Yep, I'm back home. Some says "Already?", others "finally!" :-)
And why now?
Having a journey with no goal, no time limit, no route, was great, and I'd definitely do it again! Traveling like this also gave me the option to ask myself, whats next? Where to, How? ect.
Ending up having a goal, Friends in ST Gallen, was great to have, but also made me think "Is that it?".
The ten days in St. Gallen were perfect. It gave me time to remember the first 56 days of my journey. All the great hosts! The nice views, the long days with Bob, the nice weather, the crazy experiences and lots lots more.
Reading my own blog already gives me a great pleasure - and a big smile :)
The weather forecast, good advises and my own gut feeling made me go home after 55 days traveling. But still with lust to travel!
I Came home Saturday the 23th of October. On the 26th I went to a job interview, and got a job until Christmas. It's in a little school were I'm going to work with 6-8 year old kids. Mostly doing outdoor activities. Yep! Pretty much the perfect job for my me at this time.
It gives me the opportunity to work until Christmas, and then have the option to travel again.
I've told most of my hosts the fact, that New Zealand is calling for me - and that might be my destination. And can I go there without Bob?
Who knows, but I'd definitely inform all you guys in here, and all my hosts can expect a little thing from me around Christmas!
I only informed very few people about going back to Denmark. It was fun to surprise all my neighbors in Solfang (the co housing where I live)
Thanks to all the readers of my blog - I might be back :)
Greetings
Bob and Tom
PS. Bob is standing in my living room, looking ready and handsome :)
tirsdag den 26. oktober 2010
lørdag den 23. oktober 2010
Day 56
The truth about the St. Fallen experience
I was in St. Gallen for ten days. Why?
Well, was not sure what I wanted to do after St. Gallen. My trip was still great. The hosts, the experiences, the views, the purple before St. Gallen were, like all the others, great. A Dutch host adviced me to stop my trip while it's still great.
When I arrived in St. Fallen I checked the weather forecast for the upcoming week. It was cold, with snow. I arrived in shorts, but it looked like I was leaving in winter clothes.
I came up with an idea to find a Danish truck, and ask for a ride to Denmark.
It turned out, that my hosts in St. Gallen had a contact in Denmark. A speditions- company which often has trucks - in St. Gallen!
I contacted them, and referred to my contact.
They told me they usually don't offer these kinds of "rides", but said OK anyway. Great!
They told me they would have a truck in St. Gallen in the beginning of week 42. Perfect!
Well, I called them Tuesday, and they changed it to the end of the week.
It meant a total of ten days with my hosting family. I had a great time there, and they said no worries, so I stayed. Thanks!
The best part of the truck deal. I could bring Bob and my bike all the way to Denmark.
So why not write about my plans in my blog? well thought it would be fun to turn up back home "surprise style" :)
I left the family at 09:50, and drove 6 km to the pick up point.
The driver Villy was waiting. He had to pick up goods in St. Gallen and in Rorschache. The stuff in St. Gallen wasn't ready, so after a ride to Rorschache we went back to St. Gallen. Villy also got an extra pick up in Germany, so we only made it to Wuerzburg the first day.
We drove along the Bodensee, so I saw some of the same sights again, but from a higher seat :)
Interesting to follow Villy in his job. There is quite a few things to do as the driver. Crossing the border to Germany was a paper nightmare, but it went pretty smooth according to Villy :)
I was in St. Gallen for ten days. Why?
Well, was not sure what I wanted to do after St. Gallen. My trip was still great. The hosts, the experiences, the views, the purple before St. Gallen were, like all the others, great. A Dutch host adviced me to stop my trip while it's still great.
When I arrived in St. Fallen I checked the weather forecast for the upcoming week. It was cold, with snow. I arrived in shorts, but it looked like I was leaving in winter clothes.
I came up with an idea to find a Danish truck, and ask for a ride to Denmark.
It turned out, that my hosts in St. Gallen had a contact in Denmark. A speditions- company which often has trucks - in St. Gallen!
I contacted them, and referred to my contact.
They told me they usually don't offer these kinds of "rides", but said OK anyway. Great!
They told me they would have a truck in St. Gallen in the beginning of week 42. Perfect!
Well, I called them Tuesday, and they changed it to the end of the week.
It meant a total of ten days with my hosting family. I had a great time there, and they said no worries, so I stayed. Thanks!
The best part of the truck deal. I could bring Bob and my bike all the way to Denmark.
So why not write about my plans in my blog? well thought it would be fun to turn up back home "surprise style" :)
I left the family at 09:50, and drove 6 km to the pick up point.
The driver Villy was waiting. He had to pick up goods in St. Gallen and in Rorschache. The stuff in St. Gallen wasn't ready, so after a ride to Rorschache we went back to St. Gallen. Villy also got an extra pick up in Germany, so we only made it to Wuerzburg the first day.
We drove along the Bodensee, so I saw some of the same sights again, but from a higher seat :)
Interesting to follow Villy in his job. There is quite a few things to do as the driver. Crossing the border to Germany was a paper nightmare, but it went pretty smooth according to Villy :)
torsdag den 21. oktober 2010
Day 55
My last day in St. Gallen
Leaving St. Gallen and the family here, tomorrow. So this morning was spend on organising while at the same time plying with Thilde. I think she's starting to She enjoy my company. Today she didn't follow her mom to the bathroom, but kept playing with me. The other days she has escaped to the bathroom every time her mom went there.
"hey! you're not leaving me behind with this strange Guy!" :)
After lunch I went with Annita and the kids to the centre of St. Gallen. They picked up Rasmus, and headed for Zurich. I had time on my own in St. Gallen for some sightseeing and some shopping.
I went home by bus, and there was time for a little bikeride, without Bob :)
The evening was spend on packing up for leaving tomorrow, and watching some Danish television.
Leaving St. Gallen and the family here, tomorrow. So this morning was spend on organising while at the same time plying with Thilde. I think she's starting to She enjoy my company. Today she didn't follow her mom to the bathroom, but kept playing with me. The other days she has escaped to the bathroom every time her mom went there.
"hey! you're not leaving me behind with this strange Guy!" :)
After lunch I went with Annita and the kids to the centre of St. Gallen. They picked up Rasmus, and headed for Zurich. I had time on my own in St. Gallen for some sightseeing and some shopping.
I went home by bus, and there was time for a little bikeride, without Bob :)
The evening was spend on packing up for leaving tomorrow, and watching some Danish television.
onsdag den 20. oktober 2010
Day 54
Tom on Tour
Yep, left St. Gallen today! Well, for most of the day.
Went with public transport to Wasserauen. A very great train tour, with great views. We had snow this morning, also in St. Gallen, but climbing the hills with the train was spectacular. The amount of snow got bigger getting closer to the mountains. In Wasserauen they had about 5 cm, but wet snow. I started my climb towards Seealpsee. Easy climbing on stairs and track. After half an hour, on the steepest part of the track I met around 20 soldiers. Each of them was pulling a horse. They were maintaining the track. Apparently there is still 4 of these groups in Switzerland. They were going really slow, so it took a while to pass me. I wasn't in a hurry though, and found the this "caravan" quite cool. The soldiers didn't find the cold and wet weather cool, and they really didn't get why I was hiking in this sort of conditions.
