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Europe Self Recalibration
  • Travel with Carl
Jul – Aug 2024

Europe Self Recalibration

A solo trip to recalibrate, get comfortable with myself and explore some parts of Europe I haven’t visited before…. Oh, and lots of flights ✈️ Read more
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    Book of Morman (Español Edition)

    July 23, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 33 °C

    I love musical theatre so when I saw that Book of Mormon was playing at a theatre a few blocks from my hotel on a walk yesterday, I immediately booked. It was only €49 including a drink. Sure it was in Spanish and I don’t speak a word of Spanish but hey, why not?

    I was in the first row of seats and had an amazing view. Having seen it in English before I knew generally what was happening but obviously didn’t get the jokes as they were very language oriented. It did give me more time to focus on the body language of the cast and listen to how that also added to the story telling without the distraction of understanding the words. It’d be different if you didn’t already know the story, but given this wasn’t an issue for me this was such fun!

    Would highly recommend seeing something in another language as it was a really fun night out. I also wish theatre prices were this cheap in Australia! Had a lovely night doing something that seemed weird but right.    Read more

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    Am I gay enough for this? 🏳️‍🌈

    July 24, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    I’ve never stayed at a gay resort, been on a gay cruise or stayed in a gay hotel before. I decided to give it a go in Madrid to try and get in touch with the community more. Also the price and location was amazing. The rooftop pool looked great online so thought I’d give it a go. The question is, am I ‘gay enough’ for this? There has always been a part of me that wants to embrace the queerness more openly, but am I this gay?

    I stayed at the Axel Hotel in the centre of Madrid. My first impression as the lift doors opened to my floor was “Is this a dark room?” The hall lit by red light only made me also wonder I’d booked into a house of disrepute. Ok Carl - time to drop the judgement. It’s just a hallway. The room was compact and had trendy lighting including a red neon light sign and a full length lit mirror. If you wanted to become an online ‘creator’ the lighting here would be on point.

    Initial judgmental thoughts aside (maybe I am gay enough), the bed was super comfy, the room perfectly soundproofed and chilled to a refreshing coolness. The only downside was the appalling slow wifi, probably due to the full screen of guys 0 metres away on Grindr. Options a plenty 😂

    The hotel markets itself as ‘hetero friendly adults-only’. I checked out the rooftop pool bar and though it was mostly ripped guys in speedos, there were some straights here too. I felt uncomfortable up there as despite loosing 12kg this year I’m still not at a comfortable weight. Also as an introverted lightweight drinker, mixing is always a struggle. The mojito was delicious!

    I also explored the queer neighbourhood, Cheuca on my last day in Madrid. I love the number of flags flying. For such a catholic country the acceptance (at least on the surface) seems good here. Probably should have come here at night but breakfast was nice here.

    So am I gay enough. Who knows? I enjoyed my time and would stay here, or at one of their other locations again. It’s now time to leave Madrid - I hope not for the last time.    Read more

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    High Speed Train to Zaragoza 🚄

    July 24, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    I’m normally early to everything but had spent a little longer wandering Madrid so by the time I found my platform at the station it was only 5mins till departure (yes I know that’s still early, but it’s cutting it fine). I’m heading north to Zaragoza today onboard an Iryo high speed train. The train smoothly pulled out of the station on time (to the second) and we soon accelerated to a top speed of 300km/hour.

    I’d booked first class (cause why not - yolo). Shortly after departure the crew came around to offer an Aperitif service of nuts and drinks. Unfortunately the crew member splashed me with some tomato based drink as the train went over a bump. Highly apologetic she rushed for her colleague to bring some wipes to clean me up.

    I want to say after take off because it has a flight vibe, but after my aperitif champagne I was quickly served the main meal. I’d pre selected a pork cheek which was really nice for airplane, sorry, train food. It came with a glass of wine which was topped up. #daydrinking

    Outside the window the dry landscape of Spain passes by at lightning pace. The red soil, dry scrub and the occasional solar or wind farm make up the landscape. It looks a little like Australia to be honest.

    In typical nerd me fashion, while flying is obviously my favourite form of travel, high speed trains are probably up there as second best. Perhaps it’s just the novelty factor given we don’t have any in Australia. It’s impressive that in 1 hour and 15minutes I’m in a new place 270 km away from Madrid.

    As I got closer to Zaragoza there were more orchards, vineyard, farms and more hills. Flying through tunnels and bursting into new scenery is a cool train feature. You do get to see a lot more of the countryside. A few ruined castles atop hills reminds me I’m definitely in Europe. An on time arrival into Zaragoza and a short cab ride to my hotel for some relaxation time before exploring tonight.

    I’ve taken the Renfe high speed trains in Spain before and thing the Iryo trains have much better service. It really felt like I was on a plane. Anyway, time to get some downtime before exploring a new city.    Read more

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    No early dinner for me

    July 24, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 36 °C

    Felt like an early dinner tonight so went for a short walk around Zaragoza’s old town about 6:30pm. #ghosttown Alas it’s way too early for dinner anywhere at this hour (yet one cafe that was open was serving breakfast 😂). I found a cute little courtyard bar with plenty of trees and umbrellas to grab a drink while I waited. An ice cold mojito hit the spot, assisted by the mist sprayed throughout the courtyard to drop the temperature. It’s currently 39. España is hot 🥵.

