Die AutoBahn oder Bundesautobahn

The AutoBahn is Germany's federal highway system. Many Americans revel at the thought of a highway without speed limits… to put the pedal to the metal, stepping on it, giving her all she's got, or just being a bat out of hell. These describe what we, Americans may think of the AutoBahn. While cars do zip along on the AutoBahn, there is much more to it: logic, thought, balance, and working together as a system of drivers on the road. Also, there are plenty of posted speed limits: in town, near exits, interchanges, etc. However, on the open "interstate" where there is little reason to decelerate, you will find a crossed out speed limit sign as your last indication to proceed with necessary speed. Several other factors play into this equation. The roads are smooth like a fresh tortilla out of the oven. No potholes, no seams, no bumps. So, when you're in the middle lane doing 90-100 mph, and cars are singing by on your left, it just doesn't feel that fast. Second, with the price of gas somewhere around six dollars per gallon, you not only notice the land blurring as you slide past 100, but the gas needle moves much more quickly towards E. Going fast is not without cost (you also miss some beautiful scenery). It also depends on the make of your vehicle. While the speedometer showed up to 160 on the dash of our Ford vehicle (I forget the model as they don't make them in the US), there are clearly vehicles equipped to go much faster, and they do. I would estimate a Mercedes station wagon doing 180 or more along with a few Audi's and Porsches in the 180-200 range. However, they're not traveling at these speeds expecting to maintain it forever. They slow when traffic thickens, or cars are passing. They wait their turn, then accelerate back up to said speed. You stay in the far right lane, and only change lanes to pass (which is only done on the left). No one is ever weaving through traffic. Everyone obeys these basic principles (along with using their signals), and it makes for a pleasant, and efficient, driving experience. You check your mirrors often, stay alert, and pay attention to your surroundings. Wouldn't you if someone could pass on your left going over 200 mph? Zoom zoom.

12-16 Prost!

We found a house on AirBnB and booked it. Pictures of a place are always one thing - then you walk through only to discover someone used a much wider than normal angle lens to make a place appear larger than reality. Luckily, that was not our case. The house is tucked away in a small neighborhood where the postman rolls by on bike in the morning chatting with neighbors. The rooms are plenty and spacious with a large kitchen and two baths.  Everyone slept wonderfully.  This moring, I opened one of the cases in the living area only to discover a true German gem - drinking glasses for every conceivable occassion. I'll let the photo do the talking from here. Prost!

12-15 Touching Down

It was a blur, a dream, a vague memory. The cabin lights flipped on and some far away announcement was heard about landing. Darkness. The tires squealed on the runway and people stirred. Looking at the clock to anticipate how likely we would make our connection, it read 6:57am local time. Our flight left at 730; it was going to be close. As the plane approached the gate, the captain indicated there was another plane currently at our gate we would have to wait on. Nothing to do, but wait. If I was driving up in a car, I might of honked in that every so Minnesota nice quick beep kind of way. A backup plan never entered my mind. In fact, nothing was really going into or out of my mind after grasping for the few precious hours of sleep that I'm not even sure counted. We gathered our belongings and shuttled off the plan like a drugged cattle line. A few cows kicking past us in hopes of making their connections. Ah - good idea… I stepped it into gear and went from a zombie walk to a zombie gallop. The kids excitedly kept up. A lady mumbled something about Munich as we passed, we said yes, and she gave us a few passport control expedite cards. Arrows pointing left, right, left, up, around. We followed the signs like a rat in a maze while weaving through a busy, chic airport. Think Ikea, without the couches, but lines everywhere. Finally, the passport line - our passes allowed us to take the flightcrew path. As I presented our stack of passports, the agent asked how long we expected to be in Europe. I think I said fifteen days… then tacked on for good measure, if we made our Munich connection. He was quick, nice, and assured us our gate was right around the corner after we each received an Iceland stamp. A few more turns, and there it was, A15. No one else there, no one in line, just a lone agent waiting beside an open door. Phew. Tickets scanned and we were down the runway.
I would like to point out the jetways to the plane in Iceland appear to be permanently built structures - so they were warm and solid. Way to go, Iceland (Minnesota - please take note). Additionally, I would like to point out our no-frills, bargain airline, treats kids amazingly well (I'm sure much to everyone's thankfulness). Each time we boarded, they handed the kids activity packs with games, stickers, and headphones for the entertainment. After in flight, each kid received a full complimentary meal (typical tickets do not include meals, but food is available for purchase). Overall, the flights were comfortable and nice… and the kicker, kids tickets cost less! Someone in Iceland likes families. After another 3.5 hours in a plane and a final give in to allow some kids shows, we start our decent into Munich. It will be about 12:30 local time, or lunch time. Charlie did not sleep on this flight and is now playing with silly putty. After downing two juice boxes earlier in the flight, we only had one moment of panic. He tells me has to go really bad, so we walk back to the lavatory in the back of the plane only to discover a line about six deep, that isn't moving. He dances about for a few minutes, and the line hasn't budged. He asks if we can go up front, and honestly, I don't see why not (good thinking travel dude), so we scuttle past the semi-open curtain, through first class, and we're in! No one cares or says a word. I might have to remember that one. The crew comes through with a bag of maybe twenty gingerbread cookies for kids. Gosh - if I was a kid, I'd travel nothing but Iceland Air. As a parent, we couldn't be happier. The sun rips through the window semi-blinding and I'm sure doing some sort of retinal damage. The Bavarian mountains in the distance. Down we head through the clouds into Munich. We made it!

