In the beginning, there was Germany.

Today, I blog.  I am trainbound for 7 hours, as we head from Frankfurt to Vienna.  I am finally settled in my window seat, with table for computer, in a cell-phone free zone.  Not that that matters to the guy across from me.  Cell phone rudeness is universal.  Having 4 minutes between trains meant that I had to take out an entire Spanish chorale group, by swinging my backpack down the train aisles, to get to our train car.  C’est la vie.  Stand in the aisles, take your chances with the rude American (as they all assume I am). 

What a blessing the computer has been.  I’ve always travelled light on technology, but it was foolish, as the Europeans are so connected.  Everyone has a phone or computer, and there is free WIFI practically everywhere.  Not having to look for internet cafes is wonderful, as is the ability to check my emails, get directions and clarify locations without hassle. 

Last night, while exhausted to the point of dizziness, I still didn’t sleep well and neither did Emme.  Damn Rick Steves was right, we were awake at 3:30 am, wired.  After I stumbled around the hotel room, spilling a glass of water, trying to convince Emme it was, in fact, 3:30 AM, searching for a sleeping pill (thanks for the advice, Rick), I passed out for awhile.  Love 12 pm checkouts.  Copious amounts of wonderful, strong, thick European coffee later, I’m feeling more myself. 

E is a seasoned traveller.  She is deeply involved in a novel right now.  I pointed out the Rhine as we crossed it, and she pointed out that she’d seen it before.  Touche, oh cynical one. A river is a river is a river.   Travelling through two countries in one day, to her, is just putting her closer to the good ice cream. 

The weather has been in the 90s, and thunderstorms, creating my least favorite type of weather:  HUMIDITY.  I’m soaked from the rain, I’m soaked with sweat, it’s lovely.  Reminds me of a Georgia afternoon.  Can’t say I appreciated the lightning strikes, close to the plane, while landing yesterday.  The flight was turbulent the entire way, with us having to stay buckled in for the majority of the 10.5 hour flight. 

The Germans have been uncharacteristically lovely to us, so far.  They all adore E, and put up with me out of necessity, I imagine.  I have never appreciated Frankfurt as anything other than an inexpensive place for a plane to land, and this trip is no exception.  I am so looking forward to Vienna and it’s graciousness, beauty and oh, the food.  Tomorrow will visit the Hofburg Palace, because I love it, but not before a Brauner (strong coffee mixed with hot milk) and an international newspaper in a café.  E is jonesing for schnitzel and ice cream from her favorite shop.  Who am I to deny her?  We’ll no doubt visit St. Stephen’s cathedral, to light a candle for my grandfather, which has become a tradition.  After sleep.  Much more sleep.

Now, I will watch the rain as we travel through the German countryside.