This morning I set out across the bridge over the Rhine. At one point, as I looked down at a barge passing below, I had the strange feeling that the bridge was moving. It is all a matter of perspective. I crossed the border into Germany a little before noon and found a cafe for some light refreshments.
Thus far no lifts today. After my refreshment break I headed out to the road to Freudenstadt, where 7km further on there is the autobahn to Basel. I stopped in a lay-by with a table and enjoyed some French red wine – or vin rouge as they say in these parts. Oh, I am in Germany now – maybe it should be rotwein. There is table wine and there is lay-by table wine – in any event, it suited my palate well.
After an hour back on the road, I got my first lift of the day – to the autobahn. Within 5 minutes, I got a lift from a Canadian soldier and his family (wife and two young kids) to the outskirts of Lahr. Twenty-five minutes later, I got a lift to the lovely town of Freiburg. The driver kindly dropped me at the entrance to the youth hostel. He was a metal worker who is now studying law. He had a jolly disposition and drove a VW Beetle.
I had intended to push on to Basel, but decided that a couple of days in the Black Forest would be lovely, and it was also a chance to have a day’s rest from being on the road. The Black Forest is beautiful, with its expanses of forests and mountains. This is a wine-producing area, The rich volcanic sediments produce a sourer wine, something quite unique.
I spent a lovely evening at the youth hostel drinking in the company of three Americans – Becky, J.D. and “Sick”, but his name was Dick. I don’t think it was the drink affecting my recording of these events – I only had a litre of beer. Well, my notes say “2 x 1/2 litres”, without specifying what I was drinking! Beer is the best guess.
The amazing thing about my stay in Freiburg is that the friendship between Becky and I has continued until the present day. A lifetime shared with the Atlantic Ocean between us. Life has its sweet little fruits.
Enough for the fifth day. I left France behind me and entered a new land. It is more than that. There is something about personal discovery and crossing borders in one’s psyche.
There are no clues for tomorrow – you will find me remaining in Freiburg. I will describe the lovely day I had there. Join me tomorrow.
Psychologist on the Move 