BERCHTESGADEN, RHINE VALLEY, MAASTRICT

Since our last contact with you made our way to Germany thinking we had left our mechanical issues behind. The ever faithful TomTom decided to take us to Berchtesgaden on a very scenic route. Unfortunately we couldn’t see the scenery as all those following their GPS were taking the same route and had smoke streaming from their brake linings (as did we). Turns out the legendary driving of Andrew ensured we had less smoke than others newer and decidedly flasher motor homes and vehicles. Decided to stay in a very nice hotel (in the romantic suites) so all could have spa and a relaxing night. We thought we might buy some local produce in the tourist town so Jamie and Annette went into a little deli (where there were no prices on anything) as soon as we walked in they gave us a sample of their local peach schnapps. We then bought a couple of pieces of cheese a few sausages and some crispbread to have with it. Total value 47 Euro, yes that is right about $65 aussie dollars.

The weather was not the best for sightseeing Hitler’s Love Nest (also known as the Eagle’s Nest) so we decided to send Jamie and Andrew down the saltmines after Andrew confronted a German Frau (bitch) in the carpark. They spent 2 hours in the mine learning how salt was extracted from the core of the earth. We left Berchtesgaden in the drizzling rain making our way to the Rhine Valley.

The Rhine Valley was an amazing place to stay even though we only stayed one night.

There was a castle on every hill, trains running on both sides of the river, where on one side the trains ran every 5 minutes all night and barges going up and down the river full of cargo all night as well. We were parked right on the river bank. It is amazing how much the Germans use the river for transport, including tourist boats.

On to Maastrict, The Netherlands. Frank felt right as home as he crossed the border from Germany to Holland. Staying at a great park just out of town called “The Oriental”. The facilities here are the best we have struck on the trip. Indoor heated pool, (huge), amenities fantastic. Caught the bus into Maastrict, supposedly the oldest town in The Netherlands. The food was wonderful. Almost walked out of one shop into another to taste a new delicacy. Frank was delighted with his pickled herring and onion roll, then the four of us tucked into Frites with mayonnaise which was just delicious. Then we found the closest thing to a sausage roll that Jamie has seen in months, so we ate that, then what we thought was a meat pie and turned out the be a quiche (guess what is going to be first thing on the menu when Jamie gets home – yes a pie). The town was great for shoe shopping and there were sales on everywhere. The people in Holland are so friendly and it is very easy for an English speaking person as almost everyone speaks perfect English. We ended the day at a little local tavern having a few quiet ales and reflected on the past year.

More later

Love

J & A, F & A

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