Yesterday (Monday) we left Czech and travelled to Germany. Our train took us through Austria to Linz and then we crossed the boarder into Germany at a place called Simbach Inn. We met our new hosts who have a converted farmhouse with a large meadow and garