a few tips that are all over the map...literally!

Some of the things I mention in this latest audio podcast:

Shopping tips on vacation

Visiting the town tourist bureaus

What is a "Ferienwohnung" and why you should know this

Getting money from German bank ATMs (Sidenote:  You can access many of these foyers by sliding your ATM card thru the card reader at the door after hours)

Money Tips Overseas

Pool Rules

What is FKK?

Eating Out Tips

How to pay our restaurant bill

Why is the butcher so important?

The Laberbergbhahn (gondola) in Oberammergau

What is a Kurkarte, and why do I need one?

The Edelweiss Lodge in Garmisch

Random musings I know, but hopefully you can take something out of it!

Podcast #8 - Visiting Fairytale Neuschwanstein Castle (5/28/2011)

Okay, stay with me here....someone gave me an idea to talk about visiting a variety of sites around Europe.  You know how when you go somewhere...and then come home...you say to yourself....I wish I had known that before we went....or, you spent too much money or whatever....I'm going to try to make trip planning EASY for you.  If you've never been or want to know more about a location, then listen to one of these podcasts.

Today I'm going to be talking about Neuschwanstein, probably one of the most visited sites in Germany and the inspiration of Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.  Listen in on Podcast #8 to learn more.

Of course, since this is my first podcast on visiting a site, I forgot to mention a few things, plus let me expand on a few more!

Photography or videotaping is not allowed at all in either Hohenschwangau or Neuschwanstein castle.  Every time I go there, some foreigner (never seen a German do it) will either take photos openly, acting like they didn't hear the guide or will sneak photos.  In my opinion, this is just disrespectful.  Buy the interior postcards and follow the rules.  Again, just my advice and in the end, do what you are comfortable with.

The other two King Ludwig castles nearby I mentioned are Linderhof, which is between Garmisch and Neuschwantstein.  This is a wonderful castle to visit and just the gardens alone are fantastic.  Kids also love the Grotto (which is man-made by the way but looks just like a real one).  The other castle most folks have never heard of.  It is called King's House on the Schachen, and is King Ludwig's former hunting lodge.  It can only be reached by about a three hour hike and most visitors overnight there at the nearby lodge.  It is a great experience I highly recommend!

>If you have the time, a few years ago, I also wrote a blogpost on Neuschwanstein, so check that out too!  If anyone else has any tips to share on visiting any of the King Ludwig castles, please post here.  We'd love to hear them!

Podcast #7 - Tricare Dental & Security (5/20/2011)

Ooops, should've said this was the seventh podcast and not the sixth.  I didn't realize I've been blabbing so much on here!

Listen in as I talk about Tricare Dental overseas and how to get dental care.  Listen in to Podcast #7.  You'll get information on the Tricare Dental Program.  I had received an email from a brand new military spouse who wasn't sure how to get care overseas.  Of course, I neglected to talk about her husband, because she asked about that too.  To add to the podcast, her husband will automatically get care on post.  Our servicemember spouses actually get a status rating on the health of their teeth and mouth!  You can actually be in a non-deployable status if your mouth needs some work, so don't worry about him and his care!  The military is already on that!

I also talk about OPSEC and some things you may not have thought of when it comes to making sure our spouses stay safe and you don't get yourself in a heap of trouble!

Podcast #6 - Top Ten Travel Secrets (5/16/2011)

As we start getting into the height of travel season, I thought I'd talk about my favorite travel secrets.

Of course there are many ways to have a successful trip, but this are the Top 10 thoughts that came to my head first.

Podcast #6

Please add any of your own below if you like!

Podcast #5 - Autobahns & Schnitzels (5/10/2011)

I'm back to my email inbox again today!  I've gotten some questions about the autobahns and driving, schnitzels and shopping and of course where to wash your clothes before you have your own place.  You'll find the answers and a few more tidbits....

below!

Podcast #5

Podcast #4 - Newbie Questions about Moving Overseas (5/6/2011)

Okay I have an admission to make.  I am one of those anal retentive people who needs a clean email inbox.  I get a little stressed when I have not "done something" with an email...either read and filed it or answered back.  Somehow, I let the email questions get stacked up...I usually like to answer them as soon as I can...but lately, haven't done a good job of it.  I thought I would use the podcast to answer some.  I unfortunately only got to a few questions before my time was up, but at least now I know how long-winded I am and can only answer a few "on the air"!  Without further delay then.

Please click on Podcat #4.  I tried to answer questions newcomers might have coming over, so there you have it.  Please do continue to send your questions.  I don't always think of things that people might be interested in, and I would love to help.

Podcast #3 - I'm Overseas, Now What? (4/28/2011)

I know your sensory inputs are exploding just about now!  You've just flown overseas to a new country you've never been in before (maybe), and you have had a chance to look at your German surroundings.  Maybe you've been on base a few times and got some food at the commissary (yes, they have chitlins and Mexican food) and looked to see what the overseas PX, or the Exchange as they now call it, has.  So now what?

Listen to Podcast #3  then.

Podcast #2 - Arriving Overseas (4/26/2011)

Congratulations!  You have arrived overseas!

Be sure to find out what happens next!

Podcast #2 - Arriving Overseas (4/26/2011)

I'll be talking about how to choose your hotel and what you need to be doing before and after arrival:-)

Podcast #1 - Moving Overseas (4/23/2011)

I'm giving this a try, so bear with me.  This is my first podcast, and I am hoping to do more.  I've received lots of email from folks who are getting ready to PCS (move) overseas the next few months, so I thought I would leave you with some tips!

Podcast #1

If there are any other subjects you'd like to hear, please let me know!  I don't know what you'd like to hear if I don't hear from you:-)