Donnerstag, 20. August 2020

Crowded in the Alps

Nope, I am still not a real fan of traveling in Germany. Growing up closeby the Alps, we are both not highly enthusiastic about this comparably narrow, crowded mountain region. Nevertheless, from time to time we go on an excursion, mostly to visit a friend of us who has a little shop (2 people allowed inside in Corona times!) in downtown Fuessen, called 100 % Handwerk and selling "handicrafts" from mostly local/regional small artisans/designers, like leather goods, knives, jewelry, and some knick-knack. She told us that in the last weeks business picked up considerably and that she's never ever seen the city so crowded. After having had to shut down for weeks in March/April she has fully recovered now.

Wish we could say the same thing as travel writers/journalists (focused on the U.S.A.),,,

Well, downtown Fuessen was packed - social distancing became rather unknown. Bikers (mostly either elderly people or families, the majority with e-bikes) taking over downtown Fuessen and the scenic roads around. Many people seem to still have vacation days left and/or are able to afford vacation (which sort of amazes me) and many stay in Germany this year for their annual summer vacation for obvious reasons. The Alps, besides the North Sea, are a top destination. Overcrowded streets, full restaurants, sold-out hotels, no parking - have become a problem. Not really fun IMHO.

It's only a 1 1/2 hour drive to Fuessen and we usually combine it with a dip into Hopfensee, a usually refreshing natural mountain lake. Also, we always get provisions in a dairy (Bergkäserei Weizern) and in a microbrewery (Kösselbräu) in closeby Eisenberg. Well, the lake promenade was packed this time, parking was a problem and, in addition, we have never experienced the lake that muddy and warm before. Much more SUPs and boats of all kinds in the water than swimmers.

Halfway, on the way back home, we have our fav beergarden in Holzhausen - a brewery at the same time. They are serving the probably best pork roast in the area - inexpensive, too! Only problem is to get a table, even if you come early, like us, at 5:30 pm. With space restrictions, they recently expanded the beergarden towards the space inbetween barns, but it's nicer to sit under the chestnut trees. It's completely self-service, you pay and pick up your beer on one side, your meal on the other. Primitive and simple, but unique and good.

On the way back home on side roads through fields and little villages, sun slowly going down, we stopped at the "Eizelle" - which is an old telephone booth, repurposed as a refridgerated storage room for fresh eggs from the adjacent farm. You pick your box of eggs (10), medium or large, and simply leave the money in a box.

It's been a good day, the weather was beautiful, but, nevertheless, I would rather travel somewhere else, far away,,,

Keine Kommentare:

Kommentar veröffentlichen