Euroadtrip...

Christmas 07 saw Mezz n' Bear head off on a roadtrip through the Swiss alps... and then some. We loaded the ol' escort with everything we might need to brave the continental chill, and headed into the misty soup that is the north sea. Time was not a luxury, we sped across the north of France, stopping briefly in Rheims, before spending the night in a very romantic porta-room on the outskirts of Dijon.

Rising well before dawn, we questioned our decision to leave so early, a hard layer of frost on the windscreen... but we pushed on towards the hills that define the border between Switz and Frogland, taking the small roads. The sun rose just as we arrived in this little town.. Dole, and we got our first real glimpse of rural france.. other than what the highway had to offer. Theres something about the early morning light that rewards the nutters willing to dip their toes. Something the old man drilled into me from a young age.
























After a few hours of oohing & ahhing our way along the winding countryside tracks we crossed the border at La Cure and descended into Switzerland. The views overlooking Mont Blanc and the alps were absolutely breathtaking. I can't even describe it, nor be bothered including a photo, coz it just doesn't do it any justice. In order to catch our breath... we stopped, and had some lunch off the bonnet of the escort.


After successfully navigating our way to Mezzy's cousins house in Lausanne.. we relaxed with a few wines and some cheese. Now when I think of switzerland, I think of cheese. Generally that holey stuff that nearly killed speedy gonzales at 3-30 every afternoon. But a trip to Gruyere is something else.. and I can highly recommend it. Thats the main street above... and below left, part of its fortifications. Theres also an Alien museum there.. which I thought quite strange.

After filling the boot with cheese, merangue and beer, as much as we could carry.. we set off with Denise & Rafael to Denises' folks house, and where xmas would be spent. A huge thanks must be said to Denises folks, who turned out a splendid feast of horse, rabbit, fine wines and a cheese I hadn't tried to date. All of it a sensation on the taste buds.

At dusk we climbed the nearby castle, now in ruin, which gives a beautiful view over the valley. Heres Mezz with cousin Denise at last light on a very frosty xmas eve.

And a view of the castle on a frozen misty xmas morning. We didn't quite get the white xmas we were hoping for.... but thats close enough surely.
After lunch we jumped back in the car and headed to the ski-fields for an afternoon of laughter. It was Mezz' first time on the slopes.. and we all offered a little advice.. [why I did I have no idea].. She did remarkably well.. but with Denise as a teacher, it was a forgone conclusion. A gluhvine at the bar, and some thaw time, and it was time for xmas dinner at Raf's folks place in St.Croix. As if we needed more food... We sat down to a fine traditional meal of turkey and veg. Rafs dad filling us with a selection of french wines and an array of stinky cheese. Ohh yeah.

No rest for the wicked. The next day had us rise early to make our way to Zermatt, one of Switzerlands premier ski resorts, in the shadow of the infamous Matterhorn. I've had a fascination with this mountain ever since a boy. Thanks mainly to Rich for taking me on endless trips around the roller-coaster of the same name. Anticipation had us peeling out of our skins as the train wound it's way up a spectacular valley. The ride here is worth it alone. Unfortunately the gods weren't on our side this day, and after grabbing a quick glimpse of the towering giant, the clouds descended and swallowed it whole. No mean feat. Undeterred, we made our way to 4000m, and delighted in the sensations of oxygen deprivation. Mezz thought she was drunk. I didn't notice anything.

The restaurant at 4100m offers up some choice fondue.. so.. in true Swiss fashion we grabbed our prongs, sipped fruity wines, and tried not to lose our chunks of bread in the bubbly yellow goo. I learnt the hard way that it is not necessary to take off a piece of clothing if you drop your bread. [too much asterix can warp ones mind you know]

Taking the fast way down the mountain on toboggans, is exhilarating and thirsty work. We made our way out of the mountains and back to Lausanne, where pizza and beer degustation were high on the agenda. Raf took us to one of his favourite haunts, where they brew their own beer. I was in no mood to argue.

The weather in these parts can be unpredictable... so when the sun is shining, get out there and make the most of it. Can't remember the name of this place, but it was not far outside Lausanne. The day was spectacular. They have a 7km sledge track here, so we set about carving it up. Lucky in the process not to carve eachother up. Sledgers [not the aussie cricket type] sustain more injuries than any other on the slopes... and they are generally more severe too. To pluck up some courage Mezz and Denise turned to waffles. But thats girls food.

If your a bloke though, look no further than your best mate. This being my fave Swiss tipple.

After a few Boxers, we're ready to take on the breakneck speeds of the shute. Raf shows off a little freestyle on his way to a near collision with Mezz.

As we all know, Mezzy sometimes rues the timing of her birthday... stuck somewhere inbetween xmas and new years.. no-one ever remembers.. no-one wants to party.. tell these crazy swiss punters that. It's the Lausanne crew, names irrelevant. We gathered and celebrated heartily, so heartily that the first person to bail out was the birthday girl. All over Denises' shoes.
Many thanks to all for making our 5 days in Switzerland some of the most enjoyable and action packed of our travels so far. We'll definitely be back for more sultanas.

The road trip then took us north from Lausanne through Basel and southern Germany to my old stomping ground south of Frankfurt. It was fabulous to get back to a place which had played such a large part in my young life. Not having contact with the boys, we rolled into Langen and were most fortunate to catch David all by his lonesome at home. We sat and reminisced about old times.. talked life, travel and politics.. all the good things. In the morning we were subjected to a traditional german breakfast... which I love sooo dearly. Coffee, egg, brotchen, sliced meats, cheese, avocado... and pastries. An institution I'll never tire of. Massive thanks to David, we shall return. Time was of the essence though. We had half the country to travel in a short space of time.. we climbed aboard the escort.. and headed north. Destination- Hamburg. And a new years date with Isacol.

I'm sure not many of you have ever spent a new years in Hamburg.. maybe you've never even been there. I hadn't. But I'd highly recommend it. After a sumptuous afternoon tea and entertaining conversation with Isas' folks we made our way to the reaperbahn for a few quiet bevvies. But thats not how it turned out. Our street was a veritable warzone of fireworks... the likes of which I have not seen outside river fire. This WAS suburban warfare. Each house trying to prove their fearlessness and show off their pretty lights.. we were right in there, stubby coolers n' all. Some say stupid... but I prefer brave. An hour later, as the dust and smoke was settling, we hit the streets and clubs of this most famous of Hamburg strips, and reluctantly partied till the wee hours. On our way home some crazy nutters tried to sell us cold wursts off a kids table in the middle of the street. Yes, this town has it all.

The area of Hamburg we stayed in is awash with wicked graffiti and stencil art. It's everywhere. I thought this message was rather appropriate. Theres fabulous art shops, and designer t-shirt places... little cafes and boutiques all over the joint. It's really quite a vibrant place.

After a few short days it was time to leave Isa and Col, and continue our near epic roadtrip. Reluctantly we made our way out of Hamburg, hit the autobahn bound for the Nederlands, and a date with some resolutions. Skirting along the top of western europe we sought refuge in Groningen, a regional centre in the north of holland. A pretty little town, cold, windy, but delightful. The following morning, after a minor scare with n-wod [the car] we travelled across the great dyke which prevents the Nederlands from being swamped by the north sea. [for how much longer though]. I introduced Mezz to a few Dutch specialties, like raw mince and onion on a roll... and the famous winds that sweep across the dyke. Trust me, they are ferocious.

Bypassing Amsterdam [another day] we made our way to my favourite Dutch city, Rotterdam.

For some reason Rotterdam gets a bum wrap... and I've never understood this. Obviously it's not as beautiful as Amsterdam, or as regal as Den Haag.. but this place was bombed flat during the war. It's character has been developed since then, by innovative designers and artisans. A stroll around R'dam will expose you to more art than any other place I've ever visited. Therers sculpture everywhere. Sure it's gritty and working class.. it's a port. But theres more flavour here than anywhere else in the country. And the people are less pretentious. I love it... and I think after a little trepidation at the start, Mezz warmed to it aswell.

Our last morning was spent in the middle of the port.. on an island strip. Theres a famous hotel there called the Hotel America.. or something like that. 13 years ago I sat in the same bistro and drank cold beers with my mate Tulip as we watched the super tankers roll in. Now I'm not a sentimental bloke, but sitting there with Mezz drinking beers and eating superb oysters, took me back.. all the way back to my young adulthood.. and my first great travel adventure. Ofcourse I've come along way since, we weren't eating oysters back then.. are you kidding.. but I felt a great sense of accomplishment. A circle was complete. Sitting in the bistro having taken Mezz on her first great european adventure, I felt fulfilled, and ecstatic. This is why we are here. These little moments are what I crave. This is what I have to share, and the woman I wish to share it with. And you know what.... I wouldn't have it any other way.