It was a little wet, but after climbing half an hour the temperature was around 0 and the snow, around 10 cm, was pleasant to walk in.
I took a lot of pictures. See some of them on my page on facebook, or on this site.
It was quite cool to see trees with green leaves, covered in snow.
I also saw two little snow slides while walking. They look cool and sounds scary.
Reaching the Seealpsee was pretty easy, even though I was the one setting the first footprints in the snow, which meant finding the track wasn't always easy :)
I decided to walk around the lake. On my way I met two Swiss artist. They were working at a nearby restaurant doing a show with singing, acting and drawing.
They advised me to visit " their" restaurant after walking around the lake.
I could follow their track all the way to the restaurant, a restaurant that can only be reached walking/ hiking.
I met the artists at the restaurant, and had a long chat with one of them, Yvonne. She actually gave me her CD which I look forward to hear.
I had sausage with røsti and onion sauce at the restaurant. Especially the sauce was great!
Walking back down from Seealpsee was interesting. Still very beautiful, but slippery road.
The train ride back to St. Gallen went great. I met Annita and the kids in the central part of the city, and we went back to their house together. Rasmus was also on the bus, so we were all together.
After another great meal Rasmus and I saw champions leauge. The Danish team, fc Copenhagen, was beaten 2-0 by Barcelona.
Tomorrow is my last day in St. Gallen. Leaving the Hauch family Friday morning. So Bob has to leave the warm basement.
Yep, left St. Gallen today! Well, for most of the day.
Went with public transport to Wasserauen. A very great train tour, with great views. We had snow this morning, also in St. Gallen, but climbing the hills with the train was spectacular. The amount of snow got bigger getting closer to the mountains. In Wasserauen they had about 5 cm, but wet snow. I started my climb towards Seealpsee. Easy climbing on stairs and track. After half an hour, on the steepest part of the track I met around 20 soldiers. Each of them was pulling a horse. They were maintaining the track. Apparently there is still 4 of these groups in Switzerland. They were going really slow, so it took a while to pass me. I wasn't in a hurry though, and found the this "caravan" quite cool. The soldiers didn't find the cold and wet weather cool, and they really didn't get why I was hiking in this sort of conditions.
It was a little wet, but after climbing half an hour the temperature was around 0 and the snow, around 10 cm, was pleasant to walk in.
I took a lot of pictures. See some of them on my page on facebook, or on this site.
It was quite cool to see trees with green leaves, covered in snow.
I also saw two little snow slides while walking. They look cool and sounds scary.
Reaching the Seealpsee was pretty easy, even though I was the one setting the first footprints in the snow, which meant finding the track wasn't always easy :)
I decided to walk around the lake. On my way I met two Swiss artist. They were working at a nearby restaurant doing a show with singing, acting and drawing.
They advised me to visit " their" restaurant after walking around the lake.
I could follow their track all the way to the restaurant, a restaurant that can only be reached walking/ hiking.
I met the artists at the restaurant, and had a long chat with one of them, Yvonne. She actually gave me her CD which I look forward to hear.
I had sausage with røsti and onion sauce at the restaurant. Especially the sauce was great!
Walking back down from Seealpsee was interesting. Still very beautiful, but slippery road.
The train ride back to St. Gallen went great. I met Annita and the kids in the central part of the city, and we went back to their house together. Rasmus was also on the bus, so we were all together.
After another great meal Rasmus and I saw champions leauge. The Danish team, fc Copenhagen, was beaten 2-0 by Barcelona.
Tomorrow is my last day in St. Gallen. Leaving the Hauch family Friday morning. So Bob has to leave the warm basement.
tirsdag den 19. oktober 2010
Day 53
Shopping in Switzerland
Been living with the Hauch family for a week now. I'm very glad they still accept the extra person in their house, and their daughter, Thilde, is almost glad about my presence now. Well, at least she allow me to play with her toys, even though I do it completely wrong :)
Tomorrow, the family will get a Tom break. I'm heading to Wasserauen to do a hike. There is snow in the area, so I'll bring some warm clothes. I'll be back "home" tomorrow night.
As when i couchsurf, I like to contribute with something. This week I've cooked dinner every second night.
The prices in Switzerland are quite expensive. There is one great thing about shopping here though. By law, all prices are on the products in the supermarkets. Very nice when your shopping.
Today I made a Swiss meets the east dinner. Kind of wok food with Spaetzli, a Swiss kind of pasta. OK dinner, but boiling the Spaetzli in boullion probably wasn't the best idea...
While shopping today we also saw a bit of St. Gallen, and visited a park with a playground.
Been living with the Hauch family for a week now. I'm very glad they still accept the extra person in their house, and their daughter, Thilde, is almost glad about my presence now. Well, at least she allow me to play with her toys, even though I do it completely wrong :)
Tomorrow, the family will get a Tom break. I'm heading to Wasserauen to do a hike. There is snow in the area, so I'll bring some warm clothes. I'll be back "home" tomorrow night.
As when i couchsurf, I like to contribute with something. This week I've cooked dinner every second night.
The prices in Switzerland are quite expensive. There is one great thing about shopping here though. By law, all prices are on the products in the supermarkets. Very nice when your shopping.
Today I made a Swiss meets the east dinner. Kind of wok food with Spaetzli, a Swiss kind of pasta. OK dinner, but boiling the Spaetzli in boullion probably wasn't the best idea...
While shopping today we also saw a bit of St. Gallen, and visited a park with a playground.
mandag den 18. oktober 2010
Day 52
"Sunny beach" and "Amalies verden"
Another day as au pair in St. Gallen.
One crazy thing about Switzerland I realised today. When kids are going to kindergarten here, they are expected to walk to the place on their own, when they are 4!!!
A family my hosts know were called in to a chat at their daughters kindergarten. The staff were concerned with the family driving the four year old girl to/from the kindergarten!
The staff meant they were taking to much care, and not giving the girl responsibilities!
Apart from good company, the most interesting thing today was being introduced to some Danish tv shows which I've never seen. They were awful, but still entertaining :)
Not sure I'll start to watch them in Denmark. Watching them made me feel quite intelligent, so I guess that's a bonus some viewers will receive.
Bob and Tom are almost ready to move on on our journey...
Another day as au pair in St. Gallen.
One crazy thing about Switzerland I realised today. When kids are going to kindergarten here, they are expected to walk to the place on their own, when they are 4!!!
A family my hosts know were called in to a chat at their daughters kindergarten. The staff were concerned with the family driving the four year old girl to/from the kindergarten!
The staff meant they were taking to much care, and not giving the girl responsibilities!
Apart from good company, the most interesting thing today was being introduced to some Danish tv shows which I've never seen. They were awful, but still entertaining :)
Not sure I'll start to watch them in Denmark. Watching them made me feel quite intelligent, so I guess that's a bonus some viewers will receive.
Bob and Tom are almost ready to move on on our journey...
søndag den 17. oktober 2010
Day 51
To Austria for dinner
The kids here must have known it was Sunday today. They slept until 8:20 - excellent!
