In August of 2005, myself and 16 other Americans embarked on one of the greatest vacations of all time. We arrived at Munich's Strauss Airport on a Monday morning.We took the U-Bahn to the Munich Train Station and from there we went on foot to see Karl's Tor the original gate of the old city.

Later that afternoon,we boarded the train, buying the Bayern Pass with which 5 persons may travel at the price of 1. Our destination was Passau the gateway to the Bavarian Forest. We arrived in Passau and rented several mini-vans. We drove to Bischofsreut,Bavaria admiring the beauty of the Bavarian Forest along the way. One kilometer north of Bischofsreut we arrived at Langreut and the Maercherenwald Hotel. Imagine our surprise to find a 5-Star Hotel in a hamlet of 20 people.

Officially it is only a 3 Star Hotel,but whoever made that rating was wrong.

Our rooms were spacious and included a kitchenette,a shower, and a King size bed. Our hosts the Berger Family were very gracious,Frau Berger was the cook and a most excellent cook. From the hotel, (with the help of Herr Berger and family).

We were able to take Bus trips to Prague, Vienna, and Salzburg, the Bus would arrive at 5 am, take us to these beautiful cities, and return us just in time for supper. Some people say Europe is too expensive, well, we paid only 30 Euros per person, and that included Breakfast, and Supper. Compare this to staying at a 5 star hotel south of Munich, where we were crammed into a small room, had to share a bathroom, and paid over 200 Euros per nite. By using our rooms at the Maerchenwald as our base, we spent 14 days exploring Eastern and Southern Europe. We also spent several days traveling on the Danube River, it was a 40 minute drive to Passau,and the Tour boats. If someone wanted to see Europe at a reasonable price, and stay safe in the process, nothing could beat our experience.

Charles Nigl, is a History major,graduating from the University of Wisconsin System.