    As most places don’t open till about 8pm for food, I ended up going back to my hotel cool down before activating hunter gatherer mode again later. By this stage I was hungry (realising I forgot to eat lunch and dinner yesterday) so opted for a local burger joint that had good google reviews (and importantly was around the corner from my hotel). Burger hit the spot and although I wanted to get out and explore after I finished eating, I decided to listen to my body for a change, slow down and have an early night

    Of course there were still a few photos taken on my wandering, including store selling a variety of rubber ducks, a cute dog at my hotel and a pigeon photobombing by pic of a church.    Read more

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    Aljafería - Islam meets Christian Palace

    July 25, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    I’m having a couple of days in Zaragoza as it’s smaller, so less to see so hopefully allowing me to not go at 120%. That’s said there is a lot to see here. I started the day late and decided to check out the palace (that looks quite castle-esque). Built in the late 11th century the palace was originally Islamic before the Christian’s took over Aragon (as you do) in the 12th century.

    I love the meshing of Islamic and Christian architecture in Spain. It really drew me in on my visit to southern Spain in 2022, and continues during this visit today. The arches combined with castle like walls looks like something out of game of thrones. It’s only €5 to enter and had a little app to download to get info on each room. It was semi gamified with challenges to make off each room (or add VR characters to the room).

    Upstairs in the tower was a meeting room for serious business (another part of the palace is now the seat of government). A few interesting characters also touring the palace included 3 guys who hadn’t showered and stank out each room they entered (I rushed ahead and made sure I stayed ahead of them). Alas unlike some of the palaces in Seville, the smell of orange blossom from the garden was not there to drown out their stench. Also touring was a couple with a teen daughter who was not interested and took up positions to nap as her parents explored.

    It was starting to warm up so I sought brief respite in the library to cool down before wandering back into the centre of town. The walk there and back was also filled with some beautiful architecture. As it was the middle of the day, everything began to close up for afternoon siesta. Only thing for me to do was to grab some lunch and join siesta time.    Read more

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    Stale bread never tasted so good 🤤

    July 25, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Took a local recommendation and had lunch at La Miguería in the centre of Zaragoza. Opted for the lunch special which was a choice of stater, main and dessert with bread and a glass of wine for €12.90 (mainly because it involved less options to google translate the full menu). Using google translate I ordered a migas con chorizo, carrillera de iberico and a flan to finish it off. The migas is a dish made from ‘stale bread’, but don’t let that name put you off - it was the best stale bread I’ve eaten. Mixed in with chorizo it was delicious and warm.

    The main was a cheek of beef, slow cooked to perfection so it just melted away in my mouth. The tasty (this time fresh) bread to mop up all the sauce 👌. The flan was sweet and a lovely ending. Washing it all down with a glass of wine with my lunch. For a non drinker I’m pretty much onboard with the Spanish drinking culture now - no wonder they have siestas after lunch! Speaking of which, it’s too hot outside now and most things are closed till the late afternoon so I might take a siesta myself.    Read more

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    Laundry time 🧺

    July 25, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 37 °C

    The reality of travelling for more than week is that you’re probably going to have to do some laundry. While my hotel does have a laundry service, at €5 to wash and dry a pair of socks, I sought out alternatives. Found a laundromat 10min walk from the hotel that had all in one wash cycles that include detergent, fabric softener and something about oxygen.

    Depending on who you believe it’s somewhere between 37 and 45 today and inside the laundromat was hotter again. Dumping my clothes for a wash I explored the neighbouring area, climbed a tower that happened to have air conditioning at the top and sat there for the most of the wash cycle. Once I swapped the clothes over to dry I found a refreshing lemon slushy which took the same time to drink as my dry cycle.

    Work smarter not harder! There are worse ways to get your laundry done (cut to an earlier footprint of the open air laundry in India). Now to wait for places to open for dinner then some photos of the city around sunset.    Read more

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    Sunset and Tapas 🤤

    July 25, 2024 in Spain ⋅ 🌙 30 °C

    Siesta complete I headed out to see the sunset from the old stone bridge. I was treated to a lovely view to mark my last night on mainland Spain. I went for a short walk along the river and I took lots of photos of the cathedral in the different shades of sunset before making my way into a cool little laneway full of tapas bars for dinner.

    The bar I chose seemed to be lamb based tapas. I got a seat at the bar (a position I’ve never really felt comfortable in given you get to like, talk to the barkeep - but it was a good spot as had a view of all the food options). The barkeep poured me a sweet wine that she described as “the best” and ironically was cheaper than a coke I had in a park in Madrid.

    I ordered 3 different tapas to try them out. They take the raw food from the display out back to cook then bring them out plate by plate. The first was a boiled egg wrapped in a lamb stew’ish mix, then crumbed and deep fried. It looked disgusting once you cracked it open but tasted amazing. Second plate was just some lamb ribs on tomato crisp bread. The final portion was a kebab stick with some potato chips. All very filling and reasonably priced coming in at under $30 including the wine. The first was my favourite. Tapas is a great way to eat as you eat multiple flavours in the same sitting instead of just one big meal.

