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OT: Driving

Posted by Mike B. on 2012-03-09 03:44:14

Mark, my intent was never to debate you. You have your preference and I have mine. My point was merely to suggest why, as Nick had written, Americans seem to always travel by car, even in Europe. And yes, as you wrote somewhere else here, I'd be happy to discuss this with you over a beer (I'll be in Bavaria 15 June, if you'll be around then). Regarding your story above: first, let me explain that I grew up in a German house (my parents were both from Berlin), have lived for the past 14 years in Amsterdam and speak Dutch and German as well as what English I can still remember. But, having grown up as I did, I have a fair familiarity with German culture. For the past few years, I come to Bavaria every summer. Before I go, I plan where to visit, check the transport connections between the places and buy train tickets well enough in advance that I can take advantage of the discounts. Since I know weeks before I leave that I will be traveling by bus and train, I pack accordingly: I bring a small backpack that will easily last me one or two weeks (yes, I do my own wash). When I book hotels, I write the hotels in German. I have never had a situation such as you described with a reservation at a closed hotel. Can I assume that you corresponded with them in English? The trick is planning. Of course, if you can't Google in German, it will be much more difficult. And you will have to give up the notion that you can stay in one pub as long or short as you like because you can drive away whenever you want. But, if you are just driving from hotel to hotel, that should not be any problem. Let me offer you a challenge: for your next trip, give me a month or so advance notice and tell me which stops you'd like to make. I'll come up with a plan only involving train and bus (and taxis if necessary). If I can make this plan, the challenge is for you to follow it. Do you accept?

OT: Driving by Nick B. on 2012-03-09 05:00:11

OT: Driving by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-09 04:34:12

OT: Driving by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-09 05:04:09

OT: Driving by Nick B. on 2012-03-09 05:38:23

OT: Driving by Mike B. on 2012-03-09 06:01:49

OT: Driving by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-09 06:20:22

OT: Driving by Mike B. on 2012-03-09 07:43:46

OT: Driving by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-09 08:51:23

OT: Driving by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-09 08:58:29

OT: Driving by Mike B. on 2012-03-09 07:47:14

OT: Driving by DonS on 2012-03-09 10:30:49

OT: Driving by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-09 10:19:12

OT: Driving by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-09 10:53:23

OT: Annafest meeting by Uncle Jimbo on 2012-03-09 12:59:18

OT: Driving by Uncle Jimbo on 2012-03-09 13:01:08

OT: Driving by Uncle Jimbo on 2012-03-09 13:07:27

OT: Driving by DonS on 2012-03-09 13:32:52

OT: Annafest meeting by Nick B. on 2012-03-10 02:22:13

OT: Driving by Nick B. on 2012-03-10 02:24:56

OT: Driving by Mark Andersen on 2012-03-10 06:04:07

OT: Driving by Mike B. on 2012-03-11 03:05:00

OT: High Speed RE Munich-Bamberg by Nick B. on 2012-03-11 04:57:29

OT: Driving by TreinJan on 2012-03-11 06:14:51

OT: High Speed RE Munich-Bamberg by TreinJan on 2012-03-11 06:17:39

OT: High Speed RE Munich-Bamberg by Nick B. on 2012-03-11 08:23:15

OT: High Speed RE Munich-Bamberg by Nick B. on 2012-03-11 08:34:13

OT: High Speed RE Munich-Bamberg by TreinJan on 2012-03-11 09:53:30

OT: High Speed RE Munich-Bamberg by TreinJan on 2012-03-11 09:56:41