It's Payback, European Style! A trip to Bavaria & Austria for DIS friends! - Travel Complete! It's a Wrap! 11/2

[franandaj]

I really like this. This will be my new mantra.
"I have exercised. I have earned sausages!"

It's as good a mantra as any!

 

[franandaj]

It is always amazing going to other countries and how their normals are just so different than ours. We are definitely spoiled by our cars here but I like the change of pace with all the walking.

Especially when you hang out with locals, you really get to experience how they live. Or at least somewhat of it. If I had been left on my own, I probably would have rented a car and driven everywhere, not knowing any better.

Interesting museums to visit and very important parts of history that I wish people paid more attention too. Glad you shared!

There's so much interesting history out there, I wish more people paid attention to it!

 

[franandaj]

I think there’s one or two others out there rhat do as well.

Yes, there are several folks here reading with whom I've enjoyed a cuppa Joe!

I do too… but I’m not in their league!

I don't. But I'm going to have to step it up again and start walking again. I've got a parade to march!

 

[franandaj]

I now really regret not taking you home to a darkend living room full of outdoor furniture and a kitchen full of my outdoor plants!!
As we told you they were working on the balconies above our flat. We had to empty our loggia and all the outdoor furniture was in the living room (which is not really large in the first place). The metal blinds needed to be closed so the windows would be protected - makes for a nice dark room.
Since I have a lot of flowers and bushes and small trees in pots - they all ended up in the kitchen where they had daylight! And guess what they were on the counters and the dining room table.
Would have been really comfortable.

I regret that my visit coincided with the construction at your flat.

Again - NO loggia. And since it was pretty loud all day no kitties day or night either!

Again - bummer.....

NEVER heard of that - especially in Italy where it is pretty sunny and hot. But I don't know who told you and what hotel they were staying at. Because old ones might not have AC (think Venice), but a reasonably new one would have a working AC for you to choose your room temperature. They might not be as cold as they are in the US in the first place, but you can sure turn them down.

I think I read it on the internets.

Because when I brought it up you shot me down immediately that you didn't want to do that. Flying out of Vienna was a hard NO.
And yes, we would have driven you there, but why mention it when you weren't interested in flying out of Vienna in the first place.

I don't remember what the exact circumstances were, but I know it was a lot more points and seemed more difficult to navigate at the time. Next time I'll listen a little bit more. Jill wants to see Vienna as well.

You might have misunderstood. My comment was not meant towards your drinking habits, but the comment you had made that "you didn't experience a wine that knocked your socks off".
And I still stand by my comment that you get what you pay for. If you opt for cheap you cannot expect highest quality that knocks your socks off.

I didn't have the funds to enjoy fine food and wines this trip. As you pointed out I was on a tight budget. I was more looking to get out of my normal (Disney) and experience something new. I've got a lot of debt to pay off before I'm back in the clear.

We both worked hard for 40+ plus years and scrimped and saved so we would not have to penny pinch once we retired.
And given the length of our vacations - if you had to pay and not fly on points you would make the most of a several thousand dollar flight as well.

Yes, you worked very hard, I get that. Soon I will likely have to pay instead of fly on points. But I'll still never be able to take trips much longer than 2-3 weeks just because my kitties miss me too much.

Thankfully I reread! I mistook what you named pyramids for something else.

That would be these!

Yeah, I remember. This was very hip when we were kids. Vanilla with shaved chocolate.

I think it's still hip!

Love those "Laubengänge" - very romantic.

Is that what they call them?

And since we never made it to Vienna here are a few similar views of Schloss Schönbrunn.

This gives us something to do in the next trip!

Is it just the way this was photographed or does that pizza look a little bit too burned?

It wasn't my pizza, but I would venture to say that it was a bit burned.

The way it should be - German "Keks" being eaten in Germany.

I had to look this up, I also ate them in Austria, and I don't remember if any made it home to the US.

 

[pkondz]

I don't. But I'm going to have to step it up again and start walking again. I've got a parade to march!

You're one busy lady!

 

[franandaj]

Day 6

Today was my day to travel to Linz. I woke up at 6AM and decided that was as good a time as any to get up. I had planned to leave for the Train station at 9AM. My train was scheduled to leave Nuremberg at 10:31AM and I wanted to be up on the platform well before it left.

