Europe 2019-2020

Planes, trains and automobiles around Europe, Winter 2019-2020 Read more

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Trip start
December 8, 2019
Europe 2019-2020 Traveler
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Saturday, December 7, 2019 at 9:41 PM
🌧 55 °F
Altitude: 702 ft
United States Westborough 37.633259, -122.46398937°37’60” N 122°27’50” W
The Trip Begins -1 Carry on... 43 days.
December 7, 2019 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 55 °F
Packing it up.

3 pants
2 sweaters
Turtle neck
3 socks
Undies/ travel camisole
1 jacket
Hat
Gloves
Batteries
Chargers
CPAP
iPad
Travel docs
Bathroom stuff

Pack tightly into one carry on and a backpackRead more
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Day 1
Sunday, December 8, 2019 at 9:20 AM
⛅ 55 °F
Altitude: 95 ft
United States San Francisco Airport station 37.61663, -122.38937°36’60” N 122°23’20” W
SFO to MUC, Munich, Germany
December 8, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 55 °F
🎶All my bags, well just one bag, are packed I’m ready to fly. 🎶 United lounge doesn’t accept guest pass so I’m spending my time sitting on my butt at the bar at the gate. A so-called Bavarian Pretzel is one way to start a trip to Bavaria. Then an 11 hour flight. I got a Blanket from Gravel which doubles as a pillow, a picnic blanket and a poncho a ton of movies all at the ready. Jet lag here I come!
First stop Munich, Germany.Read more
TravelerPretzel looks good..... but, 2 beers.......
12/8/19Reply
TravelerOne is mine. I sat at the bar so it’s the other guys. I was thirsty but not that thirsty.
12/9/19Reply
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Day 2
Monday, December 9, 2019 at 9:28 AM
☁️ 41 °F
Altitude: 1,473 ft
Germany Mariabrunn 48.351187, 11.74430348°21’4” N 11°44’39” E
Munich Flughafen
December 9, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 41 °F
First train of the trip. Airport to downtown. Or Flughafen to München Hbf on the S8 S-bahn.

I think the car sign is for the Sixt rental car company. I should’ve looked in to trying that one.
TravelerIt would have been fun to drive one of those to Hallbergmoos!!!
12/9/19Reply
TravelerGlad to see your feet are dry on the other side of the world.
12/9/19Reply
TravelerLots of time to rent a fast car. Just pick a day and shift the schedule
12/9/19Reply
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Day 2
Monday, December 9, 2019 at 11:36 AM
☁️ 45 °F
Altitude: 1,755 ft
Germany Munich Central Station 48.139928, 11.55848°8’24” N 11°33’29” E
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1
Charles Forte Hotel Charcuterie Board
December 9, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 45 °F
My first dinner will be in the restaurant of my hotel. A five star hotel that is centrally located in Munich. Arrived easily, at check in I got a room upgrade and a 100 hotel credit. Used my Amex points to get the room and the other things for free. What a great way to start the trip.

Dinner

Rye bread
Pickled gherkins
Roasted chestnuts
Focaccia
Beet hummus
Hawaiian black salt
Smoked ham from Italy

