traversing das Land (wednesday 14 oct)

pictured: Jutta's home outside Achen.

heavy eyes all day today. things went pretty late last night. breakfast with Jutta and Martin and a thorough tidy of the flat.
we dropped Martin off at the Hauptbahnhof and began the roadtrip.
had to take Lori (meow meow) to Jutta's parents' lovely abode near Achen.
some much needed nourishment and more German hospitality were to follow.
i get to see where Jutta grew up.
her father treats me to some of the finest coffee i have tasted in my life.
a peaceful home with a stunning view.
vines have embraced the outer walls and covered every inch.
inside, beautiful decor, relaxed atmosphere and lovely luxuries make this one of the most beautiful homes i have ever set foot in, German or otherwise.

we hit the Autobahn for the long trip to Strasbourg.
Jutta drives the entire way.
the Golf can certainly move. but i am more blown away by Jutta's impressive driving style.
this girl owns the road.
not for her driving speed (which i'm hesitant to even say is middle of the pack for Autobahnfahrer), but for her assertiveness, smarts and, in many cases involving narrow lanes and transport trucks, courage.

needless to say, nobody was going to be falling asleep.

we arrive in Strasbourg around 22:00 at the home of our host for the night, Germain.
he treats us to a beautiful meal - Alsace Flammkuchen, a favourite of the region - with bread, vegetables, and an outstanding Bordeaux (or two).
the gracious Frenchman is accompanied by his friend, Adrian, and the four of us share stories in perfect franglais until after midnight.
for the first time in my life, i feel less capable in french than in german.
the rust, though, will wear off.
probably just in time to return to germany and switch back again.

i am ever thankful for all of this. Germain treats us like family and we get a taste of France from inside the walls of a real French apartment.
Jutta has made me feel like a Dusseldorfer and given me the chance to live Germany, not as a tourist, but as Germans themselves do it.
as a local.
it's amazing; a true privilege.

tomorrow, it's Strasbourg by day, and onto Lorrach in the evening.