I went down to breakfast around 7:30 and just had a Waffle, a piece of orange and some coffee. I didn't want to eat too much as I was told we would be having a nice lunch following my train journey.

I ended up leaving before 9AM because I was all packed up and ready to go. I didn't see the point of waiting around the room. I knew it would be a slight challenge maneuvering my luggage to the train station. I had one large suitcase weighing about 35lbs, and a computer sized carry-on, plus my purse. I had stowed my DCL tote in my suitcase for now as I didn't need a lot for the train ride.

Once I got to the train station I realized the point of waiting around my room, as there was a free toilet in the room! My first experience with a German paid WC was rather interesting. You pay with credit card or cash. I didn't have cash so I tapped my card. That unlocked the turnstile. I tried to go through with my large suitcase with the handle up and got stuck, so I backed up. I put the handle down so that the large suitcase cleared the turnstile bar. Well then the turnstile decided that I had already used up my turn when I got stuck, but clearly I had not. I looked at the attendant with a sort of sheepish grin. She gave me a look like, “Another American Tourist who doesn't know how to use these things.” I'm not sure if she rolled her eyes as she made her way from her side of the turnstiles to the entrance to scan her override key, but I was able to get through and use the facilities.

While I was in there, I got a text from Magdalene that my train was delayed about half an hour.

Great.

I found a seat on some benches outside the restroom and decided to wait. Had my train been on time, I would have proceeded to the platform in about 45 minutes, but at this point I decided to give it at least an hour. At least I had electronics to keep me entertained.

I did decide to get moving at 10AM, but that's because I decided to grab a train snack for the road. I was originally going to get a sandwich like I ate for lunch the first day, but Karin & Tom, told me that they had a lunch reservation, and that's why I only ate the one waffle for breakfast. I was starting to get hungry and at this point it would be at least 4 hours before I got more food. So I got a Schinken, Käse, Croissant. I was proud of myself for ordering it in correct German, which prompted the cashier to ask me another question in German that I totally didn't understand. She saw my confusion and asked me in the simplest way, “Is that all?” to which I replied yes! In case you can’t translate, that’s a Ham and Cheese Croissant.

Finally I made my way to the platform. The train was expected to arrive at 11:02.

I was basically in the right place, but the train stopped way further up on the platform so I had to struggle to get to the correct door to get to my seat. When I found it, there was a guy sitting in it. In my best German I said, “I have it reserved.” Then I thought I'd messed up and went forward to see if my seat was up there. Nope I was correct that was my seat. I was able to put my large suitcase on the bottom of the “large luggage” area so I wasn't trying to heft it over my head!

By the time I got back to that seat the man had vacated it. This was a much nicer train than I had taken the other day. There was even a little blue light over the seat to indicate it was reserved, and a little display panel which said that it was reserved from Nuremberg to Linz.

I settled in for my trip, and ate my Ham and Cheese Croissant first. It was the perfect amount of food, it filled that void that was forming, but I would still be hungry when I arrived in Linz.

The train had free WiFi and I worked on some updates on my TRs for the DIS. I tried to take pictures of the scenery but because we were going so fast most of them came out like this.

I did get a couple good ones!

This was one of my first sightings of the Danube.

When we finally reached Linz, I got off the train to see this!

The train was half an hour late. Thomas grabbed my suitcases and we headed to their car. When I took my seat in the back, I saw that these two would be my seat mates for the week.

We rushed off to lunch at the castle.

Even though we were late it didn't matter too much, there were still plenty of tables. And it was a beautiful view overlooking the Danube.

My picture taking of menus is not so well documented after this, I may have a few more, but some of them were pages long and I just got overwhelmed after a few restaurants!

I had a glass of Gruner Veltliner (or two!) The lovely thing about Austria is that when they serve you a glass of wine, it comes with a glass of water! This one even had an ice cube in it! Way to hydrate Austria!

Later in the week, we would be visiting this Church on the top of the hill.

Karin insisted that I get a bowl of this Frittatensuppe. It is a traditional Austrian dish. And please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that it is a thin crepe that has been sliced and served in a broth. I think it was beef. It was very tasty.

I don’t remember what my original first choice was, probably the “Mozzarella di Bufala, Tomaten Homemade Pesto”, but they were out of it, so I went with my second choice, the Beef Tartare. It was excellent!