Vegetable stew.Read more
Traveler Looks yummy!
12/9/19Reply
Traveler Just remember beets will make your poop red, so don’t freak out and think you’re dying!!! 😉 # ProTip
12/9/19Reply
Traveler I tried it. Tasted like dirt. I will monitor my bathroom. I have a bidet in my room so I will also be sparkling clean. No photos of that.
12/9/19Reply
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Day 3
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 12:31 PM
⛅ 36 °F
Altitude: 1,736 ft
Germany Lehel 48.14332, 11.58770348°8’36” N 11°35’16” E
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Munich River Surfing
December 10, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 36 °F
Man made stream in the English Garden. I am told in winter this is the “beginner” run. In summer there are 20 people on both sides taking turns jumping in. Did I mention it’s 38f/3c today
Traveler Looks exceptionally cold!..... but I guess if you wanna surf, this is how it’s done
12/10/19Reply
TravelerLooks exceptionally cold!..... but I guess if you wanna surf, this is how it’s done
12/10/19Reply
TravelerAmazing what people are willing to do in the name of having fun. For me, I'm just fine having my fun watching the "sports".
12/10/19Reply
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Day 3
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 1:49 PM
⛅ 36 °F
Altitude: 1,706 ft
Germany Nymphenburg 48.150773, 11.51773548°9’3” N 11°31’4” E
Snow
December 10, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 36 °F
It is snowing. That is all
TravelerIs this a footprint in the snow?..... 🥶🤣
12/10/19Reply
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Day 3
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at 5:42 PM
⛅ 32 °F
Altitude: 1,722 ft
Germany Mary's Square 48.13747, 11.5804248°8’15” N 11°34’50” E
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Munich Hofbrauhaus
December 10, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 32 °F
Beer in a huge stein. Weiner schnitzel. In Germany. Met a nice couple from St. Louis. It stopped snowing. And it’s only 5:45 pm. Winter market next.
Traveler Is that schnitzel?
12/10/19Reply
TravelerIs that schnitzel?
12/10/19Reply
Traveler Yes. Schnitzel is breaded pork.
12/10/19Reply
Traveler Looks yummy!
12/10/19Reply
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Day 4
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 at 3:25 PM
☁️ 37 °F
Altitude: 1,598 ft
Germany Oberschleißheim 48.2499, 11.55740548°14’60” N 11°33’27” E
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Altess Schloss
December 11, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 37 °F
This castle, more like a very stately manor home and garden, was the home of Maximilian. At one time the King of the Holy Roman Empire. The most beautiful palace. I visited late in the day and was the only person there. The visitor guide said the building is very cold in the winter so few people visit. I was so happy to have taken the time to get here. 2 busses U-bahn 295, and the S1, then the 295 and the u-4.Read more
Traveler Those people look so tiny!
12/11/19Reply
TravelerWhat a beautiful place!… Sure would hate to clean it though LOL
12/11/19Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 9:39 AM
☁️ 34 °F
Altitude: 1,637 ft
Germany Würm-Kanal 48.215228, 11.45697248°12’55” N 11°27’25” E
Munchen hbf to Treuchtlingen
December 12, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 34 °F
9:27-11:20. Goodbye Munich. First train ride towards Rothenburg ob der tabor. I’m working on reading the EURail Ap and figuring out which train to take. I gave myself 30 minutes and needed almost all of it.Read more
TravelerTrain looks empty. So far I've not seen any people in your photos. How have the crowds been?
12/12/19Reply
TravelerI agree. From the train window I don’t see people in their gardens or walking around. Not sure if that is because it’s cold, or they are at work. The train I shot that on is a distance train, the local trains are busier with workers and shoppers.
12/12/19Reply
TravelerThat’s a very quiet train!
12/12/19Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 10:28 AM
☁️ 34 °F
Altitude: 1,194 ft
Germany Ingolstadt Hbf 48.7445, 11.43716748°44’40” N 11°26’14” E
Ingolstadt Hbf
December 12, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 34 °F
A train full of cars. Audi's must be built nearby. The train stretches as far as I can see.
TravelerAre you standing at the train platform? What is that glass pyramid in the foreground? Skylight or trash can?
12/12/19Reply
TravelerThat was from the train window. The pyramid is a skylight. To get from platform to platform you cross under. That is for the walkway below.
12/12/19Reply
TravelerIt looks like a lighthouse light....
12/12/19Reply
TravelerOn a walkway on a lighthouse it goes the other direction. The point hangs into the room and you walk on the flat side.
12/12/19Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 11:31 AM
☁️ 36 °F
Altitude: 1,325 ft
Germany Treuchtlingen-Bubenheim 49.000875, 10.86742949°0’3” N 10°52’3” E
Towards Wurzburg
December 12, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
Second train. Heading north. There is frosty snow on the ground and some of the small ponds are frozen over. Train is smaller.
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Day 5
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 11:36 AM
☁️ 36 °F
Altitude: 1,335 ft
Germany Unterasbach 49.081353, 10.78039549°4’53” N 10°46’49” E
Windsfeld
December 12, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
I guess they didn’t get the message about not putting the church and cemetery on the hill above town. Isn’t that the way cholera is spread?
TravelerAmong other things...... bit is makes for a good picture!
12/12/19Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 1:08 PM
☁️ 36 °F
Altitude: 1,430 ft
Germany Vorbach 49.378422, 10.17901749°22’42” N 10°10’44” E
Rothenburg ob der tabor
December 12, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
A walled city. Easy walking around but chilly. It snowed last night here but it’s all melted.

