EU Trends

Trends in Europe -

There are some common things that we are seeing in all the European countries we've visited. 

Fashion wise it has to be the Birkenstock version of a flip flop.  You know the one - they have the rounded toe holder. These come in all colors, patterns and patent leather - and everyone, everywhere is wearing them. I know they are from Germany and have been around forever, but there does seem to be a popularity resurgence. Who knew that the hippie shoe would be so hip - again. 

The other commonality in the EU is IKEA.    IKEA 'stuff' is more prevalent than an iphone.  In EVERY establishment we have slept in there has been IKEA items. From London to Rome, and up to Amsterdam, in every kitchen, bathroom and bedside table the cheaply made, modern goods can be found.  

And finally - smoking!  Everyone still seems to be smoking. 

Cars and fuel

Cars in Europe are generally small and fuel efficient. We've been driving an Alpha Romeo Guiltta. It's a diesel. Gets 60mpg. Yes that's mpg. We filled it up ages ago, drove a full day and still have half tank.  Diesel is cheaper here too!  (It's still crazy expensive, but cheaper than regular gas).  

We're on the auto bahn right now - no speed limit. I'm freaking out, people are passing us in their Benzes, beemers, audis, alphas. AND fords!   I'm happy in the 'slow' lane going 140kph.  Oh now we're going 150. Eeek. 

With Uncle Chuck we are a bit squished. Lots of love in back seat. 

Road signs - 

Our favorite is ausfart (two boys 11 and 13 -  you figure it out). Ausfart means exit.  Duh.....

Our Favorite Sign in Switzerland & Germany

Here it is:

Luge in Switzerland.

This is a picture of Suzie going slower then ever on a luge like thing in Switzerland if you have ever been to luge on Mount Hood in ski bowl then you will know what it is like. The only difference is that this one was a lot more twisty. It was so fun and I wish we had our own at my local park. It would be so cool. Everyone went really fast except for Suzie who went crazy slow but on her second ride she went a little faster. 

Luge

The drive from Switzerland to Fussen was long & tiring. We then had to run to make it to our reserved tour at some Bavarian castles, meaning not so much free time on Wednesday  To make amends for the long car ride, we planned a little fun for Thursday morning - summer luge at Tegelberg:

Here are Karl & Fritz riding up the slope:

Then we came down a little faster:

Some not so fast:

All in all, a fun time was had by all before the quick drive to Munich. 

The Fatherland

Blogging has been a little light as we've moved from Switzerland to Germany.  It's been a combination of a long day in the car & being very busy, but we'll try to catch up in the next day or two. In the meantime, here's a photo from our first day in Munich:

Castles and Munich

LWe have now left Gimmelwald, and are now in Munich! Yesterday we had a long drive from the Gimmelwald, but before we got in the car Chuck decided to come down from the cliffs a different way than with the cable cars. Yep, Chuck went paragliding! 

After that we got in the car and drove up to Liechtenstein, which is a VERY small country, buried in central Europe. After that, we continued on our way to Fussen.

In Fussen we saw two castles: Hohenshwangau and Nueshwanstein. 

Both were very impressive, and quite pretty. After the castles we went to our hotel and spent the night.

The next morning, we moved on to Munich, or Münchin as it is in German. That is where we are now.