Autumn has sprung!

October saw our last few weeks of sleeping in the tent. The temperature dropped a few degrees and suddenly we went from saying,
"Wow, I can't believe the sun is still up at 9:30pm" to "its getting dark, it must be 4pm".

The best part about all of this? We were now driving down colourful autumn tree lined streets.

Just your average day driving around Germany... Potsdam.

Having left sunny San Sebastian only days before, 9 degree Zurich was certainly a shock to the system. The lady did stifle a laugh when we explained that we were camping... she openly giggled when we told her we were camping in a tent.

Although it was the most expensive place we had visited (60 AUD per night for camping and 8 AUD for a coffee), Zurich was one of our favourites. We found an enjoyable and inexpensive way to keep ourselves occupied. People watching. And not just your average everyday people watching, but rich-banker-business-fashionista-Ferrari driving-people watching.

Freezing Zurich

Yeah, it was cold in Zurich. Of course it's cold there, I mean... It IS Switzerland after all - it has so much...altitude. I was happy to endure it because Germany would be a bit warmer.....Right? WRONG.

As we made our way over the border to Schempp-Hirth Glider factory in Kirkheim/Teck in South West Germany, we watched the temperature drop to 3 degrees. I personally was in denial, telling myself that the gauge in the car was broken. My worst fears were confirmed when we exited the car to view said glider factory. We shivered our way through the factory and were able to see the creation of a glider from go to woe - including a sneak peak of Trevor's glider. Brad was like a kid in a lolly shop!

Leo, our new friend from Wadgassen

Thankfully, for the next three nights we were able to stay with some friends in Wadgassen, Germany. We were treated to freshly squeezed apple juice, traditional German dinner and drinks, a concert by the Munich police band, warm beds and great company. From here we were able to make day trips to Metz, Saarlouis, Saarbrucken and Luxembourg (we were within 100 kms of two whole different countries, amazing!).

Fondue with Jan, Gabi and Leo! (After many weeks without cheese, this was what one could only describe as heaven)

Greeting Metz marathon runners!

Munich Police Band, playing in Wadgassen Germany!

Beautiful Metz, France

Luxembourg city walls.

Next stop: Amsterdam!! Yet another warm welcome awaited us here. A warm bed, the constant sweet scent of chocolate from a nearby factory and cold Belgium beers were included extras. I soon realised there was one huge gap in my History education where knowledge about the Netherlands should be, so I was in non-stop wonder the whole stay. I was absolutely fascinated with all of the canals, clogs and windmills ,which actually have/had a practical use and aren't there just because they look really really cute!

And quite frankly, at that time I was happy to see something other than a castle or church.

Inge's parents were great hosts and took us to see windmills, a clog factory, the pub, bridges that open/close to let boats through and the many lakes that USED to be there but where houses now stand (who knew?!). And of course, as only a friend's parents can, they showed us embarrassing baby Inge photos which was a real highlight. Along with many many other things, I learnt that dutch people eat 17 kgs of cheese on average per year. Wowee, that's a whole lotta cheese!