Let me smoke one more - then let's go

Okay - before we start packing, we should pay the bills we received so far for the wedding celebrations, and there was also the invitation for the annual general meeting of the PBC Königsbrunn. And so that our neighbor doesn't get too bad of an impression of us when watering the flowers, the apartment could also use a little deep cleaning. The morning was almost over until we finally started packing. Well, it would be good if we leave around 1 pm, right? At 1 we will actually be on our parking lot, but just loading. At 2 we will have everything in the motorhome and ready to go, well, almost. We also wanted to take the bikes with us. That's easy, just strap them on and off we go. Just an hour later, the bikes are securely mounted on the bike rack, a last tightening of the straps with the obligatory sentence "it won't go anywhere" and we're ready to go. One last cigarette and off we go. Oh yeah, the water tank. We wanted to fill it with good German groundwater. Where can you get fresh water again? Who has a garden with a hose? First stop: gas station. There is always air and water there. So there should be water too. Glasses on, engine on - let's go. As we drive out of the yard, our caretaker comes across our path. Maybe he knows where we can get water. Five minutes later we are back on our yard and the caretaker comes out of the basement with a garden hose. Yay. Fill the water tank quickly, then let's go. The water shoots out - how long does it actually take to fill a water tank with 100 liters? As it turns out, quite long. Especially when the water leaks out again 1 to 1 underneath the motorhome. Shit. It quickly becomes apparent that it doesn't leak, but a normal opening on the back on the passenger side spits out the water again. There must be a valve somewhere. After searching for just five minutes, we find the corresponding one in the trunk, put it on quickly, water is flowing again and - the tank is filling up. Now it's working. If everything doesn't leak out again, the tank will even be relatively full quickly. With many thanks and best regards, we say goodbye to our dear caretaker, one last cigarette - then off we go. But wait - what's splashing there again. This time at the back on the passenger side. New opening, old problem. Our fresh water doesn't want to leave Göggingen. But our motorhome does. After twenty minutes of searching for the next valve and a corresponding phone call to America - Jonas, who provided us with the motorhome for our honeymoon, is currently in the States - the second valve is found and closed. And yeah man - nothing is splashing anymore. So one last cigarette and then - we roll. Actually. Water tank still (relatively) full and our journey to the south begins. Our navigation system sends us via the A8 to Munich, via the A99 around Munich, wonderfully in rush hour traffic, and back via the A8 towards Austria. When we finally arrive at Kufstein in Austria after three hours and the traffic sign "Brenner 100km" announces, we realize that this was probably not the most sensible route. But fuck it, we're on our way. And it's still light outside. For now.

On the drive, we already wonder - will we stick to our intended destination Moniga del Garda on Lake Garda to visit Basti's colleague Dani, or do we just stay in South Tyrol. Or maybe just on a rest area. We're tired after all, the bed is just three meters behind us and it's already made. But no - we're going through with it now. Thanks to the parking space app, we find a parking space 5km before Moniga del Garda that sounds quite reasonable. Put it in the navigation system - estimated time of arrival 10:15 pm. How long can you actually check in at a parking space?

We reach the parking space shortly after 10 pm with slightly excessive speed. The building next to the barrier is still illuminated - Bingo! Well, almost - "it's closed since 10." Shit. "Is there something we can do about that?" "Yes - just pick a place. I'll open the gate." That was easier than expected - we didn't even have to bribe the colleague.

We parked the 6.5-meter van on one of the fortunately still numerous parking spaces. Connected to the electricity - and we have successfully completed our first stage. Very tired, but also very satisfied, we take out the chairs, open a few of the wedding beers we brought with us, and enjoy them with a view of the lake. Quite exciting, with such a big motorhome and so little knowledge.