Overnight stay with a stranger at the Pasterhof - Eichhorst-

Today starts off quite relaxed. After yesterday, I really need it:

The sun shines mercilessly even after swimming, and in Oertzenhof I nearly waver, as this little nest actually has a train station. I'm torn, but I reckon I can manage the 10 km.

They will be the hardest.

5 km before Eichhorst, I face a road without any shade in sight.

I remember it from last year, so I truly respect it.

While I assess my chances of survival, I receive a call. I dismiss it but check again just in case it's a life-or-death situation.

The Pasterhof, my next destination, is trying to reach me. So, I call back and am pleased to speak with the owner Elisabeth, whom I remember from last year. No, it's not Elisabeth but a Brigitte. She's actually just calling to let me know that no one is home. The key is here and there…

“Does this mean I won't get dinner or breakfast?” I ask.

Exactly, that's what it means. “But you can drive to the next village to eat.”

“Young woman, I won't be riding another meter on my bike today.” “I've already done almost 50 km, and moreover, I can’t go any further, plus I still have 5 km ahead of me with 100% sunlight.”

Never ever!!!

There’s a pause on the other end, hmm… “Conni will be bringing the animals into the barn later; she might serve you the zucchini soup and something for breakfast.”

A smile spreads across my face. That's what we'll do, and motivated, I take on the last 5 km.

I take the same room as last year, shower, and as it’s way too warm outside, I make myself comfortable in the breakfast room.

I quickly find the coffee machine and coffee.

In the former pastor's room, shelves filled with books adorn one wall, while the other hosts a piano, and in the middle stands an old seat with a curled backrest. Above, three black-and-white photos of former pastors hang.

I enjoy the silence in this large house and am no longer sad to be alone. After all, I can move freely in a stranger's house.😜

I read a few pages in my new book, and as it approaches 7 PM, my stomach makes itself known. I head to the kitchen and snoop around.😀 There are heaps of canned fruits lying around. The fridge is massive and well stocked. A handful of eggs also sit on the kitchen table; how long have they been out in the heat?🤔

If no one comes in the next 10 minutes, I’ll crack them into a pan. My antibiotics, which I still need to take, should definitely kill any germs.

Just at that moment, the heavy front door opens.

Conni, a small friendly woman, steps in and warmly greets me. She immediately begins to lay out the delicacies planned for me. For dinner, I can prepare gnocchi with the homemade zucchini soup. For tomorrow morning, she sets out rolls, bread, butter, cheese, and of course homemade raspberry jam. The eggs are fresh, and there are herbs and fruits in the garden. And just as quickly as she came, she disappears.

After the rain, I settle into the beautiful garden and enjoy my self-prepared meal amidst bleating sheep, quacking ducks, and clucking hens.

Relaxation spreads over me, and soon I feel sleepy. As the animals settle into their sleeping spots, like every evening, I head to my room.

As I visit the bathroom dressed only in my pajama pants and a minimal top, a man walks towards me. 😳

He doesn't introduce himself, but wishes me good night.

I am startled for a moment. Now it makes sense why there was a second key in the box.

Conni comes rushing back in again. She forgot something… oh, and then she says, “and there’s another guest, so you’re not alone, thank goodness.” 😅

No, not that, but a heads-up beforehand would have been nice.

I go to bed and turn my room key around just to be safe.

At night, I can’t really fall asleep. I keep hearing noises. The “stranger” goes to the bathroom three times. So do I. 

Could also be due to the three cups of coffee.🤭