    After dinner it was now dark, but the sky was a beautiful blue still. I walked back to the cathedral to take some night photos and admire the view. Absolutely amazing! I aim to go inside the church tomorrow. Walking back to my hotel through several small streets pumping with life at all the small bars and restaurants. Such an amazing vibe. It would be nice to have some company nights like this as solo bar hopping is very much not my thing. Anyone up for Spain next summer (if for nothing else other than to stop me awkwardly drinking alone)?    Read more

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    They warned me… ⛪️

    July 26, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    The sign suggested that people who suffer from claustrophobia ✅ vertigo ✅ or “don’t think they are capable” ✅ that the visit is “not recommended”. By this stage I’d already handed over my €10 to the Catholic Church for entry to the tower and I wasn’t going to let some pesky fears get in the way. The glass elevator took me most of the way up the tower of one of the cathedral spires where I was deposited on an open air viewing platform. Did I mention that glass elevators scare me too?

    With vertigo activated I then climbed the 102 stairs (those rickety steel style that are open so you can see straight through) up to the top of the spire. The last spiral staircase was tiny and to access it you had to step on a glass floor that looked directly down the elevator shaft. They weren’t kidding about the vertigo.

    The view from the top was great through although I’d be lying if I wasn’t a lot happier 15mins later once the elevator came back to collect me and take me back to ground level. I wandered around the strictly no photos cathedral and sat down on a pew to take a sneaky pic. Suddenly mass started so I tried to leave the way I came only to find a big gate within the cathedral sealing me in. That’s one way to get more followers to your religion - trap you in! I exited via the back door (should you say that in a Catholic Church?) and re entered the other end of the cathedral for a good look around.

    It’s frustrating that they don’t allow photos, the sign saying it’s because it’s a sacred place. Meanwhile on one of the alters there is a professional camera set up charging people for pictures in the cathedral. Dang the Catholic Church knows how to make a buck! It is however a beautiful cathedral that somehow feels smaller inside than the outside (reverse tardis?).

    The second cathedral across then square (claims to be the only city with 2 cathedrals) also had no photos. It was impressive inside. Originally a Roman pagan church, then a mosque, then a Catholic Church, now a cathedral the site has been used for religion for quite a while. It has a tapestry museum attached, nice rugs but not my thing despite the audio guide telling me that seeing these rugs hanging is a sight that is “unforgettable”. Alas without pictures I think I’ve already forgotten!

    My ticket gave me access to one more rosary church/museum but I was god-ed out by this stage so decided to find some lunch. I never look in churches at home but the architecture and history just draws me in when visiting Europe. Tapas - here I come!    Read more

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    A last meander through Zaragoza

    July 26, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 33 °C

    Had my last tapas, trying a chocolate and chicken (or as they called it “hen”) croquette and an original jamón. Jamón was delicious, the chocolate one was… different 😂. This meal was super quick so went for a final meander around the narrow laneways and streets of Zaragoza.

    I love the small streets full of people day drinking (does anyone work here?) at cute little bars. Seemingly around every other corner there is another church too. Plazas pop up out of nowhere filled with umbrellas sheltering, you guessed it, more drinkers taking in a lunchtime beer or wine in the shade. Such a relaxing life it seems.

    I’ve enjoyed my 2 days here. While it was booked as part of my plan to try and slow down and take a break, I still managed to squeeze a lot into this smaller city. Would recommend for a short stop between Madrid and Barcelona. Now off to Palma on, wait for it, Ryanair. I feel this flight is going to be very different to my last 6! (Yes that’s how many flights got me to Europe 😂✈️)    Read more

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    Ryanair ✈️ How bad can they be?

    July 26, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    It looks like I’m getting the OG Ryanair experience today. Flight is delayed and there is a bucks party group sinking plenty of beers (and potentially a few lines in the toilet - why else would 2 straight men be sharing a toilet cubicle?) led by their buck in a pink panther onesie before the flight. No filming on this flight as have already been told off by a hot Spanish security guard. Oh well.

    The inbound aircraft is landing in 15mins when boarding ‘commences’. I say commences as it’s really just getting everyone lined up. There is no plane to board yet. I line up with everyone else and can’t help but notice that the ‘priority’ lane is 3 times the length of the non priority line. Seems like they sold the priority bundle to 3/4 of the flight (insert Melanie from Come Fly with me selling speedy boarding passes here) 😂. We wait for about 45mins. I take a seat again 10 mins in while everyone else obediently waits in this currently pointless line.

    With the plane here I board the Ryanair, wait…, Lauda A320 across a hot Spanish tarmac. Once on board everyone who didn’t pay for a seat played a game of seat swapping to sit with their travel companions. I’m surprised how fast we all get on board and soon we’re on our way to Mallorca. I get a great view of the city of Zaragoza as we climb out, taking a few window pics as we fly past.

