"2004: A Bavarian Beer Odyssey" a Bavaria Travel Page by richiecdisc

When most people think of Germany, the images that come to mind are those normally associated with Bavaria. It’s not that there are not other scenic areas of this diverse country, but whether through self-promotion or World War outcomes, it has come to define it for most travelers. Story book castles, majestic mountains, and Lederhosen-clad men with huge mugs of beer are hardly the whole of this modern yet tradition bound culture but this does little to keep their popping into your head with the mere mention of the country’s name. Whether you love or hate it, Bavaria does not disappoint those coming to find what the books tell them they’re looking for. The Bavaria Alps are stunning as they seem to rise vertically with no warning from their relatively flat surrounding plateau. Scenically situated castles dot the countryside and timeless old town centers are found in both big cities and small villages. For the beer connoisseur, it is an area ripe for exploration. With 750 breweries, Bavaria is home to one fifth of the world’s total. Unfortunately, most travelers stick to the mainstream of Bavaria and only see a glimpse into this fascinating area. There is much beyond Munich and its immediate surroundings. Go further afield, especially into little traveled Franconia, the northern portion of Bavaria. There you will find half-timbered villages with small butcher shops, bakeries, and often one-room breweries, where the local beer is on sale via small wooden kegs that are tapped fresh each day for villagers to enjoy after a hard day’s work or a friendly game of cards. This is no figment of Walt Disney’s imagination ala Neuschwanstein; this is the real Bavaria. And is perhaps indicative of the real Germany of a bygone era too.