The night before, one of my telephone charging cables had broken and I had to throw It away. Because I had two phones, I needed a replacement. I asked if we could pick me up another one, again we went to a Media Markt. I found a nice and sturdy fast charging cord and we were good.

Then we headed to my hotel. I asked if we could pick up some wine for the room and there was a market near the hotel. It was close enough that I could have walked from the hotel, but it was nice that they came with me and helped me shop. I didn't need anything besides wine as the water here is potable, so I could fill my bottle from the tap. I already had a bag full of sweets because in America I'd picked up a double sharing size snickers, and a pack of MnMs. I'm not one to devour my candy, in fact I've been known to put it in my purse side pocket and forget about it for weeks! Those candy bars didn't even get opened until I got to Germany, and I only ate half of them at that time. Plus I had my chocolate biscuits, and some candy Michael and Magdalene had given me for my birthday. Definitely did not need any more sweets!

Next I checked into my hotel and they helped me bring the luggage to the room. This hotel had AC! Whew! Karin turned it on and we started to cool the room.

It was a very nice room. Very spacious.

it had a little mini kitchen (which I wouldn't need to use), but the tiny fridge was nice. It had a tiny freezer and it worked well.

I had a courtyard view, but I didn’t spend any time out there. Most people who were out on their balconies were smoking, since it was a non-smoking hotel inside.

They left me on my own for about an hour while I got settled. I plugged in my electronics, set up my nightstand, and just basically arranged my things for my stay for the next week.

I was desperate for ice, and found some glasses that I filled about ⅓ of the way up with water and placed them in the freezer. I hoped I would be able to use these In my water bottle.

Even though it hadn't really chilled down completely, I poured myself a glass of the wine that I purchased.

Then I headed down to the lobby to meet Karin and Tom. Right at 7PM Karin and Tom were In the parking lot to pick me up. We drove to a shopping mall and parked in the lot, but our restaurant was just up the street from the mall. Over the course of the week, we parked here a few times.

We sat outdoors, and mostly the smoking didn't bother me except for at one point during the meal. That’s one thing about living in California, smoking has almost been completely banned, you rarely smell cigarette smoke anymore here. I forget that much of the world is not like that.

I got the Kofta sausages, although they called them something else on the menu. They were great, but I could only eat three of them. The slaw was very interesting as well. It was sweeter than a sauerkraut but not like an American Cole slaw either.

I won't say that Karin and Tom forced me to get dessert, but they were rather insistent! I got this crepe filled with ice cream and topped with chocolate and whipped cream. It was so delicious that I could not stop eating it! If I had had a straw I could have been a member of the clean plate club!

At this point they rolled me back to my hotel, and I went to sleep dreaming vivid odd dreams, none of which I remember!

 

[dizneeat]

The curators evidently liked these little tree lined “hallways”.

You will find them in many "park like" places. Some of them are rose bushes and it's awesome when they are in bloom.

This was the first and only scooter I saw on my trip!

Now that you mention it ... I have not seen many either.

I like to buy it when it is either $1.99 or $2.99 per pound. as a kg is about 2.2 pounds (I think) that's right in my price range. Too bad it's the super thick version that I don't care for as much as the thinner stuff.

Wow! That is incredibly cheap! We only buy ours from one seller who only sells organic asperagus. But they have all kinds, green and white and you just choose how thick or thin you want yours. This year 1/2kg was sold for 8 Euros.
Expensive but soooooooooo yummy!!!

I also found this single serve fondue cup.

OMG! I didn't even know they still made them. I had one of those when I started work (so over 40 years ago )

No I didn’t make the fondue “in” the cup. I made it in my cooking blender and served it in the cup. These were actually leftovers, and it was just the perfect amount.

What did you make? If it is chocolate it looks lumpy or was it not quite melted yet?

Here I did join the clean plate club. I guess it was all that walking!

6 sausages?? Well done! Couldn't eat that many even if they were small.

Next time I'll listen a little bit more. Jill wants to see Vienna as well.

Your gonna like Vienna and it is so easy to get around. Public transport is great there, underground, tram and buses.

That would be these!

You might be correct!

Is that what they call them?

Yes, they are Laubengänge.

 

[dizneeat]

My first experience with a German paid WC was rather interesting.

Please forgive me, Alison, but this made us both giggle before even reading further.

