Dear Punki,

I don't know your automobile preferences, but if you are in the market for a new car, and you are interested in a BMW, you can purchase a USA authorized and warrantied BMW from a local US dealer for pickup in Munich, under BMW's "Drive Europe" promotion program. Although each manufacturer's European Delivery option is somewhat different, you generally realize a cost savings at least comparable to the cost of the European trip one would make to pick up the car. I believe that BMW offers a month's free insurance to such purchasers. You will realize upwards of a 7% savings over the same vehicle offered for sale in the US. Now that BMW is offering some vehicles with optional 4 wheel drive, their product line is that much more attractive.

My wife and I bought our Volvo C-70 convertible in this way. We drove around the fjords of Norway in July, and then I brought the car and its 237 HP engine onto the autobahns of Germany and challenged many a BMW and Mercedes to a race!

I can't add much to the sites already listed, however, I would add that you might wish to visit the "Residenz" (?) the former palace of the Bavarian Monarchs located in Munich. Further afield, in addition to Neuchwanstein (sp.), I would also suggest you visit Mad King Ludwig's other palatial dwellings:

(1). Chiemsee which is located on an island between Munich and Salzburg. This is an unfinished palace and Ludwig's intent was nothing less than to recreate King Louis XIV's Palace at Versailles for the Bavarian Court. Indeed, this palace's "Hall of Mirrors" is larger than that of the original at Versailles!! Ludwig was a great admirer of the French autocratic King (his namesake), especially his ability to govern with absolute power. The construction of this palace nearly bankrupted the Bavarian government and is what brought about Ludwig's commitment to a mental hospital/rest home.

(2). Linderhof -- The smallest and only palace that Ludwig actually totally completed and furnished. It is a beautiful castle with much painting and architecture in the elaborate "over the top" Rococo style. It started out as a Royal hunting lodge but was much improved by Ludwig to finally resemble, shock of shock, the "Petit Trianon" at Versailles. On its grounds are many small pavilions, some dedicated to far flung cultures, such as the "Moorish Kiosk" which seems to come straight out of 1001 Arabian Nights! He also built the cave-like "Venus Grotto" where he would stage productions of his favorite productions of Wagner's operas.



[This message has been edited by DOC 2 BE (edited 01-13-2001).]