Passau

Marc's Journal

(Above) Sipping a refreshing Austrian beer on a warm and sunny day across the bridge from Germany.

We went on an e-bike excursion through the German and Austrian countryside. As we made our way through the forest, we discovered faces carved in the ends of fallen trees  (above). These could be the children of Tolkien's forest Ents in Lord of the Rings.

(Above) Passing into Austria, at the end of the bridge connecting with Germany we saw this big statue of little angel warriors. They look fierce! If I needed cherubs protecting my country from malevolent bikers, I'd want these guys! They each have a foe under their feet including a lion, dragon, snake, and dog.

Today was a day of LOTS of food. ending with authentic German cuisine; more than we could possibly eat (although I gave it my best effort). 

Diane's Journal

(Above) Right foot in Austria, left in Germany.

The weather was warm, too warm for some, but I'm loving it! We had lunch in Passau at a Greek restaurant. We found a local chocolate shop that makes their chocolates right there in their shop. 

(Above) Our table in the Greek restaurant. We don't often see an ashtray on the table in the US. 

(Below) In the city market, we saw this reminder of home with the saguaro.

The highlight of my day was an e-bike ride. After adjusting to no throttle assist (which is outlawed in Germany), I settled in for the ride. We rode on cobblestones, along the river, and into the forest. Then we crossed the bridge and found ourselves in Austria. We stopped and had a pretzel and refreshments. We rode back to the boat along the river on the Austrian side. I loved being out in the countryside. It was literally a breath of fresh air.

(Below) Tonight, our meal was everything German, including the schnapps (too strong for me). I went to bed with a very full tummy.