It's hard to believe it was all the way back in early April that we left Munich with little more than our Eurail passes and the airbnb app - okay, I might have also had a crapload of luggage...poor Phil, he always gets to be the porter!
Now, almost three months later, we've checked out Budapest, Prague, Berlin, Warsaw, Bratislava, Budapest (again), Sofia, a couple of spots in Greece and Istanbul!
It's been fantastic, especially the parts where we've had great company - Jo and Louise are the best travel companions and celebrating my mum's 70th in Istanbul was a particular highlight!
The super slow train through Romania and Bulgaria passing through dozens of villages
Also loved, loved, loved our time in Greece and hanging out with my sis
We flew into Munich almost 2 weeks ago (I have been a tad slack with blog updates) to the VIP pickup service of Phil's dad Klaus!! It's so nice to be back in Munich (more accurately the village of Planegg) and spending some time with Phil's family.
And we've arrived back in Munich to a full on heatwave - it's mid-30s - weather not seen since 2005!!
This was the Munich weather forecast when we left on our Euro adventure
This is the Munich forecast this week
Who would have thought it would be hot in summer??
It's getting hot in here, so take off all your clothes...
We've been making the most of it, local style, swimming in Lake Worthsee (one of Bavaria's great 5 lakes). I even gave standup paddle boarding a go and despite insisting that I'd end up in the water, I managed a (smallish) lap without getting wet at all!
Here's Phil on a stand up paddle board... I was not on the board long enough for any photographic evidence...
Although some Germans are taking Nelly's timeless lyrics a bit too literally... It was actually not easy to get a safe for work pic at this spot. Some bathers are very into topless sunbaking at all ages... My prudish anglo upbringing just cannot deal!
Picturesque Lake Worthsee
Last Friday, we rode the bikes to the lake (50km roundtrip - not bad) and even spotted a baby deer in a field on the way!! We've been sitting on the jetty feeding ducklings and watching some crazy tame fish swim right under our feet in knee deep water!!
In addition to the lake swimming, there's also been some river swimming. The river that runs past our little town of Planegg is called the Wurm and in summer a small part of the stream is roped off and open for swimming. Even though it's a small section, the current is so strong it's almost like being in a swim spa!! A perfect way to cool down after a steaming hot day.
River swimming
We booked our flight to Munich from Istanbul with no itinerary at all, figuring we'd have a few days to settle in before thinking about what to do next.
However, in our absence, Klaus' twin brother organised a wedding to his lovely partner for 24 July in Bremerhaven near Hamburg. Another family wedding!! So we will be hanging out in Bavaria until the wedding and have planned some overnight hiking before we go.
Sadly, there has been a death in the family here in Munich, and one in Australia which is giving us a chance to reflect and appreciate the opportunity to spend some time with family.
Being a kid again
So... I've been threatening to grab a pair of rollerblades and (drumroll)... I am now the proud owner of a pair - an early bday pressie from Phil!!
I should emphasise, I am a proud and very uncoordinated owner... I've spent a little time every day skating up and down the street very very slowly. I am not only uncoordinated but also soooo sore - using muscles I apparently never usually use.
When I was a kid, I spent HEAPS of time rollerskating, so I thought the rollerblades would be super easy. But, I failed to factor in a couple of things (1) rollerskates are not the same as rollerblades (2) I never really skated outside of a rink where the surface is smooth and there are walls to hang onto everywhere so I never really learned how to stop and, probably most crucially (3) I was a crap rollerskater!! Oh dad, you spent so many hours at the rink with us and you never told me how much I sucked... bless....
To keep me company - and show me how it's done - Phil has also acquired a pair and we have been practising after dinner... Guess who needs the practice?? Hint: it's me...
When I describe this last week, it occurs to me that we may be regressing a little - this week has looked (and felt) a lot like being an 8 year old again. Last night after our skate, we went out for ice cream! Even though I've never been a person keen to relive my childhood (I definitely prefer adult stuff like choice and control and access to money etc), it's been really fun!
Although, I suspect when I have a big stack it will hurt a lot more than if I really was an 8 year old. Ah well, time will tell...
This week, I have also discovered adult colouring books. As the least artistic person ever, it is surprisingly meditative!! And kind of not dispelling the regression theory... Still, look how pretty...
In slightly more grown up news, we have been cooking up a storm, making messy, fiddly food I often rule out making due to lack of time (ricotta gnocchi, I'm talking to you).
And we got ourselves along to a fundraiser organised by the African community which was lots of fun.
We've also been doing tons of neighbourhood wandering with the local wildlife... So many geese!!
And also dropping into a beer garden for Sunday dinner
Next weekend, we go on an overnight hike with Klaus and Cornelia (apparently there are rare mountain goats at the top - hopefully enough to keep me motivated!!) and then we are heading to Hamburg to attend Phil's uncle's wedding. Should be a great way to round out July...
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