There might not be something called " bad weather", but I definitely wouldn't call todays weather lovely ether. Rain ALL day, and on the top of the mountains, it's snow.
We had late breakfast, and the afternoon went with cosy indoor activities. Bob is still in the basement, I think. Didn't miss him much today. The flag on Bob has a little Swiss flag now - looks great!
I also saw my favourite team, Brøndby, lose points again.
We had different options at dinner, but we ended up driving to a good place in Austria. Going there was still in daylight, and even though heavy rainclouds was covering most, the mountains still looked great.
Going through the border on the way back home turned out to be a bit complicated.
Anitta and Rasmus had a few items they wanted to get a tax return for at the border. Usually no problem, but they ended up with a 50€ fine cause they didn't bring one of the toys listed on their receipt. Bugger, and quite a fussy border policeman.
The kids here must have known it was Sunday today. They slept until 8:20 - excellent!
There might not be something called " bad weather", but I definitely wouldn't call todays weather lovely ether. Rain ALL day, and on the top of the mountains, it's snow.
We had late breakfast, and the afternoon went with cosy indoor activities. Bob is still in the basement, I think. Didn't miss him much today. The flag on Bob has a little Swiss flag now - looks great!
I also saw my favourite team, Brøndby, lose points again.
We had different options at dinner, but we ended up driving to a good place in Austria. Going there was still in daylight, and even though heavy rainclouds was covering most, the mountains still looked great.
Going through the border on the way back home turned out to be a bit complicated.
Anitta and Rasmus had a few items they wanted to get a tax return for at the border. Usually no problem, but they ended up with a 50€ fine cause they didn't bring one of the toys listed on their receipt. Bugger, and quite a fussy border policeman.
lørdag den 16. oktober 2010
Day 50
Angry birds for android
Yes, have had a day indoor with tv, games on my handy, playing with the kids, good food and company.
The whole family went to the hospital to visit a friend. I had time on my own for a nap, and some of the already mentioned things.
One of the best games for Iphone has just been launched for android phones, Angry Birds. So most of the evening went with this game. Not only me playing, in fact I played the less :)
We had five degrees and rain here all day. Denmark had sun and around 10 degrees.
Still in the process of organising the future for Bob and I.
Yes, have had a day indoor with tv, games on my handy, playing with the kids, good food and company.
The whole family went to the hospital to visit a friend. I had time on my own for a nap, and some of the already mentioned things.
One of the best games for Iphone has just been launched for android phones, Angry Birds. So most of the evening went with this game. Not only me playing, in fact I played the less :)
We had five degrees and rain here all day. Denmark had sun and around 10 degrees.
Still in the process of organising the future for Bob and I.
fredag den 15. oktober 2010
Day 49
Another day as hausfrau
Anitta, the kids and I spend the morning with breakfast, shopping a bit of sightseeing in St. Gallen.
I also organised the coming week this morning. Weather forecast still interesting...
The evening was " Friday night" cosy time. In Danish that usually means a good tv show, lots of candy, and tired kids on the couch. And that is pretty much the Friday night we had.
Tomorrow, Saturday, we might head up to the mountains, which should mean sun. The weather here in St. Gallen is grey and around 5 degrees. Crazy, Tuesday I arrived in shorts.
Staying in St. Gallen to Tuesday, I think.
Anitta, the kids and I spend the morning with breakfast, shopping a bit of sightseeing in St. Gallen.
I also organised the coming week this morning. Weather forecast still interesting...
The evening was " Friday night" cosy time. In Danish that usually means a good tv show, lots of candy, and tired kids on the couch. And that is pretty much the Friday night we had.
Tomorrow, Saturday, we might head up to the mountains, which should mean sun. The weather here in St. Gallen is grey and around 5 degrees. Crazy, Tuesday I arrived in shorts.
Staying in St. Gallen to Tuesday, I think.
torsdag den 14. oktober 2010
Day 48
Another day in St. Gallen.
Getting used to this relaxing life as a hausfrau - sorry Annita ;)
Today went with nice meals in a slow pace, playing with the kids, shopping, and little walks.
In the evening, news and programs on Danish television, with good beers from Portugal :)
Bob is having a good time in the basement, I think.
He actually went to a garage yesterday. His stand was moved a bit.
So not much to tell today.
Getting used to this relaxing life as a hausfrau - sorry Annita ;)
Today went with nice meals in a slow pace, playing with the kids, shopping, and little walks.
In the evening, news and programs on Danish television, with good beers from Portugal :)
Bob is having a good time in the basement, I think.
He actually went to a garage yesterday. His stand was moved a bit.
So not much to tell today.
onsdag den 13. oktober 2010
Day 47
Still in St. Gallen
Even though travelling is great, it's also great to be in on this little " Danish island" in St. Gallen. Annita, Rasmus and kids are great company. I have time to look on maps, bike routes, weather forecast, train tables and so on.
I was thinking on keep following the Rhine valley. But the place I was heading at, Andermatt, has a really interesting weather forecast. Even though it's in the valley, the forecast has frost and snow coming up this week. Then climbing across to Italy would be very interesting :)
Today I went to the city with Annita and the kids. There is a big city party thing in St. Gallen at the moment. It's a huge thing for farmers, but there is also lots of things to do for " non farmers".
It was a cold day in town. About 7 degrees, and very foggy.
I had my clothes washed today. It's not dry yet, so I'll take another rest day in St. Gallen tomorrow.
Even though travelling is great, it's also great to be in on this little " Danish island" in St. Gallen. Annita, Rasmus and kids are great company. I have time to look on maps, bike routes, weather forecast, train tables and so on.
I was thinking on keep following the Rhine valley. But the place I was heading at, Andermatt, has a really interesting weather forecast. Even though it's in the valley, the forecast has frost and snow coming up this week. Then climbing across to Italy would be very interesting :)
Today I went to the city with Annita and the kids. There is a big city party thing in St. Gallen at the moment. It's a huge thing for farmers, but there is also lots of things to do for " non farmers".
It was a cold day in town. About 7 degrees, and very foggy.
I had my clothes washed today. It's not dry yet, so I'll take another rest day in St. Gallen tomorrow.
tirsdag den 12. oktober 2010
Day 46
Record broken!
Had breakfast with Berthold at 7:30. He was of to the doctor, and I could have a nice early start on another short day.
I downloaded a few geocaches at a wifi spot - nice to take me off the route, and breaks the bike tour in to smaller pieces. I only found one though :)
One of the ones I didn't find let me to a carwash where you could also wash your bike. A great system they should bring to Denmark. I must have been a little tired. First I tried to put euroes in the machine. Afterwards I filled 7 Swiss franc into the machine. That gave me alot of time to clean the bike and the trailer. So they were both very clean when I left.
I drove along the Bodensee today. Nice tour. The lake is 539 square kilometres big, and 252 metres on the deepest place. Looks like an ocean. I was running really early today even though I tried to find geocaches and also had a little break were I had to straighten a gear arm.
Today, the goal was a little special. My friends Annita and Rasmus lives in St. Gallen with their two kids, Tilde and Magnus.