You pay with credit card or cash. I didn't have cash so I tapped my card. That unlocked the turnstile. I tried to go through with my large suitcase with the handle up and got stuck, so I backed up. I put the handle down so that the large suitcase cleared the turnstile bar. Well then the turnstile decided that I had already used up my turn when I got stuck, but clearly I had not. I looked at the attendant with a sort of sheepish grin. She gave me a look like, “Another American Tourist who doesn't know how to use these things.”

This was just hilarious to read. Picturing it all in our minds. Suitcase on one side of the turnstile and you on the other. But don't fret - you are not the first this has happend to nor will you be the last.

While I was in there, I got a text from Magdalene that my train was delayed about half an hour.

We saw that on our app. You always need to check it for delays as there are plenty.
There is a reason I don't really like to take the train especially if we need to fly out an hour or so after arrival. We have now decided to ride the train to Vienna the day prior to flying out of there and just stay at the airport hotel.

I was proud of myself for ordering it in correct German, which prompted the cashier to ask me another question in German that I totally didn't understand. She saw my confusion and asked me in the simplest way, “Is that all?” to which I replied yes!

And another anecdote that left us in stitches. Sorry, but this was really funny.

I was basically in the right place, but the train stopped way further up on the platform so I had to struggle to get to the correct door to get to my seat.

You always have to check the "Wagenstandsanzeiger" a chart that shows you in which section of the railway station a certain carriage is going to stop.

When I found it, there was a guy sitting in it.

As always!!

I tried to take pictures of the scenery but because we were going so fast most of them came out like this.

It shows you were on a fast train.

This was one of my first sightings of the Danube.

Means you were getting close.

When we finally reached Linz, I got off the train to see this!

One needs to be welcomed!

When I took my seat in the back, I saw that these two would be my seat mates for the week.

It took some persuasion to make Stitch give up his seat, but Angel talked him into getting up close and personal with her.

I had a glass of Gruner Veltliner (or two!)

Definitely two ... I still have the bill, but it was hot - we all needed hydration.

And please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that it is a thin crepe that has been sliced and served in a broth. I think it was beef. It was very tasty.

Definitely Fritattensuppe! These are thin Austrian pancakes which you can have sweet or savoury or cut into strips in a good broth.



I had some too.



And this lovely salad with bacon wrapped goat's cheese. Yum, yum!



And Tom had the Asparagus risotto, which was so good as well.



Linz castle



And a view of Urfahr, a part of Linz

This hotel had AC!

And a working one as well.

I got the Kofta sausages, although they called them something else on the menu.

They were not Köfte, you had Cevapcici, which are originating from the former Yugoslavia. Very common here and close to Köfte, but different spices and usually different kind of meat.

The slaw was very interesting as well. It was sweeter than a sauerkraut but not like an American Cole slaw either.

It's not a slaw per se, it's Pusztakraut. White cabbage, small gurkens, peppers and spices cooked and preserved with vinegar. Also something you would find in Croatia or Bosnia.

I won't say that Karin and Tom forced me to get dessert, but they were rather insistent!

Well, we didn't have to twist your arm really. You gave in quite easily.

If I had had a straw I could have been a member of the clean plate club!

Eispalatschinken - those very thin pancakes (always made without any sugar) are used for both sweet dishes (like this one filled with ice-cream and doused with chocolate sauce and garnished with cream, or filled with apricot jam or they can also used as a savoury dish filled with veg or cheese or cut into strips and used as Fritatten in a soup.)
Sweet variety is - Palatschinken
Savoury is - Fritatten

 

[jedijill]

t was a very nice room. Very spacious.

That room looks quite familiar!

I'm glad Austria replenished its Gruner supply after I drank so much on my trip!

Austria makes the best dessets! Take that France!

Jill in CO

 

[DnA2010]

Once I got to the train station I realized the point of waiting around my room, as there was a free toilet in the room! My first experience with a German paid WC was rather interesting.

I had a situation like this once in the UK, but it was before they took cards and you needed only a coin. .good times...

That's a big bird behind you!

By the time I got back to that seat the man had vacated it. This was a much nicer train than I had taken the other day. There was even a little blue light over the seat to indicate it was reserved, and a little display panel which said that it was reserved from Nuremberg to Linz.

Like really dude! Glad he wasn't an issue...

I did get a couple good ones!

Very lush and green! (you won't encounter that here)

Well done Tom!

This one even had an ice cube in it! Way to hydrate Austria!

