Home again!
Rather than go with the less expensive taxi through booking.com, I asked the desk clerk to order us a taxi that would accommodate two bicycle boxes. With our early flight, I thought a company that the hotel works with would be a sure thing. Our taxi was for 5:30 AM, before the reception was open. The clerk gave me the taxi company's phone number, just in case. They didn't show up! We couldn't complete the call with my phone, but could with Jacinto's. The man answering said he would be there in five minutes. He was. No explanation on why they weren't on time. He rather acted as if we were calling that instant for a taxi. It was 60 E for the large taxi to the airport. Staying at the Best Western with a free shuttle could have been a choice. But they weren't as convenient to the bicycle shop, plus their rooms were more expensive. It's a balancing act. My priorities change depending on the particulars.
The Munich airport felt like a small regional airport. We couldn't have had an easier/faster check in. Jacinto found us two luggage carts that someone had just finished using. The airport doors opened widely enough that I could wheel the boxes right in without unloading the cart. We found the American line. There was already 20-30 people checking in for our flight. The attendant helping people get in the right line took us over to the exit area and said to wait. Now we were blocking anyone who finished checking in. But, as soon as an agent was free, we got to cut the line. I felt guilty. I was sure everyone with regular suitcases was looking daggers at our backs. Jacinto said he didn't feel guilty at all!
We both felt that his bicycle box was extra heavy. It should weigh the same as the flight over, unless it had more packing material. We were concerned it would be over 50 pounds and cause an overweight luggage charge. I didn't see any of our bags get weighed. They definitely weren't measured. The check in clerk asked about our trip and was suitably impressed. It was a quick and easy process.
Going through passport security was agent-less to a degree. There were agents standing around to help. We self scanned our passports in a machine. Then stepped forward to the next machine, which scanned our faces. That was it for security. At the body scanners, instead of holding our arms over our heads, they were to go down low at the sides.
It took us 45 minutes from the curb all the way to the waiting area. I almost want to say that having bicycle boxes eased the process. We've skipped the line at every airport because of the big boxes. Another important note for the Munich airport is that their Xray machine is big enough for the bicycle boxes to go through on their sides. They had not been opened when we got them at home.
We were seated next to a pleasant young woman from California who now lives in Germany. She said that she lives in-between Frankfurt and Munich, and by far prefers the Munich airport to fly out of. That was good information, as Frankfurt is a direct flight from Denver, so it's been on our radar as a potential location.
We had a three hour layover in Charlotte. I was some concerned about entering the USA, especially for Jacinto, given the current political climate. It was again an agent-less affair. Our faces were scanned, and that was it. We didn't even show our passports! Our boxes were quickly taken from us before we got to the suitcase check in area. Score again for the big boxes.
We typically prefer a one stop flight home. This time we had another three hour stop in Dallas. The three hours passed slowly. We ate again, for an activity. We both agreed that one stop is the way to go. The trip home felt far too long.
Our flight arrived at 11 PM. Our two boxes and two bags showed up quickly. The bottom of one box had come open. The baggage handler apologized and said he was extra careful.
We haven't even unpacked the boxes yet! I told Jacinto we really should see if anything else has fallen out of the boxes.
I had noticeable edema in my legs and ankles. I did not wear compression socks this trip, but should have. I gained 10.5 pounds, but told Jacinto I wasn't counting that as truth. The next day, I had lost 5.5 pounds in one day. That is a lot of edema. One week later and I was one pound less than my starting weight. I count that as a big win, considering how many croissants I ate! Jacinto ended up two pounds down. We ate very well this trip, I'm surprised the numbers were so friendly.
The lodging was above average, with only 1-2 less desirable places. We had ten miles of rain on one day. Jacinto had a flat tire from an old patch. His shifting problems never were resolved, despite visiting two shops along the way. I had no bicycle issues beyond my loose seat bracket that the bike shop glued.
The routing was excellent. I was ready to go home by the time we reached Venice. I think 30 days riding time is my sweet spot. After Venice we had two more weeks, largely on the Via Claudia Augusta. That was my favorite section of the trip. Riding from Venice to Munich had spectacular scenery. I also enjoyed the food in Austria and Germany. The common 5:30 dinner time suited us better than France's 7 PM.
I've had several people ask me how we were treated - if people resent Americans and were rude to us. I feel that being bicycle tourists opens many doors. Plus, we were only two people and not one of hundreds getting off of a cruise ship. English was not as commonly spoken as we expected, especially in France. Many people have mentioned the French as being rude. I wouldn't agree with that. Maybe it's the bicycles. In Italy, Spanish was commonly spoken, and more people spoke English. In Austria and Germany, there was far more English. When language was an issue, we used Google translate. Everyone was patient and kind. What I missed was the casual interactions. I had several people want to chat about my bicycle, but there wasn't a common language. I miss reading signs, and advertisements as I bicycle past. Even if I wasn't looking for a plumber, I'd like to know that's what the van advertised.
Other than a couple of days in northern Italy, roadways were smooth and clean. I enjoyed all of the bike paths for the people watching. Traffic free is nice, but not near the concern in Europe as stateside.
We had a most satisfying trip. We are already plotting our return next summer!
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