I was at their place at 14:00, after a little climb that was easier than I expected. I managed to beat my record altitude. Now, my maximum is 718 metres above sea level.
Annita served homemade scones - yum!
Afterwards we went for a little walk to the nearest playground with the kids.
Rasmus was back home at around 18. We had a lovely dinner.
The Danish team was playing culloden Cyprus qualifying for the European championship.
So we had beers, Danish candy - hygge!
Tomorrow is a resting day in St. Gallen. No plans yet, but a few things on the to do list though.
Had breakfast with Berthold at 7:30. He was of to the doctor, and I could have a nice early start on another short day.
I downloaded a few geocaches at a wifi spot - nice to take me off the route, and breaks the bike tour in to smaller pieces. I only found one though :)
One of the ones I didn't find let me to a carwash where you could also wash your bike. A great system they should bring to Denmark. I must have been a little tired. First I tried to put euroes in the machine. Afterwards I filled 7 Swiss franc into the machine. That gave me alot of time to clean the bike and the trailer. So they were both very clean when I left.
I drove along the Bodensee today. Nice tour. The lake is 539 square kilometres big, and 252 metres on the deepest place. Looks like an ocean. I was running really early today even though I tried to find geocaches and also had a little break were I had to straighten a gear arm.
Today, the goal was a little special. My friends Annita and Rasmus lives in St. Gallen with their two kids, Tilde and Magnus.
I was at their place at 14:00, after a little climb that was easier than I expected. I managed to beat my record altitude. Now, my maximum is 718 metres above sea level.
Annita served homemade scones - yum!
Afterwards we went for a little walk to the nearest playground with the kids.
Rasmus was back home at around 18. We had a lovely dinner.
The Danish team was playing culloden Cyprus qualifying for the European championship.
So we had beers, Danish candy - hygge!
Tomorrow is a resting day in St. Gallen. No plans yet, but a few things on the to do list though.
mandag den 11. oktober 2010
Day 45
Company all day
I had a very nice breakfast at the youth hostel together with Jonathan (10) and his dad Joachim. I asked if they wanted company for some of their tour. They wanted company, but told me they were going a bit fast cause they had a long day. I was alright with a good speed, whatever it meant.
It turned out to be like my usual speed, and it was great to company and a guide. Joachim had been on the track before. Pretty cool of a ten year old to do a bikeriding with days around 80km, or about 20km more what I did today :)
The morning was a little cold, but once the sun came it was nice again.
We did a few photo stops on the way, and was in Konstanz around 14:00. So I had time for some sightseeing and lunch.
Was at Bertholds place at 16:00. He wasn't home yet, so I waited outside, and even received a parcel to him from the post. :)
I actually saw him leave his flat, but I wasn't sure it was him.
Berthold had two Russian couchsurfers staying at his place. Berthold took us on a tour to the biggest island on a lake in western Europe, Reichenau.
Afterwards we went back home. The Russian girls had to catch a train to Basel.
Berthold and I had dinner. Nice seafood/rice with a dry white vine that I brought.
Berthold played some of his favorite music, meditation music. Brought back memories from my yoga experience - good memories :)
Tomorrow no couch request needed. I'm staying with friends in St. Gallen. It's a short day again, but with a climb in the end. Maybe my record of 640m above sea level will be broken. And that's done in Belgium!
I had a very nice breakfast at the youth hostel together with Jonathan (10) and his dad Joachim. I asked if they wanted company for some of their tour. They wanted company, but told me they were going a bit fast cause they had a long day. I was alright with a good speed, whatever it meant.
It turned out to be like my usual speed, and it was great to company and a guide. Joachim had been on the track before. Pretty cool of a ten year old to do a bikeriding with days around 80km, or about 20km more what I did today :)
The morning was a little cold, but once the sun came it was nice again.
We did a few photo stops on the way, and was in Konstanz around 14:00. So I had time for some sightseeing and lunch.
Was at Bertholds place at 16:00. He wasn't home yet, so I waited outside, and even received a parcel to him from the post. :)
I actually saw him leave his flat, but I wasn't sure it was him.
Berthold had two Russian couchsurfers staying at his place. Berthold took us on a tour to the biggest island on a lake in western Europe, Reichenau.
Afterwards we went back home. The Russian girls had to catch a train to Basel.
Berthold and I had dinner. Nice seafood/rice with a dry white vine that I brought.
Berthold played some of his favorite music, meditation music. Brought back memories from my yoga experience - good memories :)
Tomorrow no couch request needed. I'm staying with friends in St. Gallen. It's a short day again, but with a climb in the end. Maybe my record of 640m above sea level will be broken. And that's done in Belgium!
Day 44
Left Waldshut and Tommy at 10:00, so a little late start. He was still sleeping, so I left a note, and sneaked out.
I had no couch yet, but I headed for Schaffhausen in Switzerland. Another short day, but hills are coming up :)
I did the mistake of drinking coffee just before going to bed, so I didn't sleep that well, so the short day was perfect.
It was a cold day. Around 12 degrees and windy. Not that nice, but no rain though.
In the middle of nowhere I was struggling a little. Bob was crying, and I was cold. Then I met a man on a really old bike. He had a giant grey hair and beard, and a huge smile. That's what can bring my spirit back on track - he looked so cool.
I'm actually writing this part of the blog in a cafe where I've just ordered a coffee and a wurst und kaese salad.
I've just climbed a hill of 460 m, or 2.67 times higher than the highest hill in Denmark... So a coffee is a good price for our struggle. :)
wow, the salad was Huge, and with lots of bread.
After this great meal my next goal was Schaffhausen where the Rhinefall is. Just as I got there the sun came back, and the temperature went up - Perfect!
I took a boat to the middle of the waterfall, and climbed a rockface so I found myself with water all way around me. Cool place.
I went to Schaffhausen.
I had no couch so I turned on my wifi scanner, and found internet within 3 min, as usual in bigger cities. I googled nearest youth hostels, and there was one two km away. Excellent. I went there, and they had a bed free. I also ordered dinner. At dinner a German dad, and his son, Joachim and Jonathan, joined me. They were also on a biketrip, and are heading the same direction as me tomorrow. After dinner we played Rommy and had a few beers. Excellent.
Tomorrow I have a couch in Konstanz, where a Berthold is hosting me.
Next stop after Konstanz should be St. Gallen.
I had no couch yet, but I headed for Schaffhausen in Switzerland. Another short day, but hills are coming up :)
I did the mistake of drinking coffee just before going to bed, so I didn't sleep that well, so the short day was perfect.
It was a cold day. Around 12 degrees and windy. Not that nice, but no rain though.
In the middle of nowhere I was struggling a little. Bob was crying, and I was cold. Then I met a man on a really old bike. He had a giant grey hair and beard, and a huge smile. That's what can bring my spirit back on track - he looked so cool.
I'm actually writing this part of the blog in a cafe where I've just ordered a coffee and a wurst und kaese salad.
I've just climbed a hill of 460 m, or 2.67 times higher than the highest hill in Denmark... So a coffee is a good price for our struggle. :)
wow, the salad was Huge, and with lots of bread.