I laughed at this, but then thought, they are just smart, if you hydrate, than you have a greater chance of increased consumption?

I get a bowl of this Frittatensuppe. It is a traditional Austrian dish. And please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that it is a thin crepe that has been sliced and served in a broth.

Yup, that sounds great indeed.

so I went with my second choice, the Beef Tartare. It was excellent!

This is a nope for me...I'm not a big tartare or pate fan, just not a texture I enjoy

Most people who were out on their balconies were smoking, since it was a non-smoking hotel inside.

Thiis is still a strange thing now when I encounter it, smoke anywhere really

I was desperate for ice, and found some glasses that I filled about ⅓ of the way up with water and placed them in the freezer. I hoped I would be able to use these In my water bottle.

High lack of hotel ice machines in the world!

smoking has almost been completely banned, you rarely smell cigarette smoke anymore here. I forget that much of the world is not like that.

Same as here, I really notice it now when I encounter it

I suspect I'd have had this baby

And this lovely salad with bacon wrapped goat's cheese

I think I will have to try this, looks like they were baked after?



Great start, looking forward to reading more

 

[pkondz]

My train was scheduled to leave Nuremberg at 10:31AM

One thing I loved about Germany was the trains. So easy to get around. And usually, (in my limited experience) exactly on time. Unless...

I went down to breakfast around 7:30 and just had a Waffle,

You sure like those waffles.

I had one large suitcase weighing about 35lbs, and a computer sized carry-on, plus my purse.

"Alison, fully loaded" takes on a whole new meaning!

Once I got to the train station I realized the point of waiting around my room, as there was a free toilet in the room!

Welcome to Europe!

I always welcomed the sight of a McDonalds. Never (except once in an emergency) would eat there, but "went" there quite often.

I tried to go through with my large suitcase with the handle up and got stuck, so I backed up. I put the handle down so that the large suitcase cleared the turnstile bar. Well then the turnstile decided that I had already used up my turn when I got stuck, but clearly I had not.

I'm not sure if she rolled her eyes

Oh, I'm sure she did.

While I was in there, I got a text from Magdalene that my train was delayed about half an hour.

Unless... there's a delay.

So I got a Schinken, Käse, Croissant.

I know what that is! I got those too in train stations.

I was proud of myself for ordering it in correct German,

Atta girl.

which prompted the cashier to ask me another question in German that I totally didn't understand.

Oh, how I can relate!
I quickly learned how to say "I don't speak German" in German... except a translation would be more like "Me no speaking German." My mom tried to tell me the correct way of saying it, but I told her I didn't want to say it correctly!

Or... I'd order something in German. Like "Ein Coke, bitte."
To which the clerk would say something that sounded like numbers (ergo, the price.)
I'd hand over some cash, get change and say "Danke".
To which the clerk would say "buorsldkf soeijws wreojsdhl wroiej?"
Which would elicit a blank stare from me. Quickly followed by a look of panic.

That last one usually was enough for them to get the picture that I didn't speak the language.

It's you!

Flipping us the "bird"

By the time I got back to that seat the man had vacated it.

I've heard this is very common.

There was even a little blue light over the seat to indicate it was reserved, and a little display panel which said that it was reserved from Nuremberg to Linz.

Huh!

Whee!
Did your train have a speed reading on it? I remember at least one that I rode, did.

When we finally reached Linz, I got off the train to see this!

Awww.

When I took my seat in the back, I saw that these two would be my seat mates for the week.

It's like they know you or something.

We rushed off to lunch at the castle.

When one must lunch, one must lunch at a castle.

it was a beautiful view overlooking the Danube.

Very nice.

it comes with a glass of water! This one even had an ice cube in it!

Ice!! I'm surprised.

Karin insisted that I get a bowl of this Frittatensuppe. It is a traditional Austrian dish. And please correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that it is a thin crepe that has been sliced and served in a broth. I think it was beef. It was very tasty.

Sounds good. Never heard of that.

I went with my second choice, the Beef Tartare. It was excellent!

Nope. Never wanted to try that. I'm sure it's fine, but...

It was a very nice room. Very spacious.

And just screams "Europe" to me.

We sat outdoors, and mostly the smoking didn't bother me except for at one point during the meal.

Yuck. I do remember all the smoking.

