France > Heading to Germany

While others are getting ready to celebrate Liberation Day, Nicolette and I set off on our road trip to the islands of Sardinia and Corsica. At quarter past nine, we leave Delft. We are driving a brand-new Hyundai i20. The car was just delivered last Wednesday. We’re still getting used to the sounds and warnings of the car. Luckily, we have plenty of time to adjust. It is partly cloudy and the road is calm. South of Rotterdam, the Haringvliet Bridge is open. A sailboat passes through. A few hundred meters further, the bridge at the Volkerak locks is also open. We have time to spare. Without too much trouble, we reach the Antwerp ring road. Via Brussels, we continue our route towards Luxembourg. Just before the Principality, the navigation leads us off the highway. A backroad route takes us directly to France. We follow the route past Metz and Strasbourg. At a toll booth, we want to use the toll badge stuck behind the windshield. However, the barrier does not open. Cars behind us quickly choose another lane. When we press the assistance button, we can give the badge number. The barrier then opens. At the next toll booth, it’s tense again. The device beeps and the barrier opens. Fortunately. In the distance, we see the Alps approaching. We also see dark clouds ahead. Very dark clouds. It doesn’t take long before the first raindrops hit the windshield.

France - Dark clouds hang over the road as we approach Switzerland

At the end of the afternoon, we approach the tripoint of France, Germany, and Switzerland. Just before that, we cross the Rhine. We are in Germany. Our hotel is located in the town of Weil am Rhein. It is still raining when we arrive. We don’t feel like going out anymore tonight. We decide to eat at the hotel. On the first floor is a Mexican restaurant. Soon a delicious fajita appears on the table. There are also many German police officers staying at the hotel. At least eight police vans are parked outside. An officer explains they are here to guard the border with Switzerland. Twelve hours on and twelve hours off. For a whole week. This means we will be safe tonight at least. In the hotel room, we have a glass of wine before going to sleep. Tomorrow we continue driving through Switzerland and Italy.