Friday, September 29, 2006
Auf Wiedersehen Deutschland
Today we leave for Spain - the long way. Our bus leaves from Braunschweig (about an hour from here) at 2:45, and we arrive in Lyon at 8am tomorrow morning. Not sure how much time we have in Lyon before our next bus to Barcelona. Fortunately, Matthias' mother has provided us with many yummy snacks for the trip. So, armed with food, a few Sudoku puzzles, some crossword puzzles and (the massive) Don Quixote, I should be fine. Matthias says he's happy to just look out the window, but I'm bringing a book for him (the German version of Lonesome Dove - my favorite) just in case. Next update from somewhere in Andalucia!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Back in Town
We had a nice three-week escape at Matthias' parents house in the Harz Mountains. The 
weather was great - atypical for Germany - plenty of sunshine every day. I should say the weather was great for hiking and sitting outdoors; it was less than optimal for gathering mushrooms (which, I have learned, requires the damp conditions more typical this time of year.) Fortunately, it had rained quite a bit before we got there, so we had a few good days of mushroom hunting. Here is a picture of Matthias preparing some stein pilz (Stone Mushrooms) considered (at least by his family) as the "gold standard" of 'shrooms. You can click on the picture to enlarge and get a better look.
Besides looking for mushrooms, we spent lots of time hiking to nearby towns and sights and firing up the backyard bbq. Matthias even used some hickory wood and sawdust (from a tree his parents chopped down) to smoke some spare ribs for a real southern American-style treat. Pictured here is a dam (we actually drove to) by a fish restaurant where we celebrated our third anniversary over a yummy meal. And, Matthias' parents came up for part of the time to enjoy the great weather in the wild.
Now we are getting ready to head to Spain for the winter. We couldn't find any of those cheap flights the Europeans are always boasting about (maybe because of Octoberfest or something.) so we decided to travel via bus and train. Now I'm thinking we were a little crazy to do that, but at least I'll get to see the part of France (albeit from the highway) that I didn't get to on the bike ride. Also, we'll be able to take more luggage this way (those discount airlines hardly let you take anything with you!) And, well, we do have the time.... So, we leave on Friday from Braunschweig (about an hour from here) and take the bus to Lyon, France, and then change buses for Barcelona, where we catch a train to Malaga.
weather was great - atypical for Germany - plenty of sunshine every day. I should say the weather was great for hiking and sitting outdoors; it was less than optimal for gathering mushrooms (which, I have learned, requires the damp conditions more typical this time of year.) Fortunately, it had rained quite a bit before we got there, so we had a few good days of mushroom hunting. Here is a picture of Matthias preparing some stein pilz (Stone Mushrooms) considered (at least by his family) as the "gold standard" of 'shrooms. You can click on the picture to enlarge and get a better look.
Besides looking for mushrooms, we spent lots of time hiking to nearby towns and sights and firing up the backyard bbq. Matthias even used some hickory wood and sawdust (from a tree his parents chopped down) to smoke some spare ribs for a real southern American-style treat. Pictured here is a dam (we actually drove to) by a fish restaurant where we celebrated our third anniversary over a yummy meal. And, Matthias' parents came up for part of the time to enjoy the great weather in the wild.
Now we are getting ready to head to Spain for the winter. We couldn't find any of those cheap flights the Europeans are always boasting about (maybe because of Octoberfest or something.) so we decided to travel via bus and train. Now I'm thinking we were a little crazy to do that, but at least I'll get to see the part of France (albeit from the highway) that I didn't get to on the bike ride. Also, we'll be able to take more luggage this way (those discount airlines hardly let you take anything with you!) And, well, we do have the time.... So, we leave on Friday from Braunschweig (about an hour from here) and take the bus to Lyon, France, and then change buses for Barcelona, where we catch a train to Malaga.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Ho Hum
So, now I have plenty of time to write, but not a whole lot to write about. We have been staying with Matthias' family for about two weeks, mainly getting ready for Matthias' father's 60th birthday party, which took place last Saturday. The party was great - about 40 people, good weather, and lots of delicious food and drinks. It was held on their property, which used to be a brewery and beverage distribution center, so we were well-equpped for the festivities. Add to that Matthias' mother's decorating and cake-baking skills, catering by the local restaurant, and a cool DJ and we were ready to party! I think we are 
still recovering. (top left: photo of Matthias, his father, and grandmother before the party. Bottom left: later in the evening.)Tomorrow, Matthias and I leave for the nearby Harz mountains, where we are going to spend some relaxation time in his parents' vacation home. No family, no obligations, and no access to internet (so no updates for a few weeks.) There is a telephone, though. Feel free to call us at 011-49-39454-43663. And speaking of phone calls, it has been great speaking to folks back home. And special thanks to Steve, Viv, and Eleanor for their call and update - it was great to talk to them! I really miss hearing about stuff back home so please email, leave a comment here, or call!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
3,650 Kilometers by Bike - a recap
I finally found a way to trace our route on a map and upload it here, for those that might be interested in our route. Now that I look at it on the map, it doesn't appear all that impressive to me, but 3,500 kms (not including trains) is nothing to sneeze at, I guess. You can click on the map to see a larger image.
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