The house has a grain loft. In a walled city, it was important that every home had a stock of enough grain to feed itself for a year. If the invaders blocked off all supplies the town wouldn't starve. These types of lofts are all around the city.Read more
TravelerSo . . . I guess that the door and hoist at the roof is the grain loft you talked about? Keep it high so it can't be stollen? What do they do with the spaces now days?
12/12/19Reply
TravelerHigh to keep it dry also. And people don’t live in the attic so much. I haven’t done the town tour, that’s tomorrow, so I will ask.
12/12/19Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 2:35 PM
☁️ 36 °F
Altitude: 1,394 ft
Germany Vorbach 49.376505, 10.17941349°22’35” N 10°10’46” E
Schneeballen und Kaffee
December 12, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
These schneeballen (snowballs) are famous in winter here in Rothenburg. This one is covered in powdered sugar. Not sweet on the inside. Actually I’m grateful for the coffee as it is also a little dry. Comes also chocolate covered and cinnamon. And various nuts. The ball is made up of pie crust wrapped up and then fried.Read more
TravelerHow is are you doing on keeping warm? Have you needed to buy any clothes?
12/12/19Reply
TravelerI bought an ear warmer that just goes around my head. Not needed anything else. Tonight I’m going to a special dinner and will walk. I will add my heavier coat. I’ve been fine with just my puffy so far. I suspect it will snow tonight.
12/12/19Reply
TravelerHope it tastes better than it looks!
12/12/19Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 6:37 PM
☁️ 34 °F
Altitude: 1,257 ft
Germany Schandtauber 49.369465, 10.18016449°22’10” N 10°10’49” E
Winter Music and Dinner
December 12, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 34 °F
I’ve come here for a winter dinner and music. It will all be German with few people who speak English. I had a similar adventure in Norway and it was interesting. Way out of my comfort zone, but this trip is about adventure!Read more
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Day 5
Thursday, December 12, 2019 at 10:39 PM
🌙 32 °F
Altitude: 1,230 ft
Germany Gebsattel 49.35239, 10.20402249°21’9” N 10°12’14” E
New Friends
December 12, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌙 32 °F
At the dinner last night I was randomly seated with two couples. One from near Augsburg and the other from Stuttgart. The latter was recently on the Stuttgart City Council and the former are my new friends Manfred and Ute Schmidt. The meal and music were great and very “modern” with foams and cold soups. Today I met up with Ute and Manfred and toured the winter market and a church. They really made me feel welcome. It was nice to “see” sights with someone else.Read more
TravelerLooks like you’re eating AND drinking well!......
12/13/19Reply
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Day 6
Friday, December 13, 2019 at 10:24 AM
☁️ 32 °F
Altitude: 1,401 ft
Germany Rothenburg ob der Tauber Stadtkirche St. Jakob 49.37832, 10.17668749°22’42” N 10°10’36” E
Rothenburg OBT. Snow in the Walled City
December 13, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 32 °F
Woke up this morning to meet Ute and Manfred and was greeted by huge snowflakes. It was magical.
TravelerIt looks like a miniature town in a train set!
12/13/19Reply
TravelerAnd to think that real people live there as well! Very cool
12/14/19Reply
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Day 6
Friday, December 13, 2019 at 3:49 PM
☁️ 36 °F
Altitude: 1,427 ft
Germany Vorbach 49.377087, 10.17906349°22’38” N 10°10’45” E
Vegetables?
December 13, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
I have no idea on the German food front, where the vegetables went? I haven’t seen a green veg in days. Come to think of it there is no salt and pepper and ketchup comes only in little packets. However on the other hand they are very concerned about my food allergies and they charge my 1 euro for every glass of tap water.

