June 14 - Wasserburg am Bodensee (Yet another lake)

Hoped to leave early, but that didn't work out. By the time we had breakfast (included), and went to use the business center computer and printer for our flights and hotels, time got away. Instead of 10 AM it was 11 before we left.

Around 1:30 we stopped in a service plaza for fuel. There was a McDonalds there, and since we knew we couldn't get to a decent restaurant before closing time (generally 2 PM), we were tempted despite the Swiss prices. We generally avoid chains, particularly fast-food, especially when traveling, but we were a bit hungry and thought this would be quick. (Sorry, Tudy, I didn't uphold "our principals"!) We each had a double cheeseburger and shared fries. (Ordering mine with "pickle only" is always hilarious in a foreign language). Ron had a Coke and I had no beverage. The tab was right around $20. The girl just stared when Ron handed her a 20 EURO bill. He forgot that we were in Switzerland and they are not part of the EU, and still use Swiss Francs.

McD Menu (Big Mac with small fries and drink about $12)

We decicded to take the car ferry from Konstanz to Meersburg instead of driving arround Lake Konstanz (Bodensee). The ferry only cost 15 EU and took about 15-minutes (plus about 15-minute wait). It would have been pleasant EXCEPT a huge truck parked inches from us (on the passenger side), blocked my view and prevented me from getting out of the car! I was very annoyed! But, the passage was so short anyway.

Meersburg was an adorable little town. Wished we had time to explore it a bit. Traffic was extremely heavy through Fredrichshafen, which is home to Zeppelin (we had visited the museum on our last stay). A large Zeppelin was flying over the lake. Between the ferry and the traffic, it probably cost us an extra hour compared to the other route. We arrived at the hotel about 5 PM.

Schloss Hotel Wasserburg

Ron said, "Let's leave everything in the car for now, and have a drink." So, while he went to check in, I walked to the terrace on the lake. Beautiful trees, grounds, buildings, and view. Wasserburg is on a little peninsula and is a charming small town with numerous hotels, holiday apartments and restaurants.

When I made the reservation the previous day, the woman on the phone (I assumed she was the owner) said it was a third floor, "new" (renovated) room and there was an elevator, but three steps were necessary. She said it was the only "possibility". Ron went to have a look, and was not satisfied with the room. Said it was TINY. The owner (the husband) sent him to look at another room, which was near the room we had last time. An older style, but very roomy and attractive with king bed and built-in table and upholstered benches in the window looking out at the beautiful church and the lake.

Meanwhile, I wondered what had become of him, since he is the one who had said "Let's have a drink". But, it's good he went to "inspect" the room. He finally came out and we sat for awhile before going up to the room.

We sat looking out our window. A funny sight was the lawn-mower equivalent of "Roomba". What a good idea!