A Walk up Kleinhassen

Anne suggested we go for a walk up a pretty little hill about 20 mins drive from Mackenzell. So we did. There were quite a few locals about, even though it was midweek, as there are lots of walking trails in the area.

Nevertheless we were able to enjoy the pleasant walk to the top with a couple of photo opportunities along the way.

When we reached the top, there was a little oasis - a cute cabin that served chilled beer. Ahhh...we did deserve a beer after the walk, so we indulged.

Anne toyed with me about the famous 'bogs' in the area where if you fell (or were pushed) you could be swallowed up like quicksand. Lucky there weren't any around here.

Nordic Walking - The In Sport in Mackenzell

I found it hard to believe that Anne was hooked on a 'sport' I considered was restricted to older people that couldn't move much anymore. But, she was. And I had to witness this startling phenonmenon.

So, she offered to demonstrate her nordic walking skills & did just that. Although I can't honestly say that I was bowled over & wanted to race out & buy some nordic walking poles, I did gain a great deal of amusement in watching her demonstration.

Maybe something to reconsider when I'm 65.

Off to Mackenzell on Anne's Birthday

After my chilled out time in Weimar, I couldn't wait to catch up with my new friend, Anne, in her hometown Mackenzell, near Hunfeld.

It was Anne's birthday the day I caught the train from Weimar to Fulda, about 20mins from where she lived. And it was great to see her when I got there. I was a bit worried when she had trouble driving & speaking English, but she soon got the hang of it.

When we got back to her home in this tiny country town, it was filled with people that had come to wish her a happy birthday. I never had any big family gatherings (always wanted to though), & so being a part of this was so pleasantly overwhelming for me.

We ate, ate & ate some more. Anne's Mum is blessed with superior cooking skills.

Anne & I went for a late night walk through the town & out into the (very dark) fields - beautiful. It was just so soothing being back in the country breathing clean air & living the simple life.