    It’s an uneventful flight. The seat is a little hard but I’ve had worse but the legroom is good. I’m guessing the A320 by Lauda is a better Ryanair experience than their own 737’s? I buy an overpriced coke and some salt and vinegar Pringle’s cause it’s dinner time. We soon chuck a right turn over Barcelona and start our descent into Palma.

    As the island’s rough terrain shoot’s up from the Mediterranean Sea we come in for a quick landing into PMI airport. A Spanish guy in Madrid said that Mallorca is more German than Spanish and by the number of Condor and Eurowings planes here I might agree. My bag is a ready on the carousel by the time I get to baggage claim in a very busy airport.

    10 minutes and €17 later my taxi drops me at my hotel. I’d looked at booking a transfer but it was €60+!! Take a taxi - much cheaper! I’m here for the night mainly because either here or Turkey was the only places with flights to my next destination. Time to find some dinner and do a little bit of exploring before bed. Look at me adjusting to Spanish bedtimes!    Read more

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    Mallorca - more to see than Love Island

    July 27, 2024 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    I only had a night and a morning in Palma de Mallorca but managed to see a fair bit. At night I had a pizza and wine then saw a sign advertising a drag show tonight. In a weird move for me I decided to go to the bar to check it lot. Alas me arriving at 10:30pm it wasn’t yet open, so I went back to my hotel to chill, aiming to go back at midnight when it opened. Naturally I fell asleep and next thing it was morning 😂.

    After breakfast I went for a walk around the old town - so beautiful. Love the old streets, architecture and seaside feel to the place. There is even a bit of Gaudi style architecture here (last seen by me in Barcelona). With only a morning to explore I decided to hit the big 3. Catholics, Muslims and a Palace. Why 2 religions you ask? Given the pre Christian, Islamic history of Spain I feel it’s important to see a bit of both, plus the moorish architecture of southern Spain is 👌.

    I started with the Catholics. The cathedral was beautiful, massive and holds a commanding position overlooking the harbour atop fortress like walls. It was €10 to get in which I think is a bit of a rip off tbh. No photos allowed but with every German here flouting that rule, I decided to be German too. The sun through the stained glass window above the alter did light up the place with amazing colours.

    Next were the Muslims. The only remaining Islamic relic in Palma are the Arab baths. While a lot smaller than the monstrous Catholic Church these were better value at only €3.50. Inside was a peaceful garden and the remains of the Arabic baths. Built in a similar style to those I saw in southern Spain, the baths were a quiet place for relaxation. It also smelt like bleach as they just cleaned the public bathrooms - that kinda made it feel fresh. I do like that chlorine swimming pool fresh smell (yeah I’m weird).

    Finally I thought let’s see another palace. The Spanish royal family have a palace overlooking the cathedral (although it be fair the cathedral dominates it), I’m guessing for summer holidays by the sea. It was €7 and very quiet inside. The stone walls are a contrast to the palace in Madrid. It’s giving a much more “were under attack so living in a castle” vibe than luxurious palace. It was air conditioned (as all good castles by the sea should be) and relaxing in to wander through pretty much by myself. I think I’d prefer to bring the dining table from the Madrid palace and set it up here with the sea view.

    Heading back to my hotel I remembered I wanted to see the historic tram car that heads across the island to Soleno. I didn’t have time to ride it but I had an ice cold coke in the terrace cafe waiting to see it arrive. Lots of people climbed aboard so I was somewhat glad I didn’t take this trip in this heat.

    So that was a lighting stop in Palma de Mallorca. It’s not exactly what Love Island had me thinking, but it is quite a cute little old town to explore. Saving some cash and taking the €5 bus to the airport now. Next stop - Germany 🇩🇪.    Read more

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    Condor Airlines flight to Germany ✈️

    July 27, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    Wow - what a busy airport Palma de Mallorca is. I arrived by bus from the city centre to a bustling place. Check in was at counters 150 something - giving an idea to the scale of the operation here. I treated myself to a business class upgrade on this flight so got to skip the queue and check in quickly using the business class counter. I’m flying Condor today, an airline I haven’t flown before. They give a low cost vibe but are expensive… at least to where I’m off to - Friedrichshafen.

    Upstairs fast track security allowed me to skip the queues again and within minutes I was deposited in the cram packed duty free store. I honestly can’t remember a busier airport than this (and I’ve been to quite a few!). Instructions on lounge location were simple. Go to terminal C and follow the signs to McDonalds. The lounge is next to that. Worked a treat and soon I was in a much quieter place - albeit very hot 🥵.

    The lounge had a wide range of drinks, food and snacks in a bright but not well air conditioned space. I had a couple of sandwiches and a delicious (but enormous) slice of chocolate cake. I gave myself a generous pour of sparkling too. Boarding was delayed due to the aircraft being late out of Zurich due to air traffic control issues.

    Once boarded (at original departure time) we were told that it would be a 45min wait on the stand until our slot for take off. The safety demo (in both German and English) involved more active moves by the crew (love a bit of theatre), and a bit of humour in the instructions.

    With a long ground delay of 45mins, once the safety demo was complete they opened the bar for economy at the back of the cabin. In business they came around and refilled our glasses. That’s the way you wait on the ground 🥂.