After this great meal my next goal was Schaffhausen where the Rhinefall is. Just as I got there the sun came back, and the temperature went up - Perfect!
I took a boat to the middle of the waterfall, and climbed a rockface so I found myself with water all way around me. Cool place.
I went to Schaffhausen.
I had no couch so I turned on my wifi scanner, and found internet within 3 min, as usual in bigger cities. I googled nearest youth hostels, and there was one two km away. Excellent. I went there, and they had a bed free. I also ordered dinner. At dinner a German dad, and his son, Joachim and Jonathan, joined me. They were also on a biketrip, and are heading the same direction as me tomorrow. After dinner we played Rommy and had a few beers. Excellent.
Tomorrow I have a couch in Konstanz, where a Berthold is hosting me.
Next stop after Konstanz should be St. Gallen.
søndag den 10. oktober 2010
Day 43
My host for tonight called me at 00:13 with a good message. I had a couch in Waldshut. He didn't give me his address, but told me to call him once I was in Waldshut. A bit strange, but Garmin knew the place..
I had breakfast with Roland and Nadia, and took of.
Getting out of Basel went really well, quick and easy, and back to the German side of the Rhine with lots of signs and directions.
The trip today was short'ish - 71 km, so I had time to find two geocaches, and take it easy.
20 km before Waldshut I saw two other bikers having a little trouble with a chain. I was able to help them. They were glad, and I had company for the rest of the biketrip.
I got to Waldshut at 16:20, found a central place and called Tommy. He was a little surprised, and had managed to forget that I was coming within 16 hours. But I was still welcome. I still didn't get any address, but directions. I managed to find his meeting point, and we went to his apartment.
Actually a little strange to explain about my trip, Bob ect. in Danish, so far I've only done it in German and English.
Tommy served a good Danish dinner. Beef with onions and potatoes - excellent.
His a designer, so he had lots of interesting things to tell.
After dinner we saw the German version of talent, and the movie Transporter3. A movie where I could switch my brain of for 1.5 hour. Perfect. We also had a glass of Grappa which was quite good.
Afterwards we had a talk about politics. Interesting to talk with someone who has a totally other opinion than me.
Haven't reseved a couch for tomorrow yet, but I'm still heading east along the Rhine. There is some quite big hills starting to turn up near the Rhine, but still no need to climb them.
Can't remember if I've written it, but I have a goal at the moment. I'm invited to stay with friends in St. Gallen, Switzerland. It's at around 600 metres above sea level, but the Rhine is already 300 metres above sea level, so probably won't be a problem.
I had breakfast with Roland and Nadia, and took of.
Getting out of Basel went really well, quick and easy, and back to the German side of the Rhine with lots of signs and directions.
The trip today was short'ish - 71 km, so I had time to find two geocaches, and take it easy.
20 km before Waldshut I saw two other bikers having a little trouble with a chain. I was able to help them. They were glad, and I had company for the rest of the biketrip.
I got to Waldshut at 16:20, found a central place and called Tommy. He was a little surprised, and had managed to forget that I was coming within 16 hours. But I was still welcome. I still didn't get any address, but directions. I managed to find his meeting point, and we went to his apartment.
Actually a little strange to explain about my trip, Bob ect. in Danish, so far I've only done it in German and English.
Tommy served a good Danish dinner. Beef with onions and potatoes - excellent.
His a designer, so he had lots of interesting things to tell.
After dinner we saw the German version of talent, and the movie Transporter3. A movie where I could switch my brain of for 1.5 hour. Perfect. We also had a glass of Grappa which was quite good.
Afterwards we had a talk about politics. Interesting to talk with someone who has a totally other opinion than me.
Haven't reseved a couch for tomorrow yet, but I'm still heading east along the Rhine. There is some quite big hills starting to turn up near the Rhine, but still no need to climb them.
Can't remember if I've written it, but I have a goal at the moment. I'm invited to stay with friends in St. Gallen, Switzerland. It's at around 600 metres above sea level, but the Rhine is already 300 metres above sea level, so probably won't be a problem.
lørdag den 9. oktober 2010
Day 42
99km again
Rainer served a big breakfast again this morning. Perfect for a bikeride...
He walked me to the street to say goodbye, and to see Bob in live action.
A fellow couchsurfer, and bikerider from Belgium once told me " getting into cities is easy, getting out can be a nightmare".
I wouldn't call exciting Freiburg a nightmare, but I'm glad my gps tracker didn't work, so you can't see my route... ;)
But great feeling once I was out, and have found a nice bike route.
I was heading for the Rhine route again. I actually crossed the Rhine to check the French bike path on their side. I couldn't find it, so back to Germany. The German track was like an autobahn for bikes. Gravel road, but very good, and direction straight to Basel.
The Rhine is about 200 metres above sea level, so I've climbed a little without noticing it.
I was following the "real Rhine". The French have stolen most of the water for their "Alsace canal".
So the real Rhine is quite small here, and very clear today.
My outfit was, again, shorts and t-shirt. I'm starting to get a bit of sun tan, meaning bikearms :)
My host, Roland and Nadia wasn't home before 18:30, so I had time for a cup of coffee and a walk in the biggest park in Basel, Kannenfeldpark. There was old men playing chess and drinking red vine, kids playing and people relaxing in the grass. Perfect October evening.
I met Roland at 18:30 in front of their house. They live in a 12 store building. He took me to the top of the building, where there was a great view.
One of Rolands friends came around for dinner. A good Swiss meal served with good Swiss beer. :)
Nadia came home at 22:30. We had a little look at options of bike routes in Switzerland.
Tomorrow I have a couch in Waldshut, which is on the German side of the Rhine. It's actually with a Danish man, Tommy Jespersen, so I'll speak Danish tomorrow :)
Rainer served a big breakfast again this morning. Perfect for a bikeride...
He walked me to the street to say goodbye, and to see Bob in live action.
A fellow couchsurfer, and bikerider from Belgium once told me " getting into cities is easy, getting out can be a nightmare".
I wouldn't call exciting Freiburg a nightmare, but I'm glad my gps tracker didn't work, so you can't see my route... ;)
But great feeling once I was out, and have found a nice bike route.
I was heading for the Rhine route again. I actually crossed the Rhine to check the French bike path on their side. I couldn't find it, so back to Germany. The German track was like an autobahn for bikes. Gravel road, but very good, and direction straight to Basel.
The Rhine is about 200 metres above sea level, so I've climbed a little without noticing it.
I was following the "real Rhine". The French have stolen most of the water for their "Alsace canal".
So the real Rhine is quite small here, and very clear today.
My outfit was, again, shorts and t-shirt. I'm starting to get a bit of sun tan, meaning bikearms :)
My host, Roland and Nadia wasn't home before 18:30, so I had time for a cup of coffee and a walk in the biggest park in Basel, Kannenfeldpark. There was old men playing chess and drinking red vine, kids playing and people relaxing in the grass. Perfect October evening.
I met Roland at 18:30 in front of their house. They live in a 12 store building. He took me to the top of the building, where there was a great view.
