Prepare for images of idyllic family life spent camping next to rivers around Germany, but don't forget to read things are never as easy as they look! I have long believed holidays are best remembered by the misadventures along the way, and if this is so niamh should have the best recollection of our campervanning around Germany. Niamh had expressed some apprehension about the terrors of Customs, and sure enough somehow earned a search in Waterford Airport on our way out, thanks to a chunky belt buckle. After we struggled a long last to our bags in Amsterdam Airport, we were just in time to see Niamh's bag disappearing into the distance on someone else's trolley {well spotted and safely recovered!}Six hours of train transfers, unpredictable bus trips and walks too long for Malachy later, we were settled into our 6 berth van {see photos}. After stopping to gather supplies, we headed off onto the right hand side of the road for the beginning of the 'wrong way round driving in a big bus' experiment. Minutes later we were pulled over by a friendly local, who advised our rear luggage compartment was flapping open - as we thanked the gentleman for his help, another vehicle pulled up, and produced - you guessed it - Niamh's suitcase, which had flown out the door the first corner we turned.
Once we were settled we found the roads excellent, and the people welcoming and helpful, and had delightful riverside stops on the Rhine in Cologne, and than in Heidleberg. The cities / towns were beautiful, and suitably culturally different for our young tribe. Heidleberg had impressed Maggie as an 18 year old in the middle of winter, and we were all forced to highly commend her for her taste - most of the childen declaring the Christmas store the best shop they'd ever seen...
Cologne distinguished itself by having a Cathedral Imogen WANTED TO SEE!!. This famous twin steepled church had a highly latticed design, leaving lots of airspace through which to view the surrounding city as you scaled its 507 {from memory} spiralling stairs. The boys found endless distraction on the sandy beach adjoining our parking space, and some of us were brave {and apparently foolish - we learnt later} enough to swim in the Rhine.
Our home for the best part of a fortnight is pictured below. I have been advised my lack of a sense of smell enhanced my enjoyment of the van. It helped us to enjoy some beautiful countryside, and on our last night in Germany, delivered us to the best meal we have had in many a year - at a very stylish Turkish restaurant in Mulheim. The carnivore in Malachy and Seamus can rest easy for many weeks to come.
