Der Bodensee

So today was Ryan's and my adventure to the Lake of Constance (called Bodensee in German for reasons no one seems to know). Our day started at the normal time, and we were able to eat breakfast a play a little bit before we left. At 9:30 am we promptly left with a backpack for Ryan, a bag for me, my purse, and a stroller in tow (along with raincoats, just in case). We made it to the train station in time for me to buy my ticket and wait for the train. Then we rode for 30 minutes to St. Gallen where we disembarked and then got on another train for another 40 minutes to our final destination of Altnau. Our neighbor Monika met us there at the station and we walked a short distance to the campground where her and her husband own a trailer. First we went to the playground there and Ryan went down the slides and "rode" the tractor and vespa. Then we went to Monika's trailer and had a bircher muesli (which is basically fruit, granola, and yogurt) for lunch. Then we hung out for a little while before we headed down the road to the lake. We were able to make a sand castle (actually two), and saw some swans, and Ryan swam in the water with Monika for a few minutes. There was also a small little playground there as well, so we also played on that for a short while. Then we headed back to the trailer to gather our things and then back to the train station where Monika bought us some ice cream. Then we rode the train back another 40 minutes and got off where her husband picked us up and drove us the rest of the way home. We made it back at about 6 pm and Urs arrived just a few minutes later. Needless to say I'm beat now after all neither of us had a nap today. But we both had a nice time and I think Monika enjoyed having us, especially Ryan as her grown-up sons are not married yet and she has no grandchildren.

On the tractor

Riding the vespa

The lake, that's Germany on the other side.

Playing in the sand with Monika

One of our sand castles

Swimming with Monika

Ryan's giant popsicle