Just when I was adjusting to the long wet days the European summer finally kicks in. The ride from Munich towards the southwest part of Bavaria was a wonderful introduction for experiences to come.
I packed my day's food and thermos with lhot water from proceeds I prepared during the hotel breakfast as I always do. This gives me the flexibility of having some space along the way if I just wanted to stop at many of the park benches along the cycling path and take in the views and listen to the water and bird life. If I feel like a coffee for a kick of energy there are plenty of villages to choose from. They're so close and numerous here that before you know it you arrive at another village.
I camped above a village in a lovely space under a large oak tree with a park bench and a memorial to the lives lost fromthe area during the wars. Hard for mothers to lose their young sons and husbands whatever side - I paid my respects and reflected while enjoying this beautiful area of Germany.
Bavaria is one of the largest of Germany's federation of states. The Bavarians emerged in a region north of the Alps, originally inhabited by the Celts. The Bavarians emerged in a region north of the Alps, originally inhabited by the Celts, which had been part of the Roman provinces. Apparently they emerged from groups left behind by Roman withdrawal late in the 5th century. Many milleium later after the rise of Prussia, Bavaria managed to preserve its independence by testing the rivalries of Prussia and Austria. It was an ally of Austria, but was defeated in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War and did not belong to the North German Federation of 1867.
Then France attacked Prussia in 1870, and the south German states Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria joined the Prussian forces and ultimately the Federation, which was renamed Deutsches Reich (German Empire) in 1871. Bavaria continued with some special right as part of the newly formed German Empire despite Bavarian nationalists rejcecting the idea that Bavaria should have joined the German Empire, because being primarliy Catholic, they did not want to be ruled by a Protestant Prussia. Over time they have come to accept membership of the federation of Germany.
A number of us in Australia love German engineering for its preciseness and quality, especially the auto industry. Bavaria of course is home for the marques of BMW and Audi and other prominate states produce the VW, Mercedes and Porche (my favourite). Yes even an environmentally aware world cyclist can appreciate good auto engineering.
On my way to Lake Constance from Munich i stayed in a delightful village called Ottobeuren. My host was a well connected citizen of the village and had my three-day stay well mapped out. She was very generous with her time and hospitality and we managed to communicate despite me not speaking German and she not able to speak English. A lovely neighbour and family member provided the translation for us and took me to a number of cultural and interesting events.
Such as a visit to the local Rathaus (local council) and met with the Burgemeister (mayor) of the town who presented me with a gift from the town. Ottobeuren and Tenterfield in Queensland, Australai are sister cities and there is good cultural exchange between the towns.
I also spent time with the neighbour who took me on a guided tour of the impressive local basilica and I learnt how the monks lived here over the centuries. Ottobeuren has the largest baroque monastory in the world. That night in Kaisersaal we all attended a performance of a Welsh male choir from Port Talbot. You know you're going to be entertained when a Welsh male choir is let loose, especially in old and acoustically rich building. I was also taken to a piano and vocal duet at the Erich Schickling art complex in the region and the next day on another personal guided tour of the Karthaus in Buxheim. This Carthusian Monastry depicts the religious disciplined life of a monk here during the period 1402 - 1803.
The next day, after an interview and some photos by a local journalist about my solo cycling tour I bid farewell to my wonderful host and headed south west for Lake Constance.
I left with a enlightened appreciation of long rich history, life and culture in an intimate, warm and friendly Bavarian town called Ottobeuren.
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