June 20 - One of our favorite things in Garmisch

Now the number of days until we leave Europe is down to single digits. Hard to believe almost two months hve gone by since we disembarked in Southampton. We've covered a lot of territory, seen many sights and had some new experiences. We especially enjoyed our time with Pat and Finn and Tom and Val. Now that we are settled in Bavaria for nine days we feel like we are "home", and will be sad when it is time to leave this beautiful part of the world.

After anther leisurely morning with fresh rolls from the little bakery around the corner, we set out in the car. First stop, Bahnhof for the US newspapers. We then drove around a bit driving to locate a restaurant we used to go to. There was a lot of construction going on with new apartment complexes being built and roads being altered, so we were often stymied, and had to turn around in narrow little spots. Every block brought more gorgeous homes, gardens and beautiful wrought-iron gates to admire.

We finally made our way to the destination of the day - the Eckbauer Bahn. This small two person, open-air "gondola" has been our favorite cable car in the world for about 44 years. It was built in 1956. The gondola glides through the tree tops with views of mountain peaks and lush, green pastures. It is so calming and peaceful. The ride lasts 14 minutes from bottom to top, to an altitude of 1,236 meters (4,055 feet)and you are wishing it would never end. I was happy I was able to get into the little car with no problem!

Going up past the Ski Jump at the Olympic Stadion (Built for 1936 Olympics)

We got off the car at the top station. In previous years we would walk down a steep path about 1 1/2 hours to a gasthaus with a terrace restaurant, and from there another hour or so through a klamm (gorge). One of the most beautiful walks imaginable. But, today I couldn't even make it to the small refreshment stand at the trail's head. There is not a place immediately at the station for any beverages, snacks or even to sit in the shade, and it was quite a hot day.

The signs we used to follow

So, we turned around and got back on the gondola and descended to the valley. About half-way down, we heard thunder, and shortly it began to rain. The gondola has a top, but open sides, so we didn't get drenched, only sightly damp. It was ironic that the very first time we went up in the cable car (1973), it was on a rainy day.

Descending through the trees

We wanted to find an attractive spot to have a light lunch, and with the rain didn't want to go to any of our favorite lakeside, outdoor restaurants. We ended up on Klammstrasse, near the pedestrian zone, and were lucky to find a convenient parking spot. We went inside the nice grocery store there, as I had remembered there was an elevator to access the second floor Colosseo Restaurant. But, the elevator only went down, not up. The Colosseo is up two very long flights, but fortunately we found out before we climbed that it was closed from 2:30-5 PM. We went to the nearby Akrams, which used to be a shop with hugely expensive espresso machine. It is now called a fusion restaurant, but it seems primarily Indian with a few other Asian dishes. Very attractive décor and pleasant service. My "Arabian" appetizer of hummus, eggplant, and a cheese spread with hot pita bread slices was pretty good. Ron thought his thom yung soup was too salty. We shared a main dish of Vietnamese chicken curry with ginger, lemon grass, etc. They kindly divided in for us, but it wasn't that tasty.

Akram

Arabian appetizer plate

Half portion Vietnamese chicken curry

After a very short walk, we returned to our apartment. I had a little nap.

That evening, Ron prepared Thai omelet with minced pork, and I fixed Basmati rice. We didn't have all of the usual ingredients for the omelet, but it was good anyway.

Ron enjoyed sitting on the terrace watching the silhouettes of the mountains as darkness fell.