We were up early, and had our newspaper and breakfast as usual. We left the hotel shortly after 10 AM. We did see the Sheik's house as we drove along the shores. It was overcast, but we were lucky to have no rain.
Soon we were on the autoroute. The speed limit in France was 130 KM and Switzerland was 120, both civilized, in my opinion. Germany, in some areas, lets people drive at whatever speed they wish. There is a constant debate whether to introduce a speed limit. About 56% of Germans polled favor instituting a limit of 150 km (93 mph) - any less than that and support dwindles. Licensing requirements are very strict, and require both theory and driving sessions, and include instruction in high-speed handling of a car. German drivers are also extremely observant of staying to the right unless passing. You won't find anyone dawdling in the left lane - they would take their life in their hands. The highways are also very well maintained. Nevertheless, the roads these days are filled with drivers from other countries with less stringent licensing requirements, and truck traffic is also much heavier than even five years ago.
Ron was surprised we drove through a small area of Austria. I had told him I thought we would go through Dornbirn, but he thought we would go directly from Switzerland into Germany. This short way through Austria was on backroads. I think there is a way to stay on the autobahn, but it would require purchasing an expensive "vignette" for Austrian high speed roads (which is valid for a long period of time and not worth it for a 20-mile drive).
I had done a tiny bit of research on restaurants in that area, and noticed a place with a beer garden that people commented was inexpensive and had quick service. It was after 2 PM, and most "proper" restaurants were already closed. When we came into Dornbirn, we programmed Bier Lokale on Marktstrasse into the GPS, and soon arrived there. It was located in the old city, but on the edge of the pedestrian zone so we were able to access it without a long walk. It was a beautiful day to sit outside. The menu was very limited, but they had a good Grunerveltliner (dry Austrian wine) and Ron had his first Austrian beer of the trip, Mohren Brau. Ron had a small salad, and we both had wienerle (basically hotdogs without a bun) with mustard and horseradish.
Back on the road again. We had driven about four hours, and expected another two. Traffic backed up coming into Munich, so it was even longer. We finally arrived at the hotel about 6:15 PM. We were given an executive king (an upgrade) on the fifth floor. Once again it was about as far from the elevator as possible. A LONG walk.
We went to the Executive Lounge, where there were plentiful free drinks (including wine, beer and even some spirits) and nibbles. We sat out in a small courtyard, but ended up moving because a South African pilot was quaffing many beverages, and getting louder and louder, and language cruder. He had an opinion about everything and wanted to share it.
We retreated to our room, and went to bed by 10 PM. The travel days are tiring!
Soon we were on the autoroute. The speed limit in France was 130 KM and Switzerland was 120, both civilized, in my opinion. Germany, in some areas, lets people drive at whatever speed they wish. There is a constant debate whether to introduce a speed limit. About 56% of Germans polled favor instituting a limit of 150 km (93 mph) - any less than that and support dwindles. Licensing requirements are very strict, and require both theory and driving sessions, and include instruction in high-speed handling of a car. German drivers are also extremely observant of staying to the right unless passing. You won't find anyone dawdling in the left lane - they would take their life in their hands. The highways are also very well maintained. Nevertheless, the roads these days are filled with drivers from other countries with less stringent licensing requirements, and truck traffic is also much heavier than even five years ago.
Ron was surprised we drove through a small area of Austria. I had told him I thought we would go through Dornbirn, but he thought we would go directly from Switzerland into Germany. This short way through Austria was on backroads. I think there is a way to stay on the autobahn, but it would require purchasing an expensive "vignette" for Austrian high speed roads (which is valid for a long period of time and not worth it for a 20-mile drive).
I had done a tiny bit of research on restaurants in that area, and noticed a place with a beer garden that people commented was inexpensive and had quick service. It was after 2 PM, and most "proper" restaurants were already closed. When we came into Dornbirn, we programmed Bier Lokale on Marktstrasse into the GPS, and soon arrived there. It was located in the old city, but on the edge of the pedestrian zone so we were able to access it without a long walk. It was a beautiful day to sit outside. The menu was very limited, but they had a good Grunerveltliner (dry Austrian wine) and Ron had his first Austrian beer of the trip, Mohren Brau. Ron had a small salad, and we both had wienerle (basically hotdogs without a bun) with mustard and horseradish.
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Back on the road again. We had driven about four hours, and expected another two. Traffic backed up coming into Munich, so it was even longer. We finally arrived at the hotel about 6:15 PM. We were given an executive king (an upgrade) on the fifth floor. Once again it was about as far from the elevator as possible. A LONG walk.
We went to the Executive Lounge, where there were plentiful free drinks (including wine, beer and even some spirits) and nibbles. We sat out in a small courtyard, but ended up moving because a South African pilot was quaffing many beverages, and getting louder and louder, and language cruder. He had an opinion about everything and wanted to share it.
We retreated to our room, and went to bed by 10 PM. The travel days are tiring!
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