September 14th (sunny and just as lovely as it was in Holland the final day)
Sorry I did not call anyone or write about our surprise return, but thought it would be more exciting reading it "live" on our blog.
I look forward to talking with and seeing many of you very soon.
Affectionately, your friends,
Georg and Sandra Nerreter
Friday, September 14, 2007
September 13
September 13th (sunny and cooler)
After a better sleep, I awoke in a better mood now that I was also more resigned to the fact that we would be returning home a little earlier than was planned. Making the decision to return home so suddenly seemed so anticlimactic compared to all the hype and long-term planning when we came to Europe in May. I believe I personally just needed time to digest the spontaneity of the decision and deep down I was in agreement with Georg – it really was time to go home.
We immediately completed the last of the packing and cleaning of the van to be certain that it would be returned in much better condition than we had received it. When that was done and the gate to the campground was opened for us at 9 am, we drove the one hour to Utrecht and this time were able to find Donna's place immediately. Georg had listed the issues concerning the van along with a list of all the extras we were including with the sale of Susi. We are hoping to receive approx. 2,000 – 2,500 E’s upon resale -- 65% of the purchase price on consignment.
Donna was pleased with the foodstuffs and alcohol we gave her and after finalizing the paperwork and exchanging a few stories, she drove us to the Utrecht train station. We bid farewell to her and Susi and were on the train and going to the Shiphol airport within ten minutes. I had a bit of an accident when we got off the train. I backed up and fell over my backpack like a ton of bricks. My concern was that I looked like such a goof and once Georg and I determined that I had not done any damage, we both laughed. I was glad there was absolutely no one that saw it happen.
We had disposed of some of our belongings which made our knapsacks a little lighter than when we arrived in May. Off we marched through the airport to the KLM counter and paid the $200.Can each to change the date of our departure and what do you know, we were on the airplane within three hours and heading home. KLM is a great airline to fly with – the stewardesses are lovely and the service was great. The day went exactly as we had planned with everything falling into place perfectly.
We were hoping to get into our home without anyone knowing that we had returned early, but Georg did not have a house key. Reached Lucas by cell and he was able to pick us up returning home from work. Caught up on some of the latest with the kids, had a couple of beers and when Luke left, we had our first bath in four months, (we always showered), and collapsed into bed.
Unbelievable day, but just as Dorothy says, “There’s no place like home!”
After a better sleep, I awoke in a better mood now that I was also more resigned to the fact that we would be returning home a little earlier than was planned. Making the decision to return home so suddenly seemed so anticlimactic compared to all the hype and long-term planning when we came to Europe in May. I believe I personally just needed time to digest the spontaneity of the decision and deep down I was in agreement with Georg – it really was time to go home.
We immediately completed the last of the packing and cleaning of the van to be certain that it would be returned in much better condition than we had received it. When that was done and the gate to the campground was opened for us at 9 am, we drove the one hour to Utrecht and this time were able to find Donna's place immediately. Georg had listed the issues concerning the van along with a list of all the extras we were including with the sale of Susi. We are hoping to receive approx. 2,000 – 2,500 E’s upon resale -- 65% of the purchase price on consignment.
Donna was pleased with the foodstuffs and alcohol we gave her and after finalizing the paperwork and exchanging a few stories, she drove us to the Utrecht train station. We bid farewell to her and Susi and were on the train and going to the Shiphol airport within ten minutes. I had a bit of an accident when we got off the train. I backed up and fell over my backpack like a ton of bricks. My concern was that I looked like such a goof and once Georg and I determined that I had not done any damage, we both laughed. I was glad there was absolutely no one that saw it happen.
We had disposed of some of our belongings which made our knapsacks a little lighter than when we arrived in May. Off we marched through the airport to the KLM counter and paid the $200.Can each to change the date of our departure and what do you know, we were on the airplane within three hours and heading home. KLM is a great airline to fly with – the stewardesses are lovely and the service was great. The day went exactly as we had planned with everything falling into place perfectly.
We were hoping to get into our home without anyone knowing that we had returned early, but Georg did not have a house key. Reached Lucas by cell and he was able to pick us up returning home from work. Caught up on some of the latest with the kids, had a couple of beers and when Luke left, we had our first bath in four months, (we always showered), and collapsed into bed.
Unbelievable day, but just as Dorothy says, “There’s no place like home!”
September 12
September 12th (sunny and cooler)
Woke up very early and found that Georg’s back was in spasms. He stayed in the back of the car lying down and I closed everything up and began driving towards Paris. Just before Paris and the toll, Georg managed to get up and help with navigating through the city. Alas, we got lost and ‘round and ‘round we went until we saw the `Charles de Gaulle’ airport directions. With that beacon, we managed to find our way out of the city two hours after we entered it.