One of Rolands friends came around for dinner. A good Swiss meal served with good Swiss beer. :)
Nadia came home at 22:30. We had a little look at options of bike routes in Switzerland.
Tomorrow I have a couch in Waldshut, which is on the German side of the Rhine. It's actually with a Danish man, Tommy Jespersen, so I'll speak Danish tomorrow :)
fredag den 8. oktober 2010
Day 41
A day without bikeriding
Rainer served a very fine breakfast with lots of choices. He was going to work, but before going he took me to the top of a nearby mountain, Shauinsland 1302 metres above sea level. We could see The Alps in Switzerland. With snow on them. There is a short movie clip from the lookout on Bob and Tom on facebook. Follow the link from the welcome menu.
Today, again, the weather was beautiful. 23 degrees and sun all day.
Rainer drove me to the centre of Freiburg. He was working there, and I could do some sightseeing.
Many of the taxis in town had a commercial on it. "Kopenhagen flight ticket for 17€"
So I'm not that far away, but still, it's by plane. :)
I also went into the "cathedral of our beloved lady Freiburg i. Br." well, that what's the brochure said...
There was a great view from the tower - and lots of stairs.
Great to have a bit of time without Bob. Bob is in a dark basement with a lot of other bikes, in case you worry.
Freiburg was a great city. They have little creeks running through many of the central streets.
I went home to Rainers' place with a tram. Don't think I've driven tram since New Zealand in 2000.
Rainer got home from work at about 18. He told he had booked a table at a restaurant. He wasn't in the mood for cooking. But we were both in the mood for eating, so we took of.
The restaurant was 15 min drive away. A traditional German restaurant. We had a big Wiener schnitzel, and afterwards a great desert, ice cream with warm raspberries. Great stuff.
So as you can imagine, a perfect resting day in Freiburg with good company.
Tomorrow I'll be in Switzerland,
I've already been accepted at my next place in Basel. So back to the Rhine, and south!
Rainer served a very fine breakfast with lots of choices. He was going to work, but before going he took me to the top of a nearby mountain, Shauinsland 1302 metres above sea level. We could see The Alps in Switzerland. With snow on them. There is a short movie clip from the lookout on Bob and Tom on facebook. Follow the link from the welcome menu.
Today, again, the weather was beautiful. 23 degrees and sun all day.
Rainer drove me to the centre of Freiburg. He was working there, and I could do some sightseeing.
Many of the taxis in town had a commercial on it. "Kopenhagen flight ticket for 17€"
So I'm not that far away, but still, it's by plane. :)
I also went into the "cathedral of our beloved lady Freiburg i. Br." well, that what's the brochure said...
There was a great view from the tower - and lots of stairs.
Great to have a bit of time without Bob. Bob is in a dark basement with a lot of other bikes, in case you worry.
Freiburg was a great city. They have little creeks running through many of the central streets.
I went home to Rainers' place with a tram. Don't think I've driven tram since New Zealand in 2000.
Rainer got home from work at about 18. He told he had booked a table at a restaurant. He wasn't in the mood for cooking. But we were both in the mood for eating, so we took of.
The restaurant was 15 min drive away. A traditional German restaurant. We had a big Wiener schnitzel, and afterwards a great desert, ice cream with warm raspberries. Great stuff.
So as you can imagine, a perfect resting day in Freiburg with good company.
Tomorrow I'll be in Switzerland,
I've already been accepted at my next place in Basel. So back to the Rhine, and south!
onsdag den 6. oktober 2010
Day 40
A short day of 99km
Had breakfast with Christine.
I had a goal, a couch in Freiburg. So aparently a short day.
So I took it very easy leaving Friesenheim. I had planed a few geocaches on the route. I headed for the Rhine, but it took quite a while to get there. I passed "Europa Park" on my way. A very big theme park. Aprarently the best in Europe. I went there. The entrance was 31Euro, but they had a Sciences house where the entrance was only 7 Euro.
It was quite big. Had lots of interesting things to try, and best of all, think there was 4 people in there...
My host in Freiburg, Reiner wasn't home until 18:00 so I thought I had heaps of time.
So I still went in a slow pace. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm. This region of Germany is aparently the warmest region.
It's great to be back in Germany again. The bike tracks are perfect, and especially the sings are great. It's hard to get lost. I'll always find another bikeroute. So I did very few km on roads today.
Got to Rainers place at 18:30.
Just in time for dinner. Perfect!
I had a shower afterwards. Showers is one thing I really look forward to on this trip.
Another thing is faling a sleep. Sleeping in a new place can be dificult back home in Denmark, but on this trip - no problem at all.
I usually write my blog in bed, and some times I fall a sleep writing it.
Today I'm writing on a real computer. That's my first time I update my blog via a computer.
My legs a fine. My knees are a bit sore, but only natural.
I thought my trip today was going to be short, but I ended up doing 99km.
Rainer has offered me to stay an extra day, so I'll do some sightseeing in Frieburg tomorrow.
Had breakfast with Christine.
I had a goal, a couch in Freiburg. So aparently a short day.
So I took it very easy leaving Friesenheim. I had planed a few geocaches on the route. I headed for the Rhine, but it took quite a while to get there. I passed "Europa Park" on my way. A very big theme park. Aprarently the best in Europe. I went there. The entrance was 31Euro, but they had a Sciences house where the entrance was only 7 Euro.
It was quite big. Had lots of interesting things to try, and best of all, think there was 4 people in there...
My host in Freiburg, Reiner wasn't home until 18:00 so I thought I had heaps of time.
So I still went in a slow pace. The weather was beautiful, sunny and warm. This region of Germany is aparently the warmest region.
It's great to be back in Germany again. The bike tracks are perfect, and especially the sings are great. It's hard to get lost. I'll always find another bikeroute. So I did very few km on roads today.
Got to Rainers place at 18:30.
Just in time for dinner. Perfect!
I had a shower afterwards. Showers is one thing I really look forward to on this trip.
Another thing is faling a sleep. Sleeping in a new place can be dificult back home in Denmark, but on this trip - no problem at all.
I usually write my blog in bed, and some times I fall a sleep writing it.
Today I'm writing on a real computer. That's my first time I update my blog via a computer.
My legs a fine. My knees are a bit sore, but only natural.
I thought my trip today was going to be short, but I ended up doing 99km.
Rainer has offered me to stay an extra day, so I'll do some sightseeing in Frieburg tomorrow.
tirsdag den 5. oktober 2010
Day 39
Thierry and I had breakfast together. He gave me a good advise to follow a canal to Mastric. A great advise. The track was perfect, and there was lots of things to see on the way. I think I saw around 300 swans in the canal. The canal also took me past the European parliament. I went in there for about half an hour. Not much to see, and awful to see a Mr. Messerschidt's name on a info stand about Denmark :)
I went in to the center of Strasbourg. Nice city with a giant church in the city center. I found a French flag and walked around before leaving towards Germany again. I had a couch in Friesenheim.
Getting in to Strasbourg was easy. Getting out was a bit more complicated. Well, it's easy to get out, but finding a good bike route wasn't that easy. I followed a canal for quite a while, but in a industrial area. Not that nice, but in the end I found a small road along the canal, and later, the Rhine.
