First the mail lady and then Obama

That small world thing popped up again yesterday. After I sent my last posting I read CNN online and found out that Obama was in Dresden!!! When we were driving into Dresden there were police cars everywhere. We commented that something big must have happened. Guess it did!

I have attached a couple pictures of the farm where we are staying. Hate to move on--it is very comfortable here.

Dresden Train Station

We thought we were going to take the train to Dresden and Berlin. They both are within 160 kilometers from here. But it is too expensive, so we're thinking of driving. Not sure yet. I composed a posting for the blog in Works on my computer hoping I could use it at a cafe. No luck. So, I can't show any pictures at this time. We're more rested and enjoying the farm where we are staying. We've been able to converse with our hosts by gestures and writing on paper. They are about our age. He has completely redone their main buildings by himself(Jim's kind of guy). The farm was built in 1650!!! Our apartment if very nice--even has a dishwasher!! TV is all in German--no CNN International. that's ok. Jim does Sudoko and I read my book. Going to need a good bookstore soon--only have one book left. This part of German is different because it was part of the Eastern Block. The countryside is beautiful, but the towns look worn. I noticed, today that homes don't have window boxes with flowers and there are no shutters. Makes a big difference. Fewer people speak English here, as well. But, they are willing to help us figure things out! More later.

WE BE TIRED

Today is Thursday, June 4th(I think). We are staying in a town outside of Dresden about 40 kilometers. We found a lovely apartment on a farm (doesn't smell!!!) and the people are very nice. Jim and I are tired and have decided to take a few days to just relax. We will be going to Dresden one day and hope to take the train into Prague, Czech Republic one day. The other 3 days will be just relaxing.

Things that I have discovered:
1. Fifi will tell us where information centers are in a town
2. Farms are clustered together to form a town--no farms along the country roads here and there like in the States.
3. White asparagus is big here.
4. No trash anywhere in the towns or along the roads. Super clean country

We had a rather frustrating drive here, yesterday. We were about 25 kilometers from our last place to stay and I realized I'd forgotten my watch, earrings, book, and hearing aids. I was worried about the book--Jim wanted me to get the hearing aids. Go figure. So, we turned around and went back--40 minute delay. And then Fifi got us all messed up. Yup. GPS is not perfect. She had us going South instead of North for about 40 kilometers the wrong way. Jim was not happy. We are here and glad to take it easy.

I think we're a little burned out, as well. We both miss a routine and Buddy. And, of course, our family and friends. Let's hope the next 6 weeks go as fast as the last!! We really have had a good time,but as Jim said, 3 months is a long time. Love to all of you.

Moving On

On Saturday we moved on to Creglingen, part of the Romantic Road. And found out that we were in the middle of the German Holiday. Hotels were full and we stayed at our worst accommadations so far. It was a farm/guesthouse and the cows don't know how to use matches!!! {Phew). Sunday we were able to get an apartment for 3 days, but no stores are open to take advanage of the kitchen. But it is nice to spread out. Yesterday, we went to Rottlingen where they were having a wine fest and garage sale/flea market. There were about 100 stalls in the market square. We thought of Dick Overmeyer and wished he was with us to bargain. We had brats for lunch, came home for a nap and watched the German version of Funniest Videos. Today, we are in Rothenburg for their Medieval Festival. Many dressed in the clothing of those times. Singing, horses and plain old fun. Tomorrow, we're headed to Nuremburg for the day. And on Wednesday we head north towards Dresden. Weather is a little on the cool side--not bad. Saturday marks the halfway point of our trip. Still lot of things to do!! Internet is hard to find for free or otherwise. Will try and keep you all posted!!!