We drove another 680 kms today and camped 70 kms south of Utrecht and began to organize our bags and tidy the van for tomorrow morning. Georg called Donna Turner yesterday and confirmed that it was OK to bring the van around tomorrow for our planned departure.
Woke up very early and found that Georg’s back was in spasms. He stayed in the back of the car lying down and I closed everything up and began driving towards Paris. Just before Paris and the toll, Georg managed to get up and help with navigating through the city. Alas, we got lost and ‘round and ‘round we went until we saw the `Charles de Gaulle’ airport directions. With that beacon, we managed to find our way out of the city two hours after we entered it.
We drove another 680 kms today and camped 70 kms south of Utrecht and began to organize our bags and tidy the van for tomorrow morning. Georg called Donna Turner yesterday and confirmed that it was OK to bring the van around tomorrow for our planned departure.
September 11
September 11th (sunny and warm)
Both of us woke up in a bit of a sour mood in that this was not exactly the way we wanted to end our tour of Europe. As mentioned, we decided that we were not going to just sit on the beach for the next couple of weeks and sun tan, so basically what was the use of prolonging our trip. We have seen so much and everything now would be a “repeat” basically. I remember my mom telling me that “one day sitting in the sun and just tanning will not be that important any more”. She was right – I do not get such a bang out of burning myself brown.
We disagreed as to the ‘exit plan’ though. Georg’s was to drive until you drop until you get to Utrecht. I really was not sure what my idea of “finished” was, but I never thought that we would drive quite so much today – 780 kms. None of you know Georg as well as me and when he is finished he is like the horse racing back to the barn. I guess most of us are the same, but I felt like I needed to finish stuff – like the rest of the food and supplies, etc. I am a bit obsessive-compulsive that way.
I was in agreement with him in that we really have had a very full and exciting time travelling, but all of a sudden we both felt it was time to return home. Things like Else falling off a ladder and breaking her leg, my father being without my mother and hopefully needing me to talk with, our children and our friends to name a few. We are a very lucky couple in that we have such a wonderful network of family and friends and we hope that they have missed us as much as we have them.
Since it was very late by the time we finished driving, I thought we should free camp where all the truckers stay. During our whole trip, Georg has been adamant about not “free camping” unless it is an emergency. I felt that this was an appropriate time and again, we totally disagreed, but stayed with the truckers tonight anyway. He was so cranky that I was ready for a divorce. Georg gave me the name of a lawyer we can use. I must admit, it was noisier than I expected with the trucks coming and going, but it was alright for one night.
Both of us woke up in a bit of a sour mood in that this was not exactly the way we wanted to end our tour of Europe. As mentioned, we decided that we were not going to just sit on the beach for the next couple of weeks and sun tan, so basically what was the use of prolonging our trip. We have seen so much and everything now would be a “repeat” basically. I remember my mom telling me that “one day sitting in the sun and just tanning will not be that important any more”. She was right – I do not get such a bang out of burning myself brown.
We disagreed as to the ‘exit plan’ though. Georg’s was to drive until you drop until you get to Utrecht. I really was not sure what my idea of “finished” was, but I never thought that we would drive quite so much today – 780 kms. None of you know Georg as well as me and when he is finished he is like the horse racing back to the barn. I guess most of us are the same, but I felt like I needed to finish stuff – like the rest of the food and supplies, etc. I am a bit obsessive-compulsive that way.
I was in agreement with him in that we really have had a very full and exciting time travelling, but all of a sudden we both felt it was time to return home. Things like Else falling off a ladder and breaking her leg, my father being without my mother and hopefully needing me to talk with, our children and our friends to name a few. We are a very lucky couple in that we have such a wonderful network of family and friends and we hope that they have missed us as much as we have them.
Since it was very late by the time we finished driving, I thought we should free camp where all the truckers stay. During our whole trip, Georg has been adamant about not “free camping” unless it is an emergency. I felt that this was an appropriate time and again, we totally disagreed, but stayed with the truckers tonight anyway. He was so cranky that I was ready for a divorce. Georg gave me the name of a lawyer we can use. I must admit, it was noisier than I expected with the trucks coming and going, but it was alright for one night.
September 10
September 10th (sunny and getting warmer)
Being that we were just about the only people at the campground, we packed up early and were on the road towards southern France before 9 am. The scenery we drove through today was certainly not the prettiest we have encountered and the more south we drove, the more it resembled Arizona, even the homes.
As clean as Switzerland was, the opposite for this area of France – lots of garbage and messy piles of junk everywhere. In most of Europe, the recycling program for plastic and bottles is not like home – there is no deposit and refund program for the recyclables, therefore the incentive is not there for most people. I am sure if there was a “cash” return policy, there would not be as much lying around.
Today it seemed like we were continuously climbing with Susi, not as steep as some of the mountains, but all day. She performed perfectly again – lights blinking the whole way. At one point, it was like a light show beating along with the music.
By the time we settled at a large campground on the Mediterranean in France, the temperature was near 30. Very nice weather, but now comes the news. We have decided that since all of our planned objectives on this tour have been met, along with some unplanned side trips, there really isn’t too much left for us to see in Europe. We have decided to head north through the centre of France and come home.
Also the ongoing uncertainty with the van has also contributed to our decision as is the fact that both of us are not into sitting on the beach for another six weeks marking time. The $6,000 or so that we would be spending can be spent on another vacation at a later date.
Notables for the day: south of France must have been very hot, as it was in Greece because we passed through many burned-out areas. We saw flocks of “real”, as opposed to “plastic” pink flamingoes and the campground we stayed at on the Mediterranean outside of Sete now only charges 18E/night instead of 40E/night. However, the 1,000 pitch site is scheduled to close down the end of this week as are most sites – that could be another difficulty for us – finding one that is open.
Our plans are to be in Utrecht by this time next week – September 18th and be home approx. five days after that.
Being that we were just about the only people at the campground, we packed up early and were on the road towards southern France before 9 am. The scenery we drove through today was certainly not the prettiest we have encountered and the more south we drove, the more it resembled Arizona, even the homes.
As clean as Switzerland was, the opposite for this area of France – lots of garbage and messy piles of junk everywhere. In most of Europe, the recycling program for plastic and bottles is not like home – there is no deposit and refund program for the recyclables, therefore the incentive is not there for most people. I am sure if there was a “cash” return policy, there would not be as much lying around.
Today it seemed like we were continuously climbing with Susi, not as steep as some of the mountains, but all day. She performed perfectly again – lights blinking the whole way. At one point, it was like a light show beating along with the music.
By the time we settled at a large campground on the Mediterranean in France, the temperature was near 30. Very nice weather, but now comes the news. We have decided that since all of our planned objectives on this tour have been met, along with some unplanned side trips, there really isn’t too much left for us to see in Europe. We have decided to head north through the centre of France and come home.
Also the ongoing uncertainty with the van has also contributed to our decision as is the fact that both of us are not into sitting on the beach for another six weeks marking time. The $6,000 or so that we would be spending can be spent on another vacation at a later date.
Notables for the day: south of France must have been very hot, as it was in Greece because we passed through many burned-out areas. We saw flocks of “real”, as opposed to “plastic” pink flamingoes and the campground we stayed at on the Mediterranean outside of Sete now only charges 18E/night instead of 40E/night. However, the 1,000 pitch site is scheduled to close down the end of this week as are most sites – that could be another difficulty for us – finding one that is open.
Our plans are to be in Utrecht by this time next week – September 18th and be home approx. five days after that.
September 9
September 9th (sunny and cooler)
Before we left heading towards the Grenoble area in France, we walked down to take one last look at the Wasserfahlers. From the sounds of grunts and groans coming from the men pushing their way along the rocks, we know the competition will be intense today. We did not need to drive very far before we were out of Switzerland and into France, (for the third time this trip). We left Bern and drove through Lausanne, passed Geneva and Chambery and are parked about 50 kms from Grenoble. We will continue heading towards the south of France and then on towards Spain.
The campsite somewhat resembles a “ghost town” as lots of tents and trailers are here empty and are used on weekends only. There are only about six people here beside us. Susi ran well, but the “idiot lights”, as Lucas called them, were flashing on and off all day. Seems their old van did the same thing when they were here six years ago.
Our memories of Switzerland are the length tunnels – most expensive per kilometer system in the world. The many lakes and rivers, all glacial-blue in color, with most of the population of Switzerland living around the perimeters of these lakes. Monstrously high mountains and deep, tight valleys; very friendly, multilingual people; very organized and affluent society – the downside being that it is very expensive, i.e. one egg 75 cents, can of coke $3.25 out of a machine.
All in all, Switzerland has been the most beautiful country we have been.
Before we left heading towards the Grenoble area in France, we walked down to take one last look at the Wasserfahlers. From the sounds of grunts and groans coming from the men pushing their way along the rocks, we know the competition will be intense today. We did not need to drive very far before we were out of Switzerland and into France, (for the third time this trip). We left Bern and drove through Lausanne, passed Geneva and Chambery and are parked about 50 kms from Grenoble. We will continue heading towards the south of France and then on towards Spain.
The campsite somewhat resembles a “ghost town” as lots of tents and trailers are here empty and are used on weekends only. There are only about six people here beside us. Susi ran well, but the “idiot lights”, as Lucas called them, were flashing on and off all day. Seems their old van did the same thing when they were here six years ago.
Our memories of Switzerland are the length tunnels – most expensive per kilometer system in the world. The many lakes and rivers, all glacial-blue in color, with most of the population of Switzerland living around the perimeters of these lakes. Monstrously high mountains and deep, tight valleys; very friendly, multilingual people; very organized and affluent society – the downside being that it is very expensive, i.e. one egg 75 cents, can of coke $3.25 out of a machine.
All in all, Switzerland has been the most beautiful country we have been.
September 8
September 8th (sunny and cooler)
We woke up, had breakfast and did the 25-minute walk along the Aare River into Bern. Georg, not being a very good sleeper, was disturbed by the young couple who were serenading each other until 3 in the morning. Georg did not say anything just in case we got another flat tire.
At the end of the walk along the river, which runs at about 20 kms/hr, we came across an outdoor pool centre which had about six pools right adjacent to the river with the city of Bern rising up the hills around it. It was at this point that sirens began and we were witness to a river rescue attempt. Unfortunately, the river runs so fast that we were not able to see whether they rescued the person or even found him. That aside, we saw a lot of people swimming in the river – more like floating with the current. I noticed right away that this city, even though it is touted to be a ‘World Heritage Site’ is not as pristine as Lucerne. It could be that it is twice as big, but these were our first impressions.
We walked for about five hours through the old section of the city, up and down hills, in and through passageways and found it to be a most wonderful city to visit. In the main pedestrian area, we noticed what used to be street access to the basement have been converted to shops underground. Must say that this city’s shopping area is more crammed than any we have seen, but still delightful to walk through.
We returned via the river again and stopped to take in the 75th Annual Wasserfahrverein (Water Ride Clubs) two-man Swiss championships. This is only a Swiss event – a very grueling sport which has its origins in history as their mode of transportation up and down the rivers and lakes. The crafts are made with a shallow draft and uplifted ends somewhat like a flat gondola. The object of the competition is to navigate up, across and down the river circuit twice – best time wins. Had some beer and enjoyed the camaraderie of the “wasserfahren people”.
Returned to our site, had dinner, phoned our boys to wish Matthew a Happy 28th Birthday. Sounds like everything is AOK at home but Georg detected a need of his project coordinating skills to finalize their apartment renovation. Georg was particularly interested in the World Rugby cup and heard that Argentina upset the host country, France. As we are heading to France tomorrow, he is looking forward to possibly taking in some of the matches on TV at a pub somewhere.
We woke up, had breakfast and did the 25-minute walk along the Aare River into Bern. Georg, not being a very good sleeper, was disturbed by the young couple who were serenading each other until 3 in the morning. Georg did not say anything just in case we got another flat tire.
At the end of the walk along the river, which runs at about 20 kms/hr, we came across an outdoor pool centre which had about six pools right adjacent to the river with the city of Bern rising up the hills around it. It was at this point that sirens began and we were witness to a river rescue attempt. Unfortunately, the river runs so fast that we were not able to see whether they rescued the person or even found him. That aside, we saw a lot of people swimming in the river – more like floating with the current. I noticed right away that this city, even though it is touted to be a ‘World Heritage Site’ is not as pristine as Lucerne. It could be that it is twice as big, but these were our first impressions.
We walked for about five hours through the old section of the city, up and down hills, in and through passageways and found it to be a most wonderful city to visit. In the main pedestrian area, we noticed what used to be street access to the basement have been converted to shops underground. Must say that this city’s shopping area is more crammed than any we have seen, but still delightful to walk through.
We returned via the river again and stopped to take in the 75th Annual Wasserfahrverein (Water Ride Clubs) two-man Swiss championships. This is only a Swiss event – a very grueling sport which has its origins in history as their mode of transportation up and down the rivers and lakes. The crafts are made with a shallow draft and uplifted ends somewhat like a flat gondola. The object of the competition is to navigate up, across and down the river circuit twice – best time wins. Had some beer and enjoyed the camaraderie of the “wasserfahren people”.
Returned to our site, had dinner, phoned our boys to wish Matthew a Happy 28th Birthday. Sounds like everything is AOK at home but Georg detected a need of his project coordinating skills to finalize their apartment renovation. Georg was particularly interested in the World Rugby cup and heard that Argentina upset the host country, France. As we are heading to France tomorrow, he is looking forward to possibly taking in some of the matches on TV at a pub somewhere.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)