    Once airborne a drink service began before the meal. It’s a semi business class - your wine and beer and included as well as a hot meal, but any snacks must be purchased. I’m had the Thai red curry which was honestly delicious. It came with a macron and a cupcake. Although simply plated it hit the spot well. Had so much more flavour than many of the domestic Qantas meals I’ve eaten.

    “As we cross the French coast to the left we have Marseille, to the right we have Nice and in the middle we have our crew with duty free” announced the cabin manager 😂. I was tempted to buy a Condor model plane as the striped livery is hot, but I exercised restraint.

    The seat is Euro business style with the same seat as economy and the middle seat blocked. I had the row of 3 to myself. There is no recline and the in arm tray tables form a barrier between seats. Never seen tray tables like this before but I guess it saves the weight of a cover for it.

    I get a great view of Nice and Monaco as we head towards the alps. The lovely cabin manager asks if I want a drink refill. I say “why not” and he replies “ok, I’ll just keep them coming then”. Although I’m on the sunny side of the plane I get a nice view of Njce and Italy as we head towards Friedrichshafen.

    Inflight entertainment is streamed via wifi. It’s at this point I discover my headphones are flat (makes sense as I haven’t charged them since leaving Australia). The content looks decent and has a good inflight map. We pass near lake Como before entering Switzerland as we commence our decent. I see the first clouds I’ve seen this trip - I must be getting close to Germany ⛅️.

    Alas the Swiss alps are covered in cloud so don’t get a view of them today. On approach to Friedrichshafen got a glimpse of a Zeppelin ballon flying in the area - one of the reasons I’m visiting this part of Germany. Arrived about an hour late just as a flight from Greece also landed into a packed arrival hall. My bag is 3rd off and soon I’m out looking for a way to town.

    No taxi so I go to the train, buy a ticket, then realise the next train is an hour away but a bus leaves in 10mins. Off to the bus I go. Once in town a short walk to my hotel and up 3 floors lugging my suitcase - no lift! Good little flight - glad to add another airline to my list.    Read more

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    Lakeside festival welcoming 🎉

    July 27, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    Well what an arrival party you’ve thrown for me Friedrichshafen! The city on a lake between Germany and Switzerland had a fun filled festival tonight. I’d planned to have dinner at one of the lakeside restaurants but they were all full so I went for a walk along the lake. Great move!

    All along the shore were stalls, bars, food vendors and lots of street entertainers as well as stage with live music. The street entertainers included a fire thrower from Sydney (what are the chance), magicians, break dancers and a cool Latin American band in fluorescent tights! There was another smaller band who could well have what it takes for Eurovision level weirdness.

    After wandering along for about an hour checking it all out I found a grassy spot to sit like the loner I am and grab some food. Naturally my first meal in Germany was a currywurst! A weird token system for the plate and coke bottle means the prices are higher but you get a refund when you bring the empties back.

    All of this was set on the shores of a beautiful lake with a Canberra-esque fountain on a lovely summer night. What a welcome to Germany 🇩🇪! Maybe it’s just me high on the second hand smoke around here, but it’s a fun start to my second week in Europe!    Read more

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    Zeppelin Airship Museum 🎈

    July 28, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Even before I’d hit the ground in Friedrichshafen I’d had a glimpse of the Zeppelin airship flying above lake Constance. This morning I got to explore the museum dedicated to these flying machines. And what a great museum! Interactive, importantly mostly bilingual, entertaining and informative museum on the history of the Zeppelin airships.

    This was one of the reasons I came to this part of Germany in the first place and I was not disappointed. Got there before the crowds arrived (big plus as part of the exhibition is also about gaming which was packed with kids by the time I left).

    Neat set up with a reconstructed interior and part of the ballon canopy inside the museum. Got to go inside and check out the passenger cabin. At its peak they were trying to lure ocean liner passengers so the interiors, although tight, included some cool china. With weight being an issue, the aluminium furniture looks less appealing but fits in the industrial theme.

    The museum also has a history of aviation in Germany, including the wars and their impact on aviation development. Upstairs they had an exhibition on board games lined to the air ships which was also cool. If you had the time (and fellow players) you could even play the games.

    Interestingly the founder, Count Zeppelin put a clause in the founding documents that once he could no longer run it, the ownership passes to the city. The city still owns it and uses the proceeds to fund city cultural and scientific facilities. A nice start to my time here and perfect indoor activity for this drizzly German day.    Read more

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    12

    Getting my #avgeek on with Dornier✈️

    July 28, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    As a kid (or maybe a teenager, who knows) I had 2 small hard cover books. One on military airplanes (didn’t get much attention) and one on commercial planes (got lots of attention - is anyone surprised?). Amongst the Fokker’s and early Boeing’s (it was the 90’s) I vividly remember thinking that the Dornier 328 in that book was sexy beast of an aircraft. Then brand new I wanted one! Today, (not so new) I got to see one up close and personal at the Dornier museum in Friedrichshafen (the main reason I came here).

    Avgeek mode well and truely activated I explored the two level museum, trying to take photos and avoid the small children. Some of the ‘how planes fly’ was very similar to the Zeppelin museum, but the evolution of aircraft was better here. The war (don’t talk about the war) was also touched on slightly, specifically the way aviation development in Germany was banned under the Versailles agreement. Like all good trade sanctions, a work-around meant they set up a plant in Spain instead. There was an interesting section on space development and even a fabric machine that Dornier makes - apparently the mainstay of commercial fabric weaving meets aviation.

    Located at the airport the outside exhibitions included several static displays as well as the occasional view of departing aircraft. I also got to see a Goodyear Zeppelin take off for a tour. I’d looked at going on a Zeppelin ride but a) none fitted my dates and b) it was f-off expensive (we’re taking >€200!).

    I had a big salad so big that even Elaine couldn’t complain about it in the restaurant. Very glad I came here and by the time I’d finished the drizzle had cleared up - time to do some outdoor exploring.    Read more

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    A castle, bier and lakeside fair 🍺

    July 28, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    After ticking off my 2 things I wanted to see in Friedrichshafen I decided to set off on a little outing. I took a 10min train ride to the neighbouring town of Langenargen in search of a castle. Apparently today the castle is open and you can climb the tower. Why not I say - Instagram made it look good. Sadly scaffolding covered some of the front but the view from the top was worthy of the narrow wooden spiral staircase climb. Across the lake is Switzerland and Austria, below me is the cute lakeside town and above is the zeppelin blimp stalking my moves today.

    The nice lady gave me the tourist card rate of €1 to enter. Apparently I was supposed to get one when I checked into my hotel. Gives discounts on stuff - who knew. I also had a look at the well hung 🍆 statue staring at the castle. The bronze statue was showing signs that people had rubbed a certain part (for luck) many times.

    I’d only planned to climb the castle tower and then take the ferry back, but I heard some music so headed towards it. Sure enough another fair was set up on the lakeside. The usual set up, lots of beer tables, stalls and some amusement rides for the kids.

    I had an hour till the ferry so got a bier (yuck) and sat listening to the band playing English covers from the 80’s and 90’s. I don’t even drink beer, but figured when in Germany, you have to drink at least one giant glass of piss water (I mean beer). 🍺 Cheers! My psychologist wanted me to take time and sit. I’m not sure a giant beer was what she had in mind, but it took forever to drink so I’m saying it counts as sitting time.

    I walked to the ferry just in time to watch some of the waterskiing demonstration. It’s a really nice vibe and a lovely way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Once on the ferry the views of the tree lined shore on a sunny day were lovely. It would be a smooth ride despite a constant vibrating of the ferry engine, but overall a relaxing journey and a nice little side trip.    Read more

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    Castle on the See - Meersburg 🏰

    July 29, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    I’m not good at rest days it seems. But to save a few quid I booked a later train to Füssen today, so had the morning to do things. Being bombed to bits in the war, the centre of Friedrichshafen doesn’t have much historic architecture to it. I’d looked at taking the ferry over to Konstanz across the lake (mainly to stand in both Germany and Switzerland), but a 3hr round trip on top of a 3hr train journey later today was a bit much moving (even for me). Instead I took a bus 30mins along the lake to the medieval town of Meersburg and wow! 🤩

    On a slight hill next to the lake the buildings in the old town are just what you’d imagine a German town to be. Pitched roofs, lots of wood, bright colours, a castle, palace and a cafe lined foreshore. Add to this the surrounding countryside filled with vineyards and orchards bearing fresh summer fruit and you’re in for a winner.

    A self guided tour of the palace was ok as I love a good palace but all the original furniture sold off when the area became secular. Thus the rooms were a bit bare. That said the view across the courtyard and to the lake were beautiful 🥰. Oh what’s that I see, a fair dinkum castle. That’s my next stop.

    A good castle needs a hillside, a big tower to look out across the lands and bridge to access it - tick ✅. I guided myself using my next to non existent German getting lost in many changing staircases leading me up, down and around the castle. The throne room, armoury and even a ‘death room’ were some of the rooms that had info guides in English. The combo of stone, wood and just that feeling of dark times filled the castle (as did an annoying kid that wouldn’t shut up - to the dungeon with you!).

    Wandering down the hill the cute town also has a pedestrian street within a city gate complete with clown academy. As it’s supposed to be a rest day I naturally look to see if I can squeeze a ferry ride across to Konstanz but decide against it. Instead I spend some time with a prime spot at an overpriced lakeside cafe terrace for some traditional German lunch - pizza. 🍕

    A nice walk along the seaside eating scoop of lemon sorbet finished up my time in this beautiful city. I came to this region for the planes but golly gosh the scenery and lakeside lifestyle is lovely. Would definitely recommend this part of the world. I decided to go full tourist and take the double the price, half as fast ferry back to Friedrichshafen this afternoon. Forced rest!    Read more

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    Tschüss 👋 Friedrichshafen on Bodensee

    July 29, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    I’d really done no research on what to do in Friedrichshafen (other than the aviation museums) before I came here. I’d somewhat planned to see the museums and then just chill. I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of things to do within 30 mins of here. It’s really a summer resort area with lots of families camping at the many RV parks along the lake. I had a great time here and the close by towns along the lake. So much so that I’d consider coming back to do the other (Swiss 🇨🇭) side of the lake too.

    If I’d do it again, I’d probably stay in Meersburg as it was prettier and easier to do a day trip to either Konstanz or Friedrichshafen. That said, Friedrichshafen has the train and airport making it easier to get to. So it’s 50/50 I guess as to which is more convenient.

    Friedrichshafen did me well. I had a nice final dinner on the seaside last night (although the wine wasn’t nice - tasted more like cider). I climbed the tower to get a view of the city and enjoyed the weekend festival. It’s not as pretty as other German towns but it has its charm along the lakeside. Now it’s time for
    Me to take the train (well 3 trains actually) to Füssen where again I have very little planned but sure the spontaneous adventures will continue. So long Friedrichshafen - you’ve been fun 👋    Read more

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    Pessimistic Deutsch Bahn 🚆

    July 29, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    I was taking to the train from Friedrichshafen to Füssen today onboard Deutsch Bahn. Easy to book through the app, although requiring 2 connections aboard 3 trains. The first was a swish ICE train bound for Innsbruck that I’d take as far as Lindau-Reutin. The easiest of the 2 connections was had here with 19 minutes between trains. Arriving on platform 22 I saw platform 24 opposite and signs to platform 21, but where was my platform 23?

    I would have saved myself a trip up the stairs had I not just turned around to see that platform 23 was just an extension of 24 behind me. Oh well. Workout #1 for this train journey completed as I lugged my 20kg case up and down the stairs. The next train was a regional train bound for Munich. It was less comfortable and more crowded than the previous train.

    We departed spot on time but the DB app had already decided my 4min connection at Kaufbeuren would now be just 2min. Yikes! The app got more pessimistic as the journey went on, changing to “connecting train might not be caught” then later giving up and saying I should “click here to reschedule”. I however was more optimistic.

    The scenery on this 1.5 hour leg was more interesting as I curved around the hills and lakes bordering Austria before heading north. The resort town of Immenstaff (don’t know if it’s a resort or not but I’m calling it one) had a beautiful lake full of people paddle board and swimming or riding their bikes along the lakeside path. It looked so refreshing to be in that cool water. Such relaxation would need to wait as workout #2 was just around the corner.

    As the train pulled into Kaufbeuren station my waiting train was ready to depart any second on the next platform. With 20kg of weight attached to one arm (my bag) I ran down one set of stairs and up the next boarding the train just as the doors close. Phew! Meanwhile Deutsch Bahn is still sending me messages to reschedule.

    The next leg of the journey has me snapping photos out the window like my life depends on it. As I get closer to Füssen the mountains get bigger, the grass greener and everything just beautiful. Even the tractors cutting the fields attract my attention. The single rail track weaves its way around and over hills on the last leg to Füssen. I haven’t even arrived and I’m loving this area.    Read more

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    Eternal view for my Disney Prince 💔

    July 30, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C

    A bit of an emotional hike today up a mountain to get the perfect view to last a lifetime (or in this case, an eternity). Neuschwanstein Castle standing beautifully in front of me it was worth the 40min uphill climb and walk across a bridge with bouncy boards above a waterfall. Emotions gave way to a f**k I’m unfit pant for breath as my heart rate levelled off around 170 for the hike up. But I made it!

    Neuschwanstein Castle outside Füssen in southern Germany was the castle that Disney’s park castles took their inspiration from. Thom being a massive Disney fan, this place would hold a special sentiment from him (although the bridge to get this view would have been a challenge). So what better a fitting place to let Thom rest and take in the view. I almost joined Thom as I attempted to climb the less trodden track further up the mountain to get a better view and some privacy for a special moment. As I was leaving there was a massive queue to cross the bridge so I’m glad I came early.

    Of course doing what you’re thinking I’ve done I would never do as rules are rules, and that’s not allowed in Germany. But say I did (which of course I’m not admitting I did), what a bloody beautiful view to take in for an eternity. I’m sure Thom would also have appreciated the cheekiness involved in getting him here. Enjoy the view Thom ❤️    Read more

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    Gothic Castle 🏰 Tour

    July 30, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    “The item in the centre is a casket given as a gift for his 80th birthday. I don’t think ‘casket’ is the right word to call it, as giving a casket to an 80 year old is not right”. This was one of the many attempts at humour the young German (seemingly practicing his English) tour guide through Hohenschwangau Castle.

    There were 2 floors made available for viewing. The first floor hosted the Queen including separate reading and writing rooms, although apparently the Queen wasn’t a fan of reading and instead enjoyed hiking in the alps. The view of which was stunning from her reading room. Why be cooped up reading in a castle when you can explore the great outdoors.

    Upstairs hosted the King with the same floor layout but with a fancier reading chair “complete with a book holder and extendable leg rest making it still practical for use today.” A cute ballroom also occupied this floor. A secret door in the queen and kings bedrooms allowed for easier night time relations between the pair. I guess she didn’t like sleeping in the wet patch 💦

    While photos weren’t allowed, notable sights inside included an oversized billiard table complete with ivory 🐘 billiard balls. The elevator was electric and installed in 1900 (ish) but “alas it is not working, or maybe it is, but it’s old so I wouldn’t think it’s safe”.

    It’s a quaint little castle, a notable feature in the kings dressing room is a telescope allowing him to watch the construction of the real star of the castle show here, Neuschwanstein Castle. Where I’m off to next.    Read more

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    Ludwig’s eccentric fantasy castle 🏰🧚‍♂️

    July 30, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 28 °C

    Having hiked for the view for Thom earlier today, my time slot for a ‘guided tour’ of the palace itself came time this afternoon. Like a human conveyor belt every 5minutes, groups of about 30 scanned through the turnstile to start their tour of the palace. Each issued with an audio guide on entry our guide merely ushered us from room to room activating the guide for each room and ensuring no one lingers too long or take any photographs.

    Ludwig’s dream castle is part former solo royal residence and part fantasy project of the king that was later deemed mentally unfit and stripped of the title (and died the next day - ironic - don’t you think?). He took parts of palaces and castles he liked and replicated them together here, with the copies often being larger than the original. It seemed he was trying to relive the medieval era in a time when that way of life was become more light.

    Like Ludwig before him, Walt Disney also saw things he liked in the world and adapted them to his desires. Neuschwanstein Castle is one of those Walt used for inspiration for one of the most recognisable castles in the world in Disneyland. Unlike Disney, Ludwig was a shy isolated man who didn’t want people in his palace. Now on a summer day 6,000 people pass through. I doubt he would be pleased.

    While I liked seeing the eccentric mixes of styles, including a fake grotto leading off his dressing room, I felt a little like cattle being herded through as quickly as possible. Maybe I’m like Ludwig and just want a castle to myself (only child bon sharing syndrome coming through there). It is however spectacular from the outside - which is all the photos you’ll see as photography was banned inside (and unlike the Germans in Spain who fragrantly broke that rule, here they all strictly abide!).    Read more

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    Accidentally in Austria 🇦🇹

    July 31, 2024 in Austria ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Have you ever accidentally gone to another country? I have now 😂. I was busy zooming along on my e-bike looking at the river, the trees and the mountains that I missed the giant sign saying Austria was 700m away. With open borders in the Schengen zone I blissfully entered into Austria. I only noticed when the path abruptly ended at a water canal and checked google maps. Hello Austria! A short backtrack and I was back on track (and in Germany again).Read more

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    Cycling & Alpine Lake Swimming 🚴‍♂️🏊‍♂️

    July 31, 2024 in Germany ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    I haven’t really done the whole exercise thing in a long while but today I decided to be sporty spice and hit the countryside on a bicycle. Ok, so I cheated a little and got an e-bike which made the experience so much more enjoyable, but still a workout. I had it on the lowest setting for most of the ride, only switching it up 2 notches to sport mode for steep hills. Cruising along at about 25km/h it was fun. So fun that I got distracted and ended up in Austria 😂.

    I first rode along the river, saw the waterfall and a cute nature / kids playground area along the river. Once backtracked back into Germany I headed to Alpsee. A lake frequented by Ludwig overlooking the castles. They had a swimming area there (although to be fair you can swim from anywhere).

    The swim area had change rooms, toilets and a bar as well as a beautiful jetty that went out into the lake. The jetty take was about 1inch underwater making it look really cool and be refreshing to sit in the water and hang your legs over. I went for a refreshing swim. At first the water felt really cold but once in it was so relaxing and refreshing after a morning ride. I swam around for as long as I thought my white skin + sunscreen could handle the sun before resting in the shade on the grass. This is the summer life!

    It cost €3.50 to swim here, which you could avoid by swimming anywhere else in the lake, or if you buy a drink entry is free 😂. What pool in Australia would allow you to drink beer and swim! After a chill on the grass (and checking out the scenery) I decided to go ride around another lake.

    Just over the hills (which I naturally went around) was Schwansee. This was more a nature reserve and had a track that went right around. At the start of the track was a cute bar and heaps of families laying in the sun or swimming off a smaller jetty. I did the full lap in about 15mins, stopping for photos a few times. One other guy had got off his bike on the far side of the lake and hopped in for a nude swim. I decided that this was his spot and didn’t join him for a ‘Call me by your name’ moment.

    Instead I stopped back at the bar and had a refreshing callipo icy pole. I can see why Germans come to the lake for their summer holidays. It’s so bloody beautiful and relaxing. The water is crystal clear that when swimming you don’t know if it’s 10cm or 10m deep.

    Riding back into town I decided to try turbo mode on the bike and easily got to 30km/h racing back to town. My legs still feel like they’ve had an alright workout today, and my watch even went into open water swim mode. I didn’t run today, but did lug my suitcase onto a train at speed so I’ve practically done a triathlon today 😂.

    I had a lot of fun on the e-bike and would definitely do it again. If they weren’t so expensive I’d even consider getting it for getting around Melbourne.    Read more

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