Dachau, Germany to Allschwil, Switzerland

Today was a travel and rest day. We left the hotel in Dachau and drove to Allschwil, Switzerland which took about four hours. The temperature started about 50 and was in the mid 70's by the time we got to our next B&B. On the journey it drizzled, poured rain, blazed full sun, and filled the sky with lots of clouds - so a bit of everything. The drive through Germany was almost like driving in MI or southern ON. The landscape and trees looked very familiar.

The border between Germany and Austria was "nothing" - just a sign that noted you were now in Austria. The same is true for the border between Switzerland and France. However, the border between Austria and Switzerland had us slowing right down and passing by police officers again - no guns though. It's so interesting how this differs from country to country and whether you're entering or leaving a country. In all of our other European travels, borders have only been marked by signs.

Yes, we did drive through four different countries today. A long drive in Germany, about 30 minutes in Austria (where we were instantly met by old mountains and tunnels), a long drive in Switzerland, and literally 15 seconds in France. The town we're staying in tonight is on the French/Swiss border. I wanted to experience being in four countries in one day (it could have been five if we had gone about 20 minutes out of our way to Liechtenstein). The French/Swiss border was marked by a tiny building and the tightest roundabout you can imagine. We drove around it and so were officially in France - for seconds yes, but we were there. Our final two nights will be spent in France. The hotel is seven minutes from the airport in Geneva (CH).

Tonight's B&B is located on the edge of the town. It's the last house on a dead end road - surrounded by countryside. It's another truly unique place with a lawn that doesn't get cut but looks great with tall grass and wild flowers.

We arrived at the B&B and were settled in by 4 pm. We have a private patio right outside our door so reading in the sun while watching the chickens was enjoyed for a couple of hours. 

Finding a place to have supper was a bit challenging - being Mother's Day and all. I've realized that almost all of our food on this trip has been carbs - mostly in the form of bread products and pasta. While the fresh bread items are super amazing, it's time for something else.

Except for the first couple of days of our trip (where people spoke French), German - in different dialects - has been the spoken language. Today is the first time we've come across people who didn't speak any English.

The plan was to go for a walk along the paths by the B&B but that didn't happen. What did happen was reading and sleeping so we could ready for another day.

One thing I learned today: Trucks aren't permitted to drive on Sundays. Pick-ups are the exception. We've seen less than 10 pickups in all of our travels. Not having big trucks on the road makes driving much more enjoyable because there are many, many of them. Not so nice for the truckers who have to stay parked in truck stops for the entire day. Dave could really related to that.

One new thing I experienced today: Driving on a road without a speed limit. Unless otherwise noted, you can drive as fast as you want on German highways/freeways. They suggest 130 kms/hr (81 miles/hr) but there's no limit and it's completely legal to go as fast as you want. Dave got our little puddle jumper up to 150 kms (93 miles/hr) when I put an end to that. Our car is adorable but it's also a tiny, tin can that will crunch like one.

Most powerful moment of the day: Wondering how borders between countries looked/operated when they were in place. The borders literally go through neighborhoods/backyards. How was that monitored? Were there walls that have been taken down? What a massive project it was when the EU came into existence. Borders gone. All EU countries changed their currency to the euro. It's hard to get your head around. But, it does make things much easier for travelers and those who live here. (A reminder: Switzerland is not part of the EU and has its own currency, but they have done away with border requirements.)

One pleasurable experience: Seeing the B&B owners out walking - with their cat! The cat runs beside them as they walk - like a dog would - without a leash. And! The sign on the toilet that says men may not stand up to pee.