How fast are we going anyway?

When I first planned my trip, I had decided that I just did not have it in me, to travel with the little people, drive the Autobahn and navigate all by myself! So I thought, I would take the train. I mean trains are cool, kids like trains. On the train you can read and let someone else do the driving for you. So this was my plan!

Until I had the nightmare to end all nightmares before I left. I dreamed of someone shoving pass L and pushing her onto the tracks. I dreamed of my suitcase getting stuck in the doors and then being riped from from the half opened doors as we sped down the tracks. I also dreamed of the stroller getting stuck and a whole host of other horrible things!

So I decided it might be better to try my hand at the Autobahn instead! I mean I have trekked transatlantic with the car seat, right? Who cares that people drive like demons! I mean speed is fun right? With your own car you have freedom and can go about your own business.

So, I did just that. I became a speed demon, pilot and co-pilot all rolled into one. I am a multi-talented woman! Now before you all have dreams of me winning the next Indy 500, you need to know that I rented a Renault Modus.
It is a small car and no one could accuse it of being overly peppy, but I have to say that on the way back to Muenster from Heilbronn, driving thru Hessen and Nord Rhine Westphalia, I was moving at a smooth 150 Km (100 miles per hour) and I was just keeping up with traffic. There were some serious BMWs & Mercedes doing alot-- ALOT-- faster than that. For the most part we moved along at 100 km to 120 km and took it slow and easy.

Sometimes I got lost and sometimes I managed just fine on my own. I have to say that the roads and directions are presented a bit differently that in the States. (Although, it is a bit like the Garden State Parkway in NJ.) In Ohio, we all go east, west, north or south. But in Germany, you travel in the direction of a stated city. Which is great, as long as you know where that city is, exactly! The autobahn is fairly easy, but the smaller highways are a bit more tricky. I got turned around a few times, but all in all I am so glad I rented the car!

I must also mention, that driving in European cities is a entirely different matter. I was almost killed in Kassel. In Muenster bikes rule and they are ruthless in their ownership of the roads. Also, much of the city driving rules, seem to follow what P affectionately has dubbed "local custom." I also am struggling with the concept of right before left (whose right and who has the egg?" in the 30 zone and the fried egg sign - so I am inclined to say - "Give me speed any day!"

Are you kidding me?

OK this is your warning - THIS POST IS ABOUT SEX - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED!

Alright, I have never understood the attraction to joining the mile high club. Seriously, is having sex at 35,000 feet really any different than doing it at or slightly above sea level. It must be the thrill of getting caught or some perverse thrill of causing a line to the bathroom, when several dozen people are also on the plane needing the bathroom, right after the beverage service.

I thought it was just a myth, a nice story to tell people, while drinking on vacation. But no, I know someone who did on a recent trip and H has said that it happens and he should know, he is an airline pilot.

But seriously, the physics of the matter baffle me. I mean, I could hardly get into the bathroom, on both the Airbus 340 and the 767 - we took on our flights to and from Germany, with L to help her and changing E - please that was huge exercise in contortionism. So the idea of two full size people, getting down and dirty in one of these tiny closet boggles the mind. I mean, there is no sink ledge to speak of. The toilet is way too low and the baby changing station, which folds out of the wall barely holds a baby, let alone providing a convenient seat for an adult. Furthermore, the one time I squooze the three of us into the bathroom on the return trip, E demonstrated that the weight of a two year old can open the door, so forget leaning against that and getting it on.

And speaking of dirty, by the end of the 9 hour trip, the bathroom is a bit gross..... so I guess if you can figure out the physics of the matter - you need to do it early in the flight.......

It's all alot closer over there!

I did not really have the time to post while I was overseas, so I will spend the next few days sharing with you a bit about my travels!
*****
H met up with me while we were in Muenster. P allowed us to run off for a day with his car, so we decided to check the surrounding area. Muenster is in the north western part of Germany, very near the boarder with the Netherlands. We spent a very lovely morning and afternoon in Steinfurt and then decided an afternoon drive was in order - so that the little people could sleep. So H was driving and it was a lovely day - very clear and sunny. As we were driving along the Bundesstrass - I causally remarked that there were a lot of cars with Netherlands license plates. MMM, interesting! Then as we continued to drive - almost all the cars had NL tags. Then I look up and - there it was - the large sign welcoming us to the Netherlands.

Intellectually I knew we were close - but I like most Americans look at maps with an American point of view. Sure Indiana is close to Ohio on the map - but from Columbus it is 2 plus hour car trip. Maps are based on a scale, but seriously everything in Europe is very close together. I went from the southern part of the country back to Muenster in 4 hours. It takes longer to get from Cleveland to Cincinnati!

So we did the smart thing and turned around at the first chance and headed back to Germany. But I did snap these photos!

Thanks

I have to say that on my way to Muenster - as I commented in earlier posts - I decided that all middle age German men were blind. At least the 3 dozen or so on my flight. Well I want to say a huge thank you to a man who helped me out from Muenster to Munich. He cleared a space on the shuttle bus for L. Helped me haul in the stroller and then helped me with my 2 bags (my carry ons!) He was so nice. He then helped me into the main airport from the shuttle.

I thanked him then, but I wanted to put this up on my blog too! He went out of his way to help me and it meant alot. I could have managed - I mean - I had planned it out like a military exercise - but he did a truly nice thing and nice things deserve acknowledgment.

So to my unknown helper - your thoughtfulness was so appreciated.

THURSDAY 13

Well we are back. Got in last night. We are reasonably awake, for now and everyone is happy to be home.

So now that I have made it back I will offer some sage advice on how to travel transatlantic with two little people! (almost alone.....)

1. Pack light! Seriously. Unless you are going to hinterlands - you can buy everything you need at your destination. I try to take as little as possible.

2. I cannot say enough good things about Ziploc bags. I pack alot of things in baggies. You can see thru them and get what you need - all without having alot of stuff floating around your bag.

3. Bring things to do. Like books, coloring stuff, nothing with really small pieces - but some old and well loved stuff & some new and intriguing stuff.

4. Make a list and check it 1000 times before you leave.

5. Have a folder that has all you important documents and travel info. This keeps it neat and organized.

6. Understand that sometimes kids make noise. Any adult in the area that does not get that - either has no kids and/or has forgotten.

7. Candy-- lots of it and in small doses. Also think pretzels, nuts, raisins & gum. If their mouths are full they cannot - in theory scream, wine, or talk so loud/much!

8. Take a day for yourself before you leave. Your nerves will thank you.

9. Wear comfortable clothes. Also think about what you dress the kids in. Make sure it is easy on and easy off.

10. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Also, be firm with the TSA and other airport staff. Nice but firm. Refuse to be hurried or bullied. You need a bit more time than the average traveler. (There is a TSA employee in Philly who got told off by me - in the nicest possible way :) )

11. Know that eventually you will get where you are going.

12. Being a mom is a job that is totally portable. Why no enjoy all the joys of motherhood - from somewhere exotic!

13. Drink lots of water and then a glass of wine once you have arrived. You did it and all is well with the world.....

Ok, so where are you going????