Germany Day 6 - Mittenwald

My hopes for the end of jet lag were dashed last night. I went to bed early but not only failed to go to sleep, but continually woke up every time I drifted off. One difficulty we have here is that the Germans have no A/C. This actually wouldn't be a problem because it does cool down at night, but they also have no screens and no fans. When we open the window to let in the cool air, it also lets in the bugs. The heavy curtains help keep the bugs out, but also significantly impede the airflow. So we are left in a room that is too warm for the one heavy blanket that is provided (they have no top sheets!) and too cool to sleep without any blanket, which means I wake up multiple times to either put on or take off the comforter. Screens and a small fan could solve this problem so easily!

 

Jonny Lennon

Last night Jon had a fire in his little wood stove. It was beautiful and because I also tend towards unreasonable anxiety, I did check on it multiple times in the night when I woke up. It was of course completely safe but good luck telling my brain. Anyway, despite the lack of sleep James and I had decided to get up early so we could spend some time together. It can be hard getting time to talk alone and it is so necessary for us! Our marriage is built on our conversations. 

 

James ran to the store to grab his mom some breakfast, and then we headed off. The original hope was to drive to a high meadow but we left too late and couldn't be gone that long. Instead we went into Garmish, failed to find parking for a waterfall, and ended up at a cafe where we had the best chocolate croissant and an amazing cinnamon thing that just melted in your mouth. We went on to Grainau and managed to spend a few minutes at Eibsee before it was time to head home. Despite the lack of time outside, we were completely refreshed by the two hours we had alone. Life is changing fast but we have determined to do what is in front of us and trust God with the many things that are out of our control. 

 

Eibsee

Once home we did our best to collect everyone so we could head out. Before we left the cat came back. Christian gave him some milk which he drank and then just left. Christian cried out in shock, "he's just using me!" 

 

We went to lunch at an Italian restaurant we'd been to 13 years ago on our last trip here. On that trip Jon had stolen my gnocchi and this time I was determined to have my own plate! It's funny what memories stick in your head, for some reason this is one. He didn't really steal it of course, I gave it to him because I love him. But it is something I've teased him about for years. He does have good taste in food. 

 

The restaurant is Osteria da Fabio in the heart of the walking district in Mittenwald. Jon and I both ordered the gnocchi this time and the food did not disappoint. Everyone's meal was delicious. Jon could finally eat! Although he was a little mad. He complained to James, "You knew this was here? It is15 minutes away! You knew this was here the whole time and we ate here on the last day?!?" It made me smile. And not only was the food delicious, the waitress, who could only speak German, was incredibly kind and patient. Jon is right, with great food and service so close we should have been eating here every day!

 

Jon stealing my food again!

Christian eats James' food after finishing his own.

Enjoying dinner

Christian's dinner (Christian's pic)

Then it was time for a little window shopping before heading home early. Tonight is our last night in Krun and we need to clean the vacation house and pack so we can leave early for Munich tomorrow. 

Will and Jon

The shopping district

 

Tiny car!

The flowers of Mittenwald

The church in Mittenwald

Jumping over a fountain

Speaking of cleaning, the German waste system is famously fastidious and irritating. I can confirm that this is true. James has handled most of it and I confess there have been times where I've just left trash lying around because I didn't know where to put it. The time James has put into sorting, organizing and deciphering the system is impressive. He's also been responsible for the bottles. There is a recycling machine which accepts them and James says it is like an ancient god. Sometimes it will deem your sacrifice acceptable and sometimes, for no discernible reason, it will reject it.  

 

Mountain clouds

It's dark now and we need to get up early. I'm hoping to get in a last bath tonight in the beautiful tub they have here. And I'm looking forward to Munich where I expect to have more time to relax and possibly catch up on my sleep before the flight home. 

Good night!