End result. I’m thirsty and might be getting scurvy.Read more
TravelerI heard there is enough vitamin C in catchup to prevent scurvy, also just ask for a lemon in your G&T.....
12/13/19Reply
TravelerPickels! Just eat more pickels. Should be lots of options to choose from.
12/14/19Reply
TravelerG&T isn’t a good idea. I tried it and it was 10 euros for the gin and 10 euro for the tonic. Haufbrau is 5.50. I went with the beer next time.
12/14/19Reply
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Day 7
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 9:12 AM
🌧 43 °F
Altitude: 1,424 ft
Germany Vorbach 49.378753, 10.17906349°22’44” N 10°10’45” E
Rothenburg obt
December 14, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌧 43 °F
Turns out the pope stayed in Rothenburg as a student learning German. He stayed with a host family. I wonder what my international students will become?
TravelerGuess that’s Europes version of “Washington Slept Here”
12/15/19Reply
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Day 7
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 11:55 AM
🌬 45 °F
Altitude: 584 ft
Germany Pleichachbach 49.799286, 9.94828949°47’57” N 9°56’54” E
Wuerzburg to Ingolstadt on ICE
December 14, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌬 45 °F
My first high speed train. Not near as high speed as the ones in Sweden. More like an express with few stops. The first class car sure looks nice and there is free Wifi and a restaurant car.

The photos don’t do it justice.Read more
TravelerLooks clean and roomy. Also looks full. First train pics with people on board
12/14/19Reply
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Day 7
Saturday, December 14, 2019 at 6:04 PM
🌬 41 °F
Altitude: 1,617 ft
Germany Perlachturm 48.368788, 10.8981848°22’8” N 10°53’53” E
Augsburg, Living Advent Calendar
December 14, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌬 41 °F
I came here specifically to see this. The angels are standing in the windows of city hall. They all had a very matching cherub look. It was certainly German in feeling. The crowd watching the windows was large, but after the music finished, the groups went back to their gluhwein. Which is a mulled red wine and very cozy.

Now dinner at the Ratskeller which is the bar and restaurant below City Hall. I wouldn’t mind working at a city hall if it had its own bar.Read more
TravelerNot sure if that’s cool or spooky.....
12/15/19Reply
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Day 8
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 8:28 AM
🌬 48 °F
Altitude: 1,598 ft
Germany Perlachturm 48.369328, 10.89870848°22’10” N 10°53’55” E
Scurvy Averted
December 15, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌬 48 °F
Good morning Augsburg! Thanks to the breakfast at the Hotel am Rathaus I have been saved from the threat of scurvy! And they have salt and pepper on the table and didn’t charge me 1 euro for the water. All may now continue with their day . Onwards to Fussen.Read more
TravelerGlad to hear you found fruit
12/15/19Reply
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Day 8
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 10:10 AM
🌬 50 °F
Altitude: 1,558 ft
Germany Augsburg Railway Station 48.364517, 10.88581848°21’52” N 10°53’9” E
9th and 10th Trains
December 15, 2019 in Germany ⋅ 🌬 50 °F
Augsburg to Buchloe to Fussen. I’m in the 10 seat first class section. If EURail makes me buy first class I’m going to use it!

This station has both local Regio trains (red) and this white one which has a wider path.Read more
TravelerThese trains and stations are SO clean.....
12/15/19Reply
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Day 8
Sunday, December 15, 2019 at 4:16 PM
⛅ 39 °F
Altitude: 2,657 ft
Germany Füssen 47.569303, 10.69978347°34’9” N 10°41’59” E
Fussen, Bavaria, Southern Germany
December 15, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 39 °F
I can tell I’ve crossed into a new area. The houses look different and the walled cities are gone. My photos for today are things I saw

Füssen Christmas market
Cigarette vending machine on the sidewalk
Ornate grandfather clock
Hamburger and fries and beer for dinner
My first view of the mountains between Germany ad Austria. I will cross those on Tuesday.Read more
TravelerThe vivid green grass and razor sharp white mountains are an amazing contrast. Looks like you had a beautiful day to see it all
12/17/19Reply
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Day 9
Monday, December 16, 2019 at 9:47 AM
☁️ 36 °F
Altitude: 2,812 ft
Germany Hohenschwangau Castle 47.5555, 10.73639247°33’20” N 10°44’11” E
Schloss Hohenschwangau
December 16, 2019 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 36 °F
First stop on the castle tour today.
Ludwig’s II childhood home. His father became king at 3 when his father (Ludwig’s grandfather) Maximilian hooked up with a women named Lola. After giving Lola way to many baubles, jewels and things, He made famous the term “whatever Lola wants, Lola gets”. And thus his subjects forced him to give up the throne to his son Maximilian.Read more
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