"Excuse me! Can we ask you something?" It was not really a question, I was already staring into the lense of a tv-camera. The young men (17-19) had approached very quickly and I really wasn't given a choice. I considered running, but I was surrounded by microphone, camera and two disciples. We were standing on the second floor balcony in the local shopping mall, behind me 20 vertical meters of nothing didn't present a viable alternative. I stared into the lens, pointed to the ice cream cone in my hand, then to my mouth. The microphone person seemed irritated, but retracted the mic for a moment. After I had swallowed I asked what their question might be.
How did I judge Germany's play in the last game? I stared at him blankly for only a second, then made a pretty good recovery (I thought) and told him I had been "very impressed". And how did I see Germany's chances in the EM in general. I was starting to enjoy the attention, now that I didn't have ice cream in my mouth and told him I was "very confident". They left when I started asking questions about the TV-Station they were working for.....too bad I didn't see the broadcast. They sure have a golden hand in picking subjects, must be a fun segment.

Another thing about the Austria trip: I passed through a place called Biberach. No big deal, you might think. Well.....The problem is, that there is a folk song about a train going through Biberach. And although I couldn't remember any more of the lyrics (only train and Biberach) the melody was in my head for the rest of the trip. If you know the song I'm talking about I am certain you feel for me.
Auf der schwäbschen Eisenbahne ?nana-nana-nana-nana, Na-Na-Na ? und Biberach nana-nana????????????!

I spent the day on a train mainly. To visit Vorarlberg, an area in Austria where there is cheese and nature and few people. In Dornbirn, my final destination, I took the bus to where I had to go. The busdriver recommended I get a daypass, because if there was a possibility I might take another bus, it would be cheaper for me. I was happy that people were so friendly and helpful and looking out for me. I was slightly surprised when the driver told me to get off the bus about 2 minutes and 200 meters from where I had boarded. It was my stop. I ended up walking back.

Having survived consumptionless Sunday I that much more enjoyed today, a Monday filled with opportunity and consumer goods! What joy shopping can be without the Korean problem of overly solicitus sales people. Indeed, there is no service here whatsoever and the store people couldn't care less whether I know how to use a device or if I speak German or where I come from or if I need help. This *takes a deep breath* is what I call freedom!

Germany, a country where people like to jump in front of long distance trains. "Welcome! Your train will arrive about 46 minutes late!"
It rains every 10 minutes for about 5 minutes. All stores are closed except gas stations. A civilized country that honors family values and God. I'm off, need to shop at the gas station.