Ypres to Sankt Goar and Heidelberg (Germany)
More rain this morning, but most of today was in the car so not a big deal. We drove first to Brugge and thanks to our host in Ypres chose to park at the train station and walk in. Was a good idea because the streets were very tight and full of people. I've tried to avoid saying 'it was lovely' and 'we loved it' because I don't want to keep repeating myself, but Brugge is gorgeous.There are little canals everywhere with houses built over the top in places. The buildings date back to the tenth century and there are horse and carts travelling the streets full of tourists.
Now to Germany and a surprise trip through Holland. We were cruising along and suddenly saw a sign saying we were entering the Netherlands. Hadn't realised we would go through it and it is strange when you cross borders - no formalities, just a sign. Much the same as going into NSW or SA.
In Germany we drove along an autobahn for quite a while. I had the cruise control set to 130 and was passed frequently by some very fast cars. I suspect they were doing closer to 160 or so. Certainly have to keep an eye out for them when I passed people to make sure I didn't get in their way. Anyway was an experience and next time will be more prepared. Those speeds do hurt fuel economy though. We were on track to get 1100 - 1200kms from the tank, but after doing those kind of speeds it dropped down and we have had to fill up after just over 1000km. Still not too bad for around $90
After 500kms of driving to Sankt Goar (St Goar) we reached a narrow street that just became skinnier and skinnier. Eventually got to the end and couldn't go any further. The GPS told us to go down an even skinnier street and I wasn't keen. After umming and ahhing a local helped guide us down the street. It was very lucky he was because I had 1-2 mm on either side of the mirrors and I could hear the tyres rubbing on the gutters . We made it down safely with no scratches, so I was relieved (The car has full insurance and no excess but still...) We then realised we had entered the wrong address in the GPS and needed to cross the river by punt. Finally made it to the hotel and had a quiet night.
Sankt Goar is a cute little city in a valley on the Rhine and continually reminded me of a model railway, with little houses and a train running along the river.
Next morning we took a trip down the Rhine on a boat passing numerous castles including two built by some brothers who then had a falling out and built a wall between the two castles so they couldn't see each other. Strange. The commentary also pointed out a small church attached to a bar. In fact you need to go through the bar to get to church and are served by the priest.
After the trip we went to Heidelberg, about 1 1/2 hours away. We visited the castle which is in quite a state of disrepair, but has great views over Heidelberg.
Dinner tonight was Thai, because we are both a bit sick of the endless bread and chips that come with most European meals. Had more rain today (with some sunny breaks) and hoping for more sun tomorrow.
Now to Germany and a surprise trip through Holland. We were cruising along and suddenly saw a sign saying we were entering the Netherlands. Hadn't realised we would go through it and it is strange when you cross borders - no formalities, just a sign. Much the same as going into NSW or SA.
In Germany we drove along an autobahn for quite a while. I had the cruise control set to 130 and was passed frequently by some very fast cars. I suspect they were doing closer to 160 or so. Certainly have to keep an eye out for them when I passed people to make sure I didn't get in their way. Anyway was an experience and next time will be more prepared. Those speeds do hurt fuel economy though. We were on track to get 1100 - 1200kms from the tank, but after doing those kind of speeds it dropped down and we have had to fill up after just over 1000km. Still not too bad for around $90
After 500kms of driving to Sankt Goar (St Goar) we reached a narrow street that just became skinnier and skinnier. Eventually got to the end and couldn't go any further. The GPS told us to go down an even skinnier street and I wasn't keen. After umming and ahhing a local helped guide us down the street. It was very lucky he was because I had 1-2 mm on either side of the mirrors and I could hear the tyres rubbing on the gutters . We made it down safely with no scratches, so I was relieved (The car has full insurance and no excess but still...) We then realised we had entered the wrong address in the GPS and needed to cross the river by punt. Finally made it to the hotel and had a quiet night.
Sankt Goar is a cute little city in a valley on the Rhine and continually reminded me of a model railway, with little houses and a train running along the river.
Next morning we took a trip down the Rhine on a boat passing numerous castles including two built by some brothers who then had a falling out and built a wall between the two castles so they couldn't see each other. Strange. The commentary also pointed out a small church attached to a bar. In fact you need to go through the bar to get to church and are served by the priest.
After the trip we went to Heidelberg, about 1 1/2 hours away. We visited the castle which is in quite a state of disrepair, but has great views over Heidelberg.
Dinner tonight was Thai, because we are both a bit sick of the endless bread and chips that come with most European meals. Had more rain today (with some sunny breaks) and hoping for more sun tomorrow.
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