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The Schwarzwald

I finally found internet in the black forest… and it’s coin operated.

So you’ll have to forgive the lack of updates recently (and the lack of pictures in this post).

Despite the technological issues, the last four days have been great. I wanted a taste of rural Germany and I got it. The black forest really is as isolated as its name suggests, with some areas too densely forested to allow for a train line. I spent my first night in Haslach, a quaint, relatively un-touristy village on the Schwarzwald’s (that’s the intimidating German name for the region) Western edge. Since then I’ve been based in Triberg, located directly in the heart of the forest. It is picturesque and consequently crawling with tourists. Thankfully I found an inexpensive hotel run by a very nice local couple and have been doing short daytrips from here.

Tomorrow: Berlin! I found a great deal on the train after searching online and saved 60 euros over what the price would have been at the station. I’ve heard incredible things about Berlin from people who - I think - know what they’re talking about. And I will hopefully have that new-fangled kind of internet access which does not require coins OR wires.

And now, considering I’ve been through four countries, it’s time for some sweeping generalizations.

England (well, London): Deserves its good reputation for Indian food. 

Spain: Hot. People are smelly. Dinner is late.

France: They know their food. Best bread so far. Paris is magical. And don’t believe the warnings about French people giving Americans a hard time. Those Americans probably deserve a hard time.

Germany: Friendliest people so far. Great beer. Cleanest hotel rooms.

You know what else I’ve realized? Stereotypes are often true. But it’s not worth living by them, because it’s the exceptions that make life interesting.