Central Hotel Freiburg im Breisgau

... had the huge bell&#8230;just as we started talking about how funny it would be if it rang while we were in there, and after I said that they would never do that when people are in there because it would be too loud, the bell struck!! It was so loud and gave the few people who were up there at the time a huge fright. It was right on 3pm and our parking ran out in 15 minutes, so with ringing ears we made our way back down the stairs and back to Fred. <br><br>Our next stop ...

... 900 miles. I'm probably fitter; I've certainly lost about three inches round the waist and can now ride up modest slopes. The blogging is keeping me sane on the quiet bits and occaisional access to VC makes me feel connected again. I'm not feeling loney like I thought I might; whatever there's always the riding and the endorphins can fix a lot. A school group from Wolverhampton has arrived. The source of the Danube is a couple of days away now; down hill from there !

We caught the wrong train and wound up in Gengenbach. While we were waiting for a train back we met a lady who told us the town had a beautiful old-town section. So we went discovering again. After a good look around we stopped at a pub while we were waiting for the next train and got talking to the owner. Turns out he'd been to Australia on holiday, so we had a good time talking to him until it was time to go.

Day trip from Villingen. Wolfach has a factory cum tourist attraction where they blow the glass manually. It was good to watch them making vases etc. in the traditional way. The highlight for me was dobbing Roz in to get up on the stage and blow her own vase. She did a good job, and we bought the vase and brought it home. A very special souvenir.

... whole process to us. Also went for a walk up the path that follows Germany's highest waterfall. Saw the worlds largest working cuckoo clock. It's literally the size of a house. So many woodcarving shops in this town. We caught a bus to another local town that has a clock museum. Some amazing gear in there.

... Got the wobbly boot on after a few after-dinner beers and a couple of Jagermeisters. Strolled around town for a while just looking, and happily never lost my footing in the snow or on the ice covered footpaths. Did do a couple of tap dances, but didn't go down.

... with costumes and masks and bands. Damn near froze standing still for that long, but I had a good vantage point for the pictures so I wasn't going to move for fear of losing my spot. After the parade we got stuck into the gluhwein and some hot food then went back to the hostel for a hot shower, then out for dinner. We went to a local brewery that had a restaurant incorporated and had such a good time that we made it a regular while we were there.

... I am ranting now... I will stop. I just wish everyone appreciated their freedom to vote in the US. Too many take it for granted and it is soooo unfortunate. BaRACK 'n ROLL is all I have to say for Tuesday!!! I mean, I hope everyone is brushed up on their facts but I know where my support lies and I truly wish that everyone else's did as well. I have a feeling that this is going to be one of the most anxious weeks of my life with a lot of tension as we watch and wait... OBAMA 08!!

My blog updating skills offical fail, so I'm sorry that I never have any good entries. At least I post pictures, which I guess is better than nothing. I can't begin to explain how quickly time passes here. I though it flew by when I was at emory, being in Europe takes it to a whole new level. I always have so much to do, whether it's traveling, papers that never seem to end, or dinner parties ( which we have SOOO many of here and I love it). Today is ...

... with the family. It was great fun. In a mad dash it was time time to drive back to Freiburg to pick up my stuff and head out to my bus ready to take me back to the Airport. My trip was far too short but it was so good to see Aliena and catch up...it was also good to awaken my taste buds and be surrounded by all things European. All I can say is that I cant wait to go back.... And so that brings me to the end of this entry..... so until next time Tschuss and take care!