A journey through Europe - self-discovery and life outside the norm, Part 2

Now it was time to head towards Koblenz on the Rhine after wonderful hikes through nature - to be fair, due to the heavy rain, most paths are quite muddy, which however does not deter either me or my furry companion Knut from wandering there - thanks to an early arrival and a relatively short travel time, I was fortunate to secure a spot by the Rhine. In the summer, it is undoubtedly overcrowded here, but in the winter months, it seems to be bearable. I am directly at the Deutsches Eck with a view of the Rider Statue of Emperor Wilhelm and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress, now a cultural center that offers something culturally relevant in almost every season, even in December with its wonderful light illuminations.

After an extensive morning walk along the Rhine, I continue my journey across the border into France. To my surprise, there was no 'border' in the actual sense. A sign merely announced that I was now in France. I had not expected that at all. I had anticipated controls, especially concerning my dog. The French dog law does not entirely make sense to me, and I was worried about it. All for nothing. This is now the second time I’ve overthought things too much.

So far, the journey has been without any special incidents. However, since my motorhome is significantly underpowered by today’s standards, the drives up into the mountains have become a test of nerves, as I was sometimes traveling on the highway at a maximum speed of only 70 km/h at full throttle. Now I find myself pondering whether this is all correct? - Well, on the other hand, it was once like this; that’s that. So I accept its speed and that's it. Ah, that makes everything much more relaxing. After all, no one is in a hurry, no one honks or behaves in any annoying way. So all my concerns in that regard were in vain. How nice...... I think to myself.

Well, that should change instantly on France's country roads. I had assumed that the French are generally quite relaxed drivers, as it seemed upon arrival in the country. How wrong I was! The many crosses adorned with flowers along the roadside clearly indicate a less than cautious way of driving.

I had heard that the French love roundabouts. This is absolutely true. Likewise, there are pedestrian crossings announced by the number at the entrance of towns. There are also wonderfully ridiculous traffic calming measures - this is meant to be absolutely sarcastic. These things truly annoy both my motorhome and me. Even in the smallest mountain village, you encounter these impossible devices - often right before an incline, which completely brakes you down. How am I now supposed to get up the hill? I’ll tell you: in first gear at a maximum speed of 20 km/h. Once again, I doubt my motorhome and its engine - however, I cannot change it. So I accept driving uphill at 20 km/h. That relaxes me a bit.

After several stops and longer breaks, including walks with Knut, I reach my first stop in France. Point Bleu Camping Car. I am supposed to meet my travel buddy there, whom I only know from the internet and some phone calls, during which it has already become clear that we have very different views on the topic of travel.

So much can be said here, for some, a journey is solely the path to a specific destination.

However, for me, the journey is the way in which I discover the beautiful nature, make contact with other people, and exchange ideas.