Munich, Germany

Town Hall Square is a major attraction in Munich, especially at noon. Bells chime and the figures in the windows put on a great show. Not shown, in one window two Knights on horses joust. Eventually the good guy knocks the bad guy off his saddle.

 Upon the battle field victory, the merriment in the windows continues. Quite a show and a delight to tourists and locals.

So many of the structures are right out of a fairy tale book, or the fairy book copied the structures.

Many of the streets are very narrow, but somehow they can get two cars, three motor scooters and four bicycles seemingly to occupy the same space.

What was amazing, not once did I see a car or other vehicle with a dented fender.

I finally figured out that many of the cars are disposable and you just leave them by the trash bin.

All of Europe was big on statues.

I think the ancients knew that one day we would all have Brownie cameras so their time and effort was not wasted on great statues.

The third floor of Hofbrauhaus where tour groups dined. All the beer in Germany is sehr gut! The helpful little man sign is behind me.











Culture Shock--Intro to Germany

Yes, we have been to Germany before but one's (my) memory fades about certain things. And bathroom particulars did not stick with me over the years.

We arrived in Munich early in the morning and, therefore, too early to check into the hotel. So we were able to tour Munich. Lunch time found us at Hofbrauhaus. Hofbrauhaus is a famous brewery and has giagantic dining halls. Being a large party, we were on the upper floor of the building.

Just before being served, I had to go. I looked all around for a sign that said "Restrooms," but in vain. Finally, I spied a sign that reassured me that I was in luck and would soon find relief.

I was amazed that the feeling and expression of empathy was universal. The universal sign that I saw was:

Whether in Germany or San Angelo, Texas, we all share the same feelings.

  I started toward the door that the sign was over and knew I had to go down the stairs. After one flight of stairs, there was another sign assuring me I was headed in the right direction.

After going down three flights of stairs, sure enough I saw a door with a man on it and big letters saying W.C. Now I knew from our last trip that W.C. stood for water closet, and you just have to make sure there is a picture of a man and not a lady.

I went back upstairs and took my seat at the dining table. Christine asked if I found the restroom all right, and I said, "Yes, I just followed the little man running. But I haven't seen a sign with a lady running yet".

Christine looked at me like I had gone mad, then politely informed me that the sign was a fire exit.

Details, details, it lead me where I wanted to go. 

Caddo Lake

Caddo Lake

Cycling tours provide a wide variety of opportunities to see different places and attractions. The Tour de Fire Ant out of Marshall, Texas rewarded us with a trip to Caddo Lake. We had only read about the lake in Texas Highways and on the Texas State Parks website so we headed out to the Caddo State Park. We were so busy watching the scenery and winding road that we drove right past the State Park. We wound up at Uncertain, Texas. What a great mistake. The above picture was one of the immediate sights. I was like a kid in a candy store.

The scene from the dock seemed to be missing something so I called Christine over to add to it.

The other scenes from the Uncertain, Texas lake shore speak for themselves. I wish everyone could see them full screen.

Soon it was time to back track to the State Park. More great scenery awaited us there.

The couple in the canoe exchanged pleasantries with us and looked as if they were having a good time. Made us want to go rent a canoe for ourselves.

Bald cypress grow "knees."

We have added Caddo Lake to our long list of places to spend some time. One day we want to canoe along the path through the lilly pads made by other boats and enjoy a whole day just floating along the abundant scenery.