12-14 Anticipation

Dec 14, or 15? - it's hard to say, as we are currently in the air on an IcelandAir flight destined to Munich via Keflavik. We left Minneapolis around 6:30pm, and have a short, one hour layover in Iceland before catching our final leg to Germany. However, the current in flight entertainment puts our arrival into Iceland at approximately 6:58am, which is 28 minutes later than planned, and adds a burning sensation to you stomach when you realize the connecting flight is scheduled for 7:30am, a mere 32 minutes. Keeping in mind the estimated arrival time is generally when the wheels of the plane hit the runway. Add in time to taxi to the gate, then de-board, and that equates to a good 30 minutes. Well, what can one do? We can not dwell on the things which we are unable to change. Dani's father is scheduled to arrive in Munich at approximately the same we were, and Danny (the student we hosted from Germany last year) is going to meet us at the airport. I feel confident there are enough people on this plane destined for Germany that they'll likely hold our flight a bit. Otherwise, we may get to hang out in Iceland - which could be fun!
I am pleasantly pleased our traveling companions have been troopers already, despite an appetite of a small army (seriously, they just keep eating everything we have - at least is lightens our load a bit). They are awkwardly crumpled up in a seat and sound asleep, despite waiting for the in-flight movie to start. I told Ellie the safety video was the big movie after it ended (we hadn't even taken off) and that she should probably go to sleep since it was over. She was not amused (and understands my sense of humor), but wasn't able to stay awake to cruising altitude - when all of the flight entertainment options turned on. Luck occasionally prevails, or tiredness wins?
We moved our watches ahead 7 hours before we left home to adjust to time in Germany - and it is now the equivalent of 5am German time as I write this. I awoke about an hour ago not able to sleep after several hours of that awkward sleeping upright rest, and after noticing we were barely half way, decided to do some typing.
We still have the same little bluetooth foldable keyboard we used in Europe so many years back, although the mobile phone technology has changed drastically. The keyboard is about the size of a deck of cards when folded and sadly, this technology has not changed much at all. We are still typing away. Sure I could use voice dictation, but I don't think the people around me would appreciate that. Besides, there is something nice about typing or writing out words meant for reading. I've used dictation before, but it is not foolproof either. I suppose if this could just type out my thoughts then we'd be in money? Heck - then what would prevent my neighbor from having a device to read my thoughts? Perhaps those are best just kept in my head. Now I've digressed into a philosophical discussion on technology. Lets bring it back to the trip at hand.
I'm looking forward to what the trip will bring. We plan to have fun, we plan to be together, and we plan to make the best of what each day (or night, or flight) will bring. I am thankful for the opportunity to visit a culture and country that is not our own, and have our kids experience it. There seems to be a lot of anticipation, which seems appropriate for the Advent season. Perhaps it's time to wrap this up and see if a bit more sleep is possible.