I didn't follow the Rhine route at all today. I should be able to find it tomorrow, being on the German side of the Rhine. At least I can understand the signs :)
I got to my host, Christine's place at 16:30. I thought it was going to be a short day, but the detours on the French side made it a bit longer, 77 km.
Christine served a cup of coffee. I had a shower, and afterwards she took me for a drive in the area. We went to a lookout point from where we could see the church tower in Strasbourg.
Back home Christine cooked a great pasta meal with lots of garlic and chilli. We also had black tea with fresh Ginger, quite nice actually.
Tomorrow the goal is 79108 Freiburg - a Rainer is hosting me. Again the weather will be great for bikeriding. Sun, and around 22 degrees.
Christine offered to wash my clothes, great to have clean socks again :-)
I went in to the center of Strasbourg. Nice city with a giant church in the city center. I found a French flag and walked around before leaving towards Germany again. I had a couch in Friesenheim.
Getting in to Strasbourg was easy. Getting out was a bit more complicated. Well, it's easy to get out, but finding a good bike route wasn't that easy. I followed a canal for quite a while, but in a industrial area. Not that nice, but in the end I found a small road along the canal, and later, the Rhine.
I didn't follow the Rhine route at all today. I should be able to find it tomorrow, being on the German side of the Rhine. At least I can understand the signs :)
I got to my host, Christine's place at 16:30. I thought it was going to be a short day, but the detours on the French side made it a bit longer, 77 km.
Christine served a cup of coffee. I had a shower, and afterwards she took me for a drive in the area. We went to a lookout point from where we could see the church tower in Strasbourg.
Back home Christine cooked a great pasta meal with lots of garlic and chilli. We also had black tea with fresh Ginger, quite nice actually.
Tomorrow the goal is 79108 Freiburg - a Rainer is hosting me. Again the weather will be great for bikeriding. Sun, and around 22 degrees.
Christine offered to wash my clothes, great to have clean socks again :-)
mandag den 4. oktober 2010
Day 38
In France
Crossing north Karlsruhe in the morning was not easy, but I had organised a bit with google earth, and Jan gave some advised. So if you see my route it went pretty good. By the way. Watching my entire route can only be done if you use internet explorer. Click on the link below the map on the frontpage. I followed the Rhine on the French side today. It was great. I found alot of walnuts for my hosts in Brumath, France.
I went through some swampy areas. Very interesting, and the bike paths were perfect. I had the wind in my back all day, and about 23 degrees.
I got to Brumath at 16:30 , where Anita welcomed me. Thierry & Anita lives there with their daughter. My couchsurfing host, Anaël came home from his student flat in Strasbourg.
The family had a visitor for dinner. A friend from Chad, who they hadn't seen for 4 years. Amazing they accepted me as a guest with this special guest coming.
I helped a little in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Dinner was perfect. Especially the desert was great. Sounding like yesterdays blog, but again I was spoiled with a great desert.
After dinner I had an interesting chat with Thierry about religion in Denmark and in general. He was also very interested in the place where I live. Www.absolfang.dk
I've made a few requests for tomorrow. Some of them are actually heading back to the German side of the Rhine.
Crossing north Karlsruhe in the morning was not easy, but I had organised a bit with google earth, and Jan gave some advised. So if you see my route it went pretty good. By the way. Watching my entire route can only be done if you use internet explorer. Click on the link below the map on the frontpage. I followed the Rhine on the French side today. It was great. I found alot of walnuts for my hosts in Brumath, France.
I went through some swampy areas. Very interesting, and the bike paths were perfect. I had the wind in my back all day, and about 23 degrees.
I got to Brumath at 16:30 , where Anita welcomed me. Thierry & Anita lives there with their daughter. My couchsurfing host, Anaël came home from his student flat in Strasbourg.
The family had a visitor for dinner. A friend from Chad, who they hadn't seen for 4 years. Amazing they accepted me as a guest with this special guest coming.
I helped a little in the kitchen preparing dinner.
Dinner was perfect. Especially the desert was great. Sounding like yesterdays blog, but again I was spoiled with a great desert.
After dinner I had an interesting chat with Thierry about religion in Denmark and in general. He was also very interested in the place where I live. Www.absolfang.dk
I've made a few requests for tomorrow. Some of them are actually heading back to the German side of the Rhine.
Day 37
Will actually just ad a little to yesterday. I had a six bed room at the youth hostel. When I got there it looked like there was atleast two other guys staying in the room. At 21:30 the guy, only one, turned up. He was a massure for the German youth basketball team. He was going to massage the players and handle injuries in my room. It would last to way past midnight. Not exactly what I was planning :-)
Lucky he got a new room, and I had the whole room to myself.
Well, that's what i thought, cause at 01:00 a young man locked him self in to the room. All his stuff was "hidden" in a closet, but when removing the other guy I accidentally moved this guys duvet, sheet and blankets. Great. So I got out of bed, found my sleeping bag, and gave my stuff to him. No worries.
The basketball players were early birds, so no alarm clock needed.
Headed of at 8:15.
The weather was great. From midday I was wearing shorts and T- shirt.
I did 83 km today, but course of the early start there was plenty of time.
I tried to follow the Rhine, but the route wasn't that easy to follow today. So Garmin actually got the chance to decide a little today.
I was at Jan's place at 15:00
He was having lunch, so I also had a bit to east.
In the evening we went to a very big house where there was dancing.
I didn't dance, but a friend of Jan, Inga, made the evening a much more interesting.
Back home Jan cooked a great meal. Especially his homemade icecream with chilly and lots of chocolate was lovely. I made quit a few requests in France. One of them was accepted, so I'll follow the Rhine on the French side tomorrow.
The weather forecast is perfect. Up to 27 degrees, and sun all day.
Lucky he got a new room, and I had the whole room to myself.
Well, that's what i thought, cause at 01:00 a young man locked him self in to the room. All his stuff was "hidden" in a closet, but when removing the other guy I accidentally moved this guys duvet, sheet and blankets. Great. So I got out of bed, found my sleeping bag, and gave my stuff to him. No worries.
The basketball players were early birds, so no alarm clock needed.
Headed of at 8:15.
The weather was great. From midday I was wearing shorts and T- shirt.
I did 83 km today, but course of the early start there was plenty of time.
I tried to follow the Rhine, but the route wasn't that easy to follow today. So Garmin actually got the chance to decide a little today.
I was at Jan's place at 15:00
He was having lunch, so I also had a bit to east.
In the evening we went to a very big house where there was dancing.
I didn't dance, but a friend of Jan, Inga, made the evening a much more interesting.
Back home Jan cooked a great meal. Especially his homemade icecream with chilly and lots of chocolate was lovely. I made quit a few requests in France. One of them was accepted, so I'll follow the Rhine on the French side tomorrow.
