Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands

Germany

	I spent a week in Berlin and wandered around Munich and some other places for a while. This is the famous "Checkpoint Charlie" in Berlin. It's now overly touristic. Nevertheless, a good guide book, some knowledge of recent history, and a pair of comfortable shoes will get you around Berlin just fine.		My hotel in Berlin was in the former DDR. This wasn't my hotel, however. This is just a sign...
	This is a sign (or a replica!) that stood between East and West Berlin. Berlin is a city rich in modern history. How many other cities can claim to have witnessed so many key events in history in the 20th century?		You know who they are. In case you don't, they are Marx and Engels and you need to read more history. Speaking of history, I went to the Egyptian museum in Berlin (everyone needs to see Nefertiti) and the Pergamon Museum which actually has an entire Greek temple and the gates of Babylon.
	Part of the famed Berlin Wall. Not much is left. Not many of my pictures from Germany, Austria, and part of Eastern Europe survived...

Austria

River rafting in Austria. Some great scenery, but absolutely freezing! Even in summer, we had to use wetsuits. I've been to Austria twice, but I can't seem to find any of my pictures! Sorry...

This is Maria Theresa (1717-80). Empress-consort, mother of the Emperor, Queen of Bohemia and Hungary, she was a giant figure in the court politics of 18th century Vienna. Of course I visited all the Hapsburg palaces etc., but somehow most of my pictures from Austria were lost!

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Switzerland

	This is the famous Kapellbrucke in Lucerne, Switzerland. Constructed in 1333, the bridge over the Reuss River is the oldest wooden bridge in Europe.		Here is another view of Lucerne.
	This is the Lowendenkmal (Lion Monument). Scultped by Bertel Thorwaldsen in 1821, it commemorates the heroic Swiss soldiers who fell defending Louis XVI of France during the storming of the Tuileries in 1792... and we all know what happened to Louis XVI, don't we?		Part of Lake Lucerne.
	A little Swiss cottage on the way up Mt. Pilatus.		Most of the way up Mt. Pilatus, one has a nice view of Lucerne.
	Finally at the top of Mt. Pilatus. This is the highest hotel in Europe - so high that the snow never melts! It's the middle of summer in this picture.		Everyone admiring the view at the same time.
	It's windy, cold, and slippery. And it's a long way down.		After a long climb, one can look down at the hotel. The next picture takes place on the peak across the picture.
	Things are not going well...		This is Amsterdam. Yes, I know that Amsterdam is in Holland. But this way it evens the table out. Most of my pictures from Amsterdam are not suitable for viewers under 18. Actually, most of them are lost somewhere along with my Austria pictures.