Erika and Rein am Stein, Switzerland

Erika's rhubarb pie was more than enough to entice us to revisit Switzerland. It was good to have the opportunity to eat in someone's house rather than our campervan. The space was huge, almost intimidating after four and a half months of living with a kitchen bench less than half a metre long.

Her house borders Lake Konstanz, which is the demarcation between Switzerland and Germany. The Germans call it Lake Bodensee. It is a huge lake, particularly in length, with the Rhine river originating from it. We also took the opportunity to visit a small Swiss village, Rhein am Stein, situated alongside the Rhine river where it abuts Lake Konstanz.

We have bemoaned the prices of everyday goods in Switzerland in a previous post, but as it turns out Switzerland has been one of the most economic countries we have visited - due entirely to the prices being so high Gretel has refrained from buying any presents. Just another reason why it is my favourite country to date.

Gret, Erika and her mum.

Looking back towards Lake Konstanz

In Switzerland and southern Germany buildings are often decorated with intricate 'three dimensional' art.

The Rhine

Roses!