That’s one thing about living in California, smoking has almost been completely banned, you rarely smell cigarette smoke anymore here. I forget that much of the world is not like that.

You don't typically see much up here either.

The slaw was very interesting as well. It was sweeter than a sauerkraut but not like an American Cole slaw either.

More pickled, perhaps?

I won't say that Karin and Tom forced me to get dessert, but they were rather insistent!

 

[missjackiemcg]

Mmmm, everything looks so delicious!! Love the Stitch sign and your car companions, too. The view at lunch was simply stunning!

 

[Captain_Oblivious]

Hi Alison! I had a few moments and was able to read through at least one of your TR's on my backlog! Anyway, just wanted to say hi and I hope you're doing well!

It took me a couple months to come back to the DIS after her passing, and when I did return, I had already planned a rigorous travel schedule for the summer of 2023. One of the things that I had decided to do was “pay back” all the folks who came to visit me at Disneyland. A lot of people said to me, “Whenever you’re in [insert city/province/country here], I’ll show you around.” So I started planning trips that did just that.

Honestly pretty hard to believe Germany was ahead of Delaware on the bucket list.

 

[franandaj]

You will find them in many "park like" places. Some of them are rose bushes and it's awesome when they are in bloom.

You just don't see anything like that in the US, so I thought it was very interesting.

Now that you mention it ... I have not seen many either.

Not a lot of places can actually accommodate them!

Wow! That is incredibly cheap! We only buy ours from one seller who only sells organic asperagus. But they have all kinds, green and white and you just choose how thick or thin you want yours. This year 1/2kg was sold for 8 Euros.
Expensive but soooooooooo yummy!!!

I guess when you bioengineer most of your food it can cut the costs. From what I understand, in the US we don't eat anything natural unless you grow it in your own yard.

OMG! I didn't even know they still made them. I had one of those when I started work (so over 40 years ago )

I think it's awesome! I can't wait to make fondue again and have more!

What did you make? If it is chocolate it looks lumpy or was it not quite melted yet?

Actually those are bubbles from the candle being so hot.

6 sausages?? Well done! Couldn't eat that many even if they were small.

I was walking a lot then! I couldn't eat them now.

Your gonna like Vienna and it is so easy to get around. Public transport is great there, underground, tram and buses.

I'm definitely looking forward to going back, just not quite sure when.

You might be correct!

Yes, they are Laubengänge.

Good to know!

Please forgive me, Alison, but this made us both giggle before even reading further.

Hey, I'm here all week. Tip your waiter!

This was just hilarious to read. Picturing it all in our minds. Suitcase on one side of the turnstile and you on the other. But don't fret - you are not the first this has happend to nor will you be the last.

Probably not.

We saw that on our app. You always need to check it for delays as there are plenty.
There is a reason I don't really like to take the train especially if we need to fly out an hour or so after arrival. We have now decided to ride the train to Vienna the day prior to flying out of there and just stay at the airport hotel.

Yeah, I learned that, but now I know.

And another anecdote that left us in stitches. Sorry, but this was really funny.

Well.....

You always have to check the "Wagenstandsanzeiger" a chart that shows you in which section of the railway station a certain carriage is going to stop.

I thought that I was.......

As always!!

It shows you were on a fast train.

Means you were getting close.

Yup!

One needs to be welcomed!

And you two did a stellar job of it!

It took some persuasion to make Stitch give up his seat, but Angel talked him into getting up close and personal with her.

Definitely two ... I still have the bill, but it was hot - we all needed hydration.

And the water was an extra bonus!

Definitely Fritattensuppe! These are thin Austrian pancakes which you can have sweet or savoury or cut into strips in a good broth.

Very tasty

And this lovely salad with bacon wrapped goat's cheese. Yum, yum!

I just wasn't feeling salady.......yet.

And Tom had the Asparagus risotto, which was so good as well.

That sounds pretty good too!

They were not Köfte, you had Cevapcici, which are originating from the former Yugoslavia. Very common here and close to Köfte, but different spices and usually different kind of meat.

Thanks for clarifying.

It's not a slaw per se, it's Pusztakraut. White cabbage, small gurkens, peppers and spices cooked and preserved with vinegar. Also something you would find in Croatia or Bosnia.

OK, I'll take your word for it.

Well, we didn't have to twist your arm really. You gave in quite easily.

You pulled the birthday card......

Eispalatschinken - those very thin pancakes (always made without any sugar) are used for both sweet dishes (like this one filled with ice-cream and doused with chocolate sauce and garnished with cream, or filled with apricot jam or they can also used as a savoury dish filled with veg or cheese or cut into strips and used as Fritatten in a soup.)
Sweet variety is - Palatschinken
Savoury is - Fritatten

Thanks again for the explanation!

 

[franandaj]

That room looks quite familiar!

I bet it does!

I'm glad Austria replenished its Gruner supply after I drank so much on my trip!

Austria makes the best desserts! Take that France!

They sure do! And there are a lot more to come!

 

[franandaj]

I had a situation like this once in the UK, but it was before they took cards and you needed only a coin. .good times...

Well it's good that they did take cards, cause I had zero coins!

That's a big bird behind you!

That's what I thought when I looked at the picture, but then as it turns out, it was etched into the glass of the booth behind me!

Like really dude! Glad he wasn't an issue...

I think people know they're in the wrong when they take a reserved seat.

Very lush and green! (you won't encounter that here)

Nor here either!

Well done Tom!

I laughed at this, but then thought, they are just smart, if you hydrate, than you have a greater chance of increased consumption?

I think Karin and Tom said that it was a law. They also served water with coffee, or at least espresso.

Yup, that sounds great indeed.

This is a nope for me...I'm not a big tartare or pate fan, just not a texture I enjoy

I started liking it after a certain establishment that I frequent had it on the menu. I tried it and really liked it. I wish they would bring it back occasionally, I would even order it when I wasn't in the dining room.

Thiis is still a strange thing now when I encounter it, smoke anywhere really

Yeah, there aren't too many places where I encounter it anymore either.

High lack of hotel ice machines in the world!

No, just Europe!

Same as here, I really notice it now when I encounter it

I suspect I'd have had this baby

I just wasn't feeling salady yet.

I think I will have to try this, looks like they were baked after?

You'll have to ask Karin......

Great start, looking forward to reading more

If I wasn't so darned busy, I could post a lot faster!

 

[franandaj]

One thing I loved about Germany was the trains. So easy to get around. And usually, (in my limited experience) exactly on time. Unless...

As long as you're not lugging a 35lb suitcase!

You sure like those waffles.

I do! And I will be eating them again in just a few days. At least on the days that I don't have brunch scheduled!

"Alison, fully loaded" takes on a whole new meaning!

Could you imagine if I was still traveling like Fran and I used to.

Welcome to Europe!

I always welcomed the sight of a McDonalds. Never (except once in an emergency) would eat there, but "went" there quite often.

I don't mind paying for a clean toilet. I paid for dirty ones in Egypt! It was having all the baggage that was the problem.

Oh, I'm sure she did.

Unless... there's a delay.

I know what that is! I got those too in train stations.

I get them here at home too!

I quickly learned how to say "I don't speak German" in German... except a translation would be more like "Me no speaking German." My mom tried to tell me the correct way of saying it, but I told her I didn't want to say it correctly!

I can see how that would be a good way to say it.

It's you!

Flipping us the "bird"

Whee!
Did your train have a speed reading on it? I remember at least one that I rode, did.

Not that I could see.....

It's like they know you or something.

When one must lunch, one must lunch at a castle.

Nope. Never wanted to try that. I'm sure it's fine, but...

I really like it. I need to have it at a pretty good establishment, I mean I wouldn't order it from a gas station convenience store.

Yuck. I do remember all the smoking.

Yeah, the only real drawback.

You don't typically see much up here either.

Good.

More pickled, perhaps?

Karin explained the differences in her reply.

 

[franandaj]

Mmmm, everything looks so delicious!!

Pretty much everything I ate for those couple weeks was delicious!

Love the Stitch sign and your car companions, too.

Yes, Karin and Tom love their Stitch and Angel!

The view at lunch was simply stunning!

 

[franandaj]

Hi Alison! I had a few moments and was able to read through at least one of your TR's on my backlog! Anyway, just wanted to say hi and I hope you're doing well!

I'm glad you were able to find some time and catch up a bit! I miss reading your TRs!

Honestly pretty hard to believe Germany was ahead of Delaware on the bucket list.

Well also, I'm not sure if you ever invited me to come visit Delaware.... I'm on my way to Winnipeg in a couple of days.....

 

[franandaj]

:tiptoe