Oberammergau Passion play

July 30th set off from Munich to Oberammergau in the Bavarian Alps. Lovely 4 star hotel at Bad Kohlgrub which made up for not staying in the village. We had a large suite with balcony - must be one of the best hotels we have ever stayed in. To Oberammergau for the play starting at 2 p.m. Audience of 4300 rapt by the fine chorus and orchestra and the enormous cast and stunning tableaux vivants. Supper at 5 and visited the Catholic church before the play and Lutheran communion service in the evening. Met Eleanor from the cathedral! Second half 7.30 to 10.30 - special blankets we had bought came in useful and tiny torches we had brought to follow the text. Taking Jesus down from the Cross was so calm and beautifully done - it was intensely moving and then came the Easter scene with echoes of the Vigil and candles in the darkness. So often the music exactly matched the mood. We were fortunate that a damp start cleared up although it got cold later on. Had hot chocolate at the hotel or rather tried to - first lot came cold and Liz went off to bed! Next day back to the village to see the museum after a swim in the hotel pool (the only swim of the holiday!) Magnificent health centre. Spotted a wooden carving of St Cecilia and returned to buy it - made by Nicodemus in the play this year and 5 of his family in the play. When Liz said she had been in 1960 and 1970 Mr Schmid said she was not old enough to have done so! Liked the models in the museum where we bought the book and CD of the play. Loved the mment when the whole cast sang the Hebrew prayer. Bought cubes with graces for the family. Nice display in Pilatus house of folk carvings. Lovely drive to Wieskirche and lunch with view of Neu Schwanstein. Lovely weather. To Salzburg to All you need hotel basically a student hostel.