31 March 2015 - Es ist sehr windig....and we walk to Markdorf

It was funny this morning when Karl and I wondered when summer time started in Europe only to realise that it started two days ago.  So that was why I was so tired in the morning and why it felt too light at 6 PM yesterday!  We remarked on how light it was at 6 PM and thought summer time would be even lighter but now we know it was already summer time!!!  The perils of travelling and not speaking the local language!!

Tim and I went for a morning walk to collect supplies.  On the way back I stopped at our local bakery and joined the queue of friendly locals and smiled my way through most conversations!  I managed to ask for my vier Bretzel when the time came and bid the bakery lady "Danke Schon" and "Tschuss"!

 School this morning was reasonably productive which was excellent.  The wind howled for most of the morning and the weather was wild.  In this historic house with its thick walls and modern double glazed windows, we are surprisingly cosy.

Checking the angle of our floor again!

 Luke's eating habits are fussy at the best of times but we have found some food here which he enjoys.  Today, he has wolfed down two whole fresh mozzarella cheeses, raw snow peas and egg noodles and a pretzel.  We are thinking we'll try to cut out as much sugar as we can from his diet as his behaviour has been appalling.  Today's school was good so maybe, just may be, we are on to something!  We really had little sugar at home and whilst we have been travelling have certainly blown the "no sugar" bit!

Lunch break after morning of school.

After lunch, despite the howling wind, we decided we would walk the 8 kms return track to Markdorf.  Markdorf is much bigger than Bermatingen, which we didn't realise, and is another historic town.  There are so many walking tracks in this area, that we walked all the way there through vineyards and orchards and old farm buildings.  So lovely!

Walking tracks whereever you turn, some sign posted, others not!

This is a big wine area.

Through the vineyards, towards the town of Markdorf, snow capped alps in the distance.

I think this was still partly in use but very much needed some love before it falls down.

LOVE these old wobbly buildings

Door to little old church locked - 1776 - I would have loved to see inside.  We thnk the chalk markings might be made by pilgrims.

A 19th Century roadside chapel

 We felt like we were walking through private property at times, and perhaps we were, but it seems that the walking tracks are available to all.  Every now and then we see another walker or two with their hiking sticks and packs.  It was really great not to have to walk on the roads.  There are a number of little churches and chapels in this area and from what we can find out, they are on the way of the Pilgrimage of St James (Jacobus) which extends through Germany having started in Northern Spain.

Nobbly tree....I think I can see lots of gnomes looking out at me!

Street friends to hand around with!

Meeting the locals

More street art in Markdorf.

One side of old tower

Other side of old tower 1562 - would love to see the sundial on a sunny day!

St Nikolaus Church, Markdorf

We went through St Nikolaus Church built in 1370. It appears to have been extensively renovated and what could be salvaged, was, like some old frescoes and plaques, and they had been incorporated into the newer building.  None of the stained glass windows had survived the centuries.  Markdorf town was established in 817 AD - over 1200 years ago.

It was raining when we came out of the church and we found shelter in a bakery!  Luke opted for a plain croissant (good because it was sugar free!) and the rest of us, chose a selection of pastries to try.  As we always have water in our bag, we don't stop for drinks as well, which significantly reduces the cost.  Today's bakery cost about AUD$7, and we can stretch our budget for that!

An apfel-quark something, a berliner, nusschockolad bretzel and a kirschetasche..or something like that!

Our walk  back was WILD as we confronted the strong headwind.  I was glad of my hat and hood as it was the type of wind which just about destroys your eardrum because it was so cold and so strong!

As we were walking, we reflected on how the different seasons are so celebrated in Europe, much more so than in Australia.  This bitterly cold wind will soon give way to more sunshiny days!