DAY 7 - SEPT. 8 - FROM SUBLIME ELEGANCE TO FARMHOUSE CHARM

We went down to partake of the hotel breakfast, which slowed us down a bit more than we had anticipated. Our target departure was 9 AM, but we finally got the car about 9:15. A couple guys were peering in the windows of our car, and when they realized Ron was the driver, asked questions. They said it was a very attractive vehicle, and Ron answered their questions, and explained to them how our purchase/buy-back contract with Citroen worked.  We had a few more learning experiences about the operation of the car - every day we learn something new. Finally pulled out about 9:20.

Went through Saint-Gingolph at the Swiss border. We thought on our last visit that it would be the last time we traversed the bridge near there, but pretty sure this time will be. Sad. We reminisced about other fond memories as we passed places we had visited, including Gruyeres and Bern. 

Drove almost four hours before we stopped. We pulled off in St. Gallen to look for petrol and perhaps, a bite to eat, since the “witching hour” for food service was upon us. (Most restaurants close at 2 or 2:30 and don't open again until dinner service at 5 or 6 PM). We finally ended up in Rorschach on Lake Constance, which was the destination I had originally planned on. I thought we would go to the lakeside park, and have a picnic. But, the remnants of the “Sand Sculpture Contest” were still in place along the beach. Every year, teams of “European artists” create extra-large sand monuments, and there is limited access to the area as long as the sculptures remain.

We ended up much further along the lake at the Seerestaurant. We just wanted a light snack or salad, and this place held promise (and seemed our only choice). We headed to the building that had a sign “Siddharta" but were directed to seats in the open-air restaurant on the right. 

It turned out to be a pleasant experience, even though there was only one item available - the chicken kebab. Ron ordered one, and it was much tastier than you would envision from the photo.

 I had a small portion of Ron’s, and then ordered a scoop of coffee ice cream with a shot of Baileys poured over it. Smoooth…..

The reason I had focused on stopping in Rohrschach is another distant memory. We last visited Rohrschach in December of 1973 when my parents first visited us in Europe. We took them on a 10-day driving trip in a tiny VW Beetle with luggage tied on top. For some reason we stopped in Rohrschach, and my Dad bought my Mother a silver, square-faced watch that I still have to this day. Memories! We had seen the watch in a display in a hotel/restaurant where we had eaten in St. Gallen. When my Dad remarked to the jeweler that he was “on his toes” to have these displays, there was a blank stare. Ron laughed, and said, “Dad, he wouldn’t understand that in German.” I think that was the first time I was aware of the use of idioms, and how they are not found in the dictionary.

We finally drove on, another three hours or more to our destination in Feldkirchen-Westerham for a "farm holiday stay". This was only a few miles from Bad Aibling.

I almost fainted when I saw the stairs. Ron had asked, and was told no ground floor apartments, but this would be on the first floor (meaning US second). But, we had no idea what kind of stairs were involved. That staircase is more like TWO STORIES. I really had no choice, so finally climbed SLOWLY up to the apartment, which was a little bit "frilly" (named "Romantic Suite), but surprisingly nice. Very spacious, and comfortable. Everything was "spick and span" (another idiom for you). You could comfortably live there for weeks, if you were in shape for the "treppen" (stairs).

 

We were in for the night, as you can imagine - not wanting to face that climb again! As we enjoyed a "toddy", we talked about the transition of an 8-hour drive taking us from the sophisticated French town of Evian to the equally enchanting (in another way) farm town of a hamlet belonging to Feldkirchen-Westerham. That is one of the special charms we love in Europe - a short drive and you find yourself in a whole new world. Sure, there are now "box stores" and chain restaurants, but not as ubiquitous as in the US, and seldom found in the small towns, villages, or even in the central districts of large cities.