Plans are changing

In Bern, Switzerland we saw the overrated clock tower chime and found one (of ten) 16^th century fountains…the child eating ogre. Thought that was funny. It was a grey day and we booked it across the country. Greg, we must come back so I can see it in all of its sunlit beauty. Snuck in and out of Lichtenstein. That makes three countries!

We looked at the map and regrouped. After talking about going to Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia we allowed reason and limited time to nix. Traveling in Eastern Europe, by all estimations, takes a bit more intentional planning than we were capable of pulling off with the limited internet access we have been experiencing. So, we slept in Feldkirch, Austria and got up to drive to Salzburg—by way of Munich—and added Neuschwanstein Castle along the way.

The castle was fairy-tale special. Loved the intricate woodworking and windows. In Munich we ate at a beer garden. Not being a beer drinker and rain had the potential of dampening the experience but a world cup game with enthusiasts and a schnapps made for a pleasant afternoon break. Headed to Salzburg for the night.

Some observations:

• Europeans are into World Cup.
• On German major thoroughfares there is no posted speed. BMWs & Benzes passed me like I was standing still when gong 80-85 mph (120-150 kph) in the rain.
• Could’ve used Hannah in France and Laura Jean in Germany. I tried some basics in French and German like “good morning”, “thank you” and “excuse me”. They appreciated my attempts but I’m thinking I’m going to be looking for Rosetta Stone at garage sales before I return.
• Saw a car dealership: Mercedes & SmartCars.
• Crusty bread, cheeses, and thinly sliced meats are a staple. Anything cherry has been tasty.
• We bought some grapes at the grocery store that tasted like sweet, white wine.
• There is a plant here that is in the same family as bull nettle (TX) and devil’s club (AK). I discovered it when relieving myself in the woods rather than standing in line and paying for a WC stall. Fortunately, it brushed my ANKLE.
• We are extremely grateful for Jean-Paul, Peter, and Hans our nicknamed GPS guy who amazingly enough changes every time we cross a border. Without him, reading maps and getting from one place to another would have been MUCH more difficult.

From Salzburg we are going to turn south. Debye & Pam have had their fill of cool, wet weather so we are going to try and find some blue sky and warm sunshine. I’m just disappointed that I’ve missed seeing these mountains. Another day; another trip.