The weather forecast is perfect. Up to 27 degrees, and sun all day.
lørdag den 2. oktober 2010
Day 36
2000 km done
Leaving hosts is quite often a strange feeling. I've just got to know them, and then I move on. I already miss quite a few of my hosts. This morning was no exception. I had a great time with the Rohleder family. I was really spoiled, with plenty of good food, vine, beer, but best of all, great company. Again I was their first couchsurfer. I've stayed a lot of places were I was the first, and they've all been perfect.
I went through a lot vineyards this morning. There was lots of the big gas cannons for bird scaring. Quite nervebreaking to pass them, but also a bit of action. Will it go off... :)
First stop was the city Worms. The October fest last night but my system needed a bit of recovery food. So the lunch was døner, fries and coke.
I was heading for Hiedelberg, but none of my requests was accepted, and Mannheim was close. So I went there and made a last minute request in the Mannheim forum. No luck though, and I was of to the youth hostel. It's located on Rheinpromenade, so pretty nice place.
The evening was spend in an internet cafe looking up European bike routes.
Tomorrow I'm back couchsurfing. A Jan in Karlsruhe has accepted my request. Excellent.
Thanks for all the greetings in my guestbook. I usually check it several times a day.
Leaving hosts is quite often a strange feeling. I've just got to know them, and then I move on. I already miss quite a few of my hosts. This morning was no exception. I had a great time with the Rohleder family. I was really spoiled, with plenty of good food, vine, beer, but best of all, great company. Again I was their first couchsurfer. I've stayed a lot of places were I was the first, and they've all been perfect.
I went through a lot vineyards this morning. There was lots of the big gas cannons for bird scaring. Quite nervebreaking to pass them, but also a bit of action. Will it go off... :)
First stop was the city Worms. The October fest last night but my system needed a bit of recovery food. So the lunch was døner, fries and coke.
I was heading for Hiedelberg, but none of my requests was accepted, and Mannheim was close. So I went there and made a last minute request in the Mannheim forum. No luck though, and I was of to the youth hostel. It's located on Rheinpromenade, so pretty nice place.
The evening was spend in an internet cafe looking up European bike routes.
Tomorrow I'm back couchsurfing. A Jan in Karlsruhe has accepted my request. Excellent.
Thanks for all the greetings in my guestbook. I usually check it several times a day.
fredag den 1. oktober 2010
Day 35
Oktober fest
The Rohleder family offered me to stay an extra day. That was a perfect offer. A great family to visit, and there was a chance my visa card would arrive in Mainz.
I had breakfast with Michaela, the rest if the family had already left for school and work.
After breakfast I went on a geocaching bikeride in the area. The nearest cache was called "Bergkloster". I thought it sounded like a possible nice place. It turned out to be a resting place next to a big road. Not exactly what I thought :-)
I saw a vine route, and followed that instead. It was great. There was a lot of bird scaring canons, that went off all the time. It was like new years eve.
I found three caches, and saw a lot of vineyards. I was back at the Rohleder family at 14. Just in time to have lunch with Wolfgang and the boys.
Afterwards I had a game of chess and other games with the boys.
In the late afternoon I went to taekwondo with Wolfgang and Martin. Martin showed me some of Westhofen. Especially the trouts in a very clean creek was cool. You could feed them, and they were really tame.
In the evening Wolfgang invited me to oktober fest. It was great. 1 kilo pig, and 2.5 litter of beer. A real man party :)
First of October, and already a October party. I might stay in Germany for a while :)
Heidelberg is next tomorrow. Haven't got a couch yet, but there is plenty of couchsurfers in the area, so it shouldn't be a problem.
The Rohleder family offered me to stay an extra day. That was a perfect offer. A great family to visit, and there was a chance my visa card would arrive in Mainz.
I had breakfast with Michaela, the rest if the family had already left for school and work.
After breakfast I went on a geocaching bikeride in the area. The nearest cache was called "Bergkloster". I thought it sounded like a possible nice place. It turned out to be a resting place next to a big road. Not exactly what I thought :-)
I saw a vine route, and followed that instead. It was great. There was a lot of bird scaring canons, that went off all the time. It was like new years eve.
I found three caches, and saw a lot of vineyards. I was back at the Rohleder family at 14. Just in time to have lunch with Wolfgang and the boys.
Afterwards I had a game of chess and other games with the boys.
In the late afternoon I went to taekwondo with Wolfgang and Martin. Martin showed me some of Westhofen. Especially the trouts in a very clean creek was cool. You could feed them, and they were really tame.
In the evening Wolfgang invited me to oktober fest. It was great. 1 kilo pig, and 2.5 litter of beer. A real man party :)
First of October, and already a October party. I might stay in Germany for a while :)
Heidelberg is next tomorrow. Haven't got a couch yet, but there is plenty of couchsurfers in the area, so it shouldn't be a problem.
Day 34
Got to bed at 2am, so slept until 9:15. Think that's the latest I have slept to on this trip.
The mail arrived at around 10, but no visa card. Leif went with me to the post office to check if the letter was there, no luck.
I already had a couch in Westhofen, so I left Mainz at around 12:00
On my way to Westhofen I tried to remember which day it was. I couldn't, but it doesn't really matter :)
My mom has asked for more details about the nature I see on my way. Well, there its plenty of vineyards. They are pretty, but also a bit monotone, and too much when there is bird scaring sirenes and canons. But the grapes are great. They are picking some of them at the moment. The bike tracks often run straight through the vineyards.
I got to the Rohleder family in Westhofen at 16:30.
Wolfgang, Michaela, and their two suns Poul, Martin welcomed me.
Michaela have her own nature medicine clinic. She also do meditape, so within half an hour after arriving both my knees was covered with yellow tape. :-)
Had a great dinner with the family, and I'm staying an extra day. Wolfgang served quite a few beers from his "tap beer system". Good stuff, and another thing to my " things I didn't know I needed" list.
The boys borrowed my phone and had a bit of fun with the games. There is probably also a few kids back home in Solfang who miss my phone - and me of course ;-) Tomorrow I'll go for a bikeride in the areas around Westhofen.
The mail arrived at around 10, but no visa card. Leif went with me to the post office to check if the letter was there, no luck.
I already had a couch in Westhofen, so I left Mainz at around 12:00
On my way to Westhofen I tried to remember which day it was. I couldn't, but it doesn't really matter :)
My mom has asked for more details about the nature I see on my way. Well, there its plenty of vineyards. They are pretty, but also a bit monotone, and too much when there is bird scaring sirenes and canons. But the grapes are great. They are picking some of them at the moment. The bike tracks often run straight through the vineyards.
I got to the Rohleder family in Westhofen at 16:30.
Wolfgang, Michaela, and their two suns Poul, Martin welcomed me.
Michaela have her own nature medicine clinic. She also do meditape, so within half an hour after arriving both my knees was covered with yellow tape. :-)
Had a great dinner with the family, and I'm staying an extra day. Wolfgang served quite a few beers from his "tap beer system". Good stuff, and another thing to my " things I didn't know I needed" list.
The boys borrowed my phone and had a bit of fun with the games. There is probably also a few kids back home in Solfang who miss my phone - and me of course ;-) Tomorrow I'll go for a bikeride in the areas around Westhofen.
Abonner på:
Opslag (Atom)