Crossing the border...

...into Germany

Within an hour's drive, we can be in Germany. Lots of our friends have gone to Konstanz, a little town on the German side of the Bodensee (Lake Constance). We decided it was time to check it out. Crossing the border is a simple process - just drive through. You must slow down in case a customs official wants to check your cargo, but most times you can drive on without delay. There used to be a fence along the border, but in 2006  the fence was removed. Twenty-two sculptures were put up in its place the following year. They are an abstract representation of the trumps of the tarot.

 opposite sides of the same street sign

I'm in Germany

 I"m in Switzerland

  








We discovered that Konstanz is not tremendously different than many Swiss (and probably German) villages. Its claim to fame, from our perspective, is being a retail mecca. Residents of Switzerland shop here because it's convenient and everything is cheaper in Euro-land. There are limits on what you are allowed to bring back into Switzerland, but many folks take a risk and bring more. Most often, they get through without a problem. The occasional fine is less than the money saved by regular shopping in Germany. We only bought a little meat and were well under the limit.

As long as we're here, I may as well give you a little photo tour of Konstanz. 

train station tower

contrasting fresco styles - new vs old

towers and statue border the street and water

combination sculpture and fresco

 Fountain details

pigeon is real - not so unusual

three headed peacock

religious birds

The horse isn't exactly part of the fountain, but it stood along side. We saw children sitting on it. No need to put in a coin, but then it also just stood there without moving.

There is always a church or two.  

 

someone gave Christ a rosary!

fun Fasnacht fountain - and an alliteration too!

We happened to be in Konstanz on market day. The market was typical: vegetable and fruit stands, meat trucks and cheese trucks. Since there are plenty of apple orchards in this part of the world, the farmers often make juice. I'd never seen it for sale like this before. At some stands, there were bottles provided and at others you needed to bring your own. The juice is in big drink dispensers and you serve yourself. Can't imagine seeing that in the USA.

Large statue, called Imperia, at the water's edge is constantly turning.

 Imperia is holding two men dressed only in a crown and papal tiara symbolizing their power.

It was a nice trip over the border and we already ate some of the filet mignon we bought. It's uncertain whether we'll go again. If we have visitors who wants to be able to say they went to Germany or if we need to buy meat, we may be back.

Bobsleigh Races in St. Moritz - take 2

I love being close enough to be a physical presence of support for Jazmine as she competes on the world cup circuit. One of the annual competitions is in St. Moritz. Since it's the only one on natural ice, it has to be scheduled when it is guaranteed cold enough to stay frozen. It wasn't as cold as 2013, but it was cold enough! (especially for the spectators - foot warmers are essential) Who can complain about an annual trip to St. Moritz? The three hour train ride goes through absolutely beautiful scenery. This time I managed to keep my camera tucked away. I've taken enough photos of my camera's reflection to know I should just enjoy and wait until I'm out of the train to take pictures. 

Skeleton and bobsled are part of the same international organization - their races occur on the same schedule. St Moritz is a bobsled and skeleton crazy town as evidenced by the bobsled decorations outside hotels, skeleton statue and of course, chocolate sleds. This is Switzerland afterall - big events must be commemorated in chocolate.

skeleton racer statue

chocolate and marzipan sled, but sadly, no women athletes

home of the only natural ice track

Jazmine's sled

competitors and time to beat

Jazmine and Katie (in white jackets) walk between coaches and athletes to get to the starting box

Jazmine and brakeman, Katie, at the starting box

Jazmine and Katie getting ready to push off

a good start is crucial

in the sled - now it's all up to the driver

sled follows the track along the banners

video is shown on the jumbotron

Jazmine talking with a coach

There weren't as many spectators as last year when this club hosted the World Championship. Unfortunately, they didn't set up the bleachers which provided an unobstructed view of the start. 

me with Jazmine's sled

 The sleds are trucked up to the start for the second run. Lolo Jones stands next to Jazmine's sled. Take note of the jacket on the New Zealand skeleton crew - that's a kiwi skeleton! Cute!

The track is swept between all racers. Jazmine's sled is at the start again being prepared for run #2. 

pushing hard again!

  
 We followed the walking trail beside the bobsled track - here are some views of the track along the way. It is a bit scary when the sleds whiz past.

men's sled in the horshoe curve

at the finish line - photo by Neis photography

Believe it or not, we did watch the other competitors. We just didn't pay as close attention. Here is another American sled. Can you imagine trying to jump into a sled that is moving away from you so fast? It's amazing they ever get in.

Jazmine introduced us to her good friend, Esme, who is the pilot of the Dutch sled. Here is a shot of Esme and her rookie brakeman, Melissa, who we also met. They invited Jazmine and us to have a sushi dinner with the Dutch team. It was a lot of fun.

There is a spot along the bobsled track where it goes under a railroad bridge. We heard a train coming, but I couldn't get my camera out in time. It did look just like this postcard - beautiful contrast of red against the white. 

"Monobob" may be a sled of the future. It was driven down the track before each race began. Not sure why, but it was fun to watch.








Jazmine was disappointed with her results, but we still had fun.  Each time we learn about the sport and get to know Jazmine better. Best of luck to you and team USA in Sochi! 

We thought it was especially nice of St. Moritz to leave up their holiday lights until after this event. Here are some views of what is a very beautiful small town. I'd recommend going there.

Swiss flags stand out against a blue or gray sky

Keeping the bubbly cold - yes, you could buy a glass from either of these outdoor ice bars.

view from our hotel

So long, St. Moritz. Maybe we'll see you next year!

(photo credit for sleds in motion goes to Tom)