5.10.2008

Germany Trip Day 9

I think I should retitle this blog to "Innocence(?) Abroad"



I rented a car today (a Skoda Octavia- built in the Czech Republic by VW) and drove into Stuttgart and attended Shabbat services. It is amazing I was able to find my way there, my sense of direction must still be working. The synagogue is nowhere near as ornate as the one in Frankfurt, but it is very nice. Security involved a 'air lock' controlled entrance where you are buzzed in then checked before entering through the interior door. Men on the ground floor and women in the balcony (where they belong). They had a full Kiddish lunch afterwards in the hall on the 3rd floor. Some kind of cholent with potatoes, beef, onions and beans. I made the mistake of sitting at a table full of Russians... lets just say there was vodka on the table...

Some kind of hotel or houses overlooking the falls.

Is this the best they can do? Looks like a Busch Gardens - The Old Country ride

In front of the Rheinfalls in Switzerland.

An interesting note on the trip down. The radio cut in with traffic reports of traffic jams (this is a holiday weekend in Southern Germany). This with the CD playing in the car. The technology is useful, but I hope it isn't something mandated by the government. One more nanny state behavior. Ther car was ok, a little below a Grand Am, but ok by Euro standards. They drive fast on the Autobahns. I was driving a steady 120 kph which is about 75 mph and other drivers blew past me like I was standing still. I don't mind when a Lambourgini, a high end BMW or a classic Mercedes passes me like that, but a
Smart Car?!
I also noticed graffiti even in Switzerland. I have a couple of Swiss francs. No, that's not some kind of wurst.

A view of the Alpine foothills.

A 'Holy S**t! moment when I drove through Switzerland to Germany for my trip to Neuschwanstein Castle tomorrow. I didn't realize I would be seeing the Alps on the way. It was late and the light wasn't good. I hope to get tremendous pictures from the Zugspitze next week.

The Swiss version of the Maid of the Mist, I call it das Mädel des Sprühregens


A side note. I had a funny feeling about Switzerland. Can't pin it down. I'm also thinking the Swiss don't like the Germans, not for blog publication, ask me about it if you want.

3 comments:

Kelly said...

You got buzzed by a Smart Car??? OMG!! That is way too funny. These ae great shots. What is the one shot that is not labeled?

You look like you are having a great time so far.

Love ya!

B Jenkins said...

Brucie...... Glad you are having Fun.
What kind of school are you going to over there?

Later! Bruce

Kelly said...

IF you think women belong in the balcony, you got another thing NOT coming to you!!!