Random thoughts during our trip to Europe:
1) Although bicycling in the city of Amsterdam takes steely nerves and complete attention, once we took the ferry and rode out in the country, the short 10-miler was not near long enough. I forgot how much I like biking, and two-wheeling it in Europe was on my bucket-list.
2) It was my first time in Europe, layovers and flyovers don’t count. So when our Koblenz, Germany, guide took us on a tour of her city and gave us ordering tips, I suddenly understood some familial mannerisms. I realized that my father counts the German way: with his thumb as “one,” pointing finger as “two,” then middle finger as “three.” Our guide, Gusta, noted that when Americans order drinks with our sign of two — like a peace sign — it is translated as meaning “three” in German, because the pointing finger and middle finger are both up meaning three.
3) Near Braubach, Germany, we passed the Marksburg Castle Fortress along the Rhine that sits atop a steep cliff, one of many castles in the area. But this fortress built in 1117 had never been destroyed and had walls that doubly hindered anyone from attempting to get near the fort from the river. I had a new visual when we were told the adage, “It’s an uphill battle,” originated from battles in this region.
4) I love bread and cheese. There, I admitted it.
5) The hubby and I have had dinner with couples from Hong Kong, many areas of Australia, New Zealand, England and the U.S. I have found I can learn something from everyone I meet.
Tomorrow we’re in Strasbourg, France, then to Breisbach and Switzerland. After that we fly home to one of the most beautiful places on earth: home.
