Tuesday July 9, Gossau, Switzerland

Stein am Rhine, great town on the Rhine River

I walked into the village first thing to find a hairdresser hoping for an appointment this morning but no luck from the only two hairdressers in town. Its almost 12 weeks since I had my last hair cut in NZ and for someone who usually has it cut short, it is getting very long. Always difficult to manage an appointment when you are travelling all the time.

Did a few chores and Ian polished part of the van before we left late morning, the sun was shining and it was pleasantly warm. Tonight, we are staying with a friend of Dean’s whom he met 20 years ago when he was managing the NZ team at the World Skills competition in St Gallen, Switzerland. Pascal who was on University holidays was the liaison person at the accommodation where the team was staying and he and Dean built up a great friendship. Pascal came to NZ in 2005 where he worked for three months and travelled around the country. He spent time with us and again four years later when he returned with Lisa. Now they are married and have two children and live just out of St Gallen.

We travelled once again on the lesser roads through the Black Forest and some very beautiful countryside. Found a great parking spot at Stein am Rhein, right beside the river where we spent the afternoon. What a great find, this beautiful old town sits on the banks of the Rhine River just after it leaves Lake Constance. The half-timbered houses have the most amazing painted facades especially around the town square. It was full of visitors especially cyclists as there are great cycle routes in this area. It was wonderful to wander around in the sunshine in this very picturesque town.

Then it was back on the road taking a route around the edge of Lake Constance and through the countryside to Gossau. It was just so good to catch up with Pascal and Lisa again and meet Fabio who is 3 and Raphael, 10 months. Pascal’s parents had also called around to say hello. We are parked in their driveway in a very quiet street, perfect. Tonight, we had a traditional raclette for dinner which we thoroughly enjoyed. They have a lovely home with views out over the mountains, so nice to spend time with a family. We sat around over a few wines, just a wonderful evening and finished it off with a rather nice Schnapps, Appenzeller.

These are the red crosses through the road signs
that I have grown to hate in Germany!

Very scenic countryside

Manhole cover in Stein

The panorama shot has distored the building a
little, but wanted to share how picturesque
they are.

And some close ups of the paintings..amazing.

Its a very vibrant town.

Oh yes, we are in Switzerland!

Pascal lent a hand on the roof fixing
the shower vent, which has had a temporary
cover since leaving UK. Ian was supervising!!!

Pascal and Lisa with Fabio and Raphael.

Getting ready for our raclette.

The mountain view from Pascals lawn.

It was a great night!!!