Three Countries and into the Clouds
Off promptly at 9:20 after good breakfast at the Kleiber, as we set off it was dull but dry.
I have a problem when in another country that I feel isolated and vulnerable when I can't read text roadsigns and communicate at least at an elementary level. I speak a little French and read more so am fairly at ease but heading into Germany and Austria it's not comfortable for me. Indeed, last night we deliberately stopped short of Germany just for my comfort
The irony was that being the Alsace region, more German was being spoken that French!
Not long and we were over the border into Germany and winding our way through the Black Forest through we hadn't identified it as that at the time. (Didn't see a single chocolate & cherry gateau). We weren't stopping as it was a travel day and apart from that, it was dull and damp. We passed the House of a Thousand Clocks and several other buildings faced with ornate clocks and presumably selling them inside
Around midday we stopped at a motorway services for a break. Being used to the UK I still begrudge having to Pay to pee but did so. We couldn't find any snack food, sandwiches etc., and settled for lemonade and biscuits out of the boot as neither of us that hungry after last night's meal and a large breakfast.
Heading on toward and along the North of Bodensee, the land developed a Swiss feel with green flat valleys and "Milka" cows. Buildings included dark wood sheds isolated on fields and ornate chalet styles with painted facades.
The slopes above Bodensee were covered with heavily loaded vines and orchards of apples many covered with netting.
Rain, mist and low cloud greeted our arrival at the mountains, a great disappointment as this route was chosen for the scenery.
Crossing from Germany into Austria we noticed 2 police carrying out a border check. The queue extended into Austria at least 4km; it must have taken hours to get through. Many holiday journeys must have been wrecked and appointments missed.
Today was a tiring drive, partly due to weather conditions and boredom due to the obscured views. We were glad to arrive at Nassereith at 5:15 and delighted to find a lovely welcome and a delightful roomr with balcony and comfy chairs.
267miles today and stop 3 on our journey to Italy.
On arrival, the weather cleared a little and wew enjoyede our balcony view and soft chairs before a good dinner on the hotel restaurant. Little English spoken and I have no German but smiles and nods go a long way. The essentials of any language are "please" and "thank you".
An after dinner amble around the very quiet town was nice and fresh. Sadly, the forecast is not good so tomorrow's high mountain passes may be challenging.
Odd features in distance from our motorway stop
Old building above River
Our room at Post Hotel Nesereith
Balcony view; cloud still very low so mountains missing :(
I have a problem when in another country that I feel isolated and vulnerable when I can't read text roadsigns and communicate at least at an elementary level. I speak a little French and read more so am fairly at ease but heading into Germany and Austria it's not comfortable for me. Indeed, last night we deliberately stopped short of Germany just for my comfort
The irony was that being the Alsace region, more German was being spoken that French!
Not long and we were over the border into Germany and winding our way through the Black Forest through we hadn't identified it as that at the time. (Didn't see a single chocolate & cherry gateau). We weren't stopping as it was a travel day and apart from that, it was dull and damp. We passed the House of a Thousand Clocks and several other buildings faced with ornate clocks and presumably selling them inside
Around midday we stopped at a motorway services for a break. Being used to the UK I still begrudge having to Pay to pee but did so. We couldn't find any snack food, sandwiches etc., and settled for lemonade and biscuits out of the boot as neither of us that hungry after last night's meal and a large breakfast.
Heading on toward and along the North of Bodensee, the land developed a Swiss feel with green flat valleys and "Milka" cows. Buildings included dark wood sheds isolated on fields and ornate chalet styles with painted facades.
The slopes above Bodensee were covered with heavily loaded vines and orchards of apples many covered with netting.
Rain, mist and low cloud greeted our arrival at the mountains, a great disappointment as this route was chosen for the scenery.
Crossing from Germany into Austria we noticed 2 police carrying out a border check. The queue extended into Austria at least 4km; it must have taken hours to get through. Many holiday journeys must have been wrecked and appointments missed.
Today was a tiring drive, partly due to weather conditions and boredom due to the obscured views. We were glad to arrive at Nassereith at 5:15 and delighted to find a lovely welcome and a delightful roomr with balcony and comfy chairs.
267miles today and stop 3 on our journey to Italy.
On arrival, the weather cleared a little and wew enjoyede our balcony view and soft chairs before a good dinner on the hotel restaurant. Little English spoken and I have no German but smiles and nods go a long way. The essentials of any language are "please" and "thank you".
An after dinner amble around the very quiet town was nice and fresh. Sadly, the forecast is not good so tomorrow's high mountain passes may be challenging.
Comments
Post a Comment