Konstanz and cycling

Painted facades in Konstanz

We were happy to arrive in Zurich (flight from Nice) then Konstanz, on Lake Constance (or Bodensee) Germany (train from Zurich) - some reasons being:

• everything works like clockwork and is on time
• there are seats to sit on - both in public parks and public toilets
• cleanliness is guaranteed

Unfortunately the food is not as good as in France!

We spent a day doing a self guided iTour of Konstanz, particularly the Old town. We were especially taken by the beautiful mediaeval buildings, often painted to tell a story. 

Konstanz harbour on Lake Bodensee

There was a very important gathering of churchmen in Konstanz from 1414-1418 to plot the future of the Catholic church (and the demise of 3 Popes). The statue of Imperia on the harbour is a modern depiction of an actual person, one of 600 prostitutes who came into the town to "meet the needs" of the visiting clergy! She holds a naked Pope in one hand and a naked King in the other and has caused significant discussion. There are other whimsical statues in the town. We also learned that the little room jutting out from many buildings up high were in fact toilets that opened down onto the street in mediaeval times. A walk along the street would have been risky.

Imperia

Next day we began our cycling trip around the lake - 10 days of riding, around 300 kms or so. Beautiful day and an absolute delight to be on a bike again. The first day's ride was to Richenau (a major vegetable growing island area), then a journey on a boat (with bikes) and on to Stein am Rhein. We only got lost twice in 25 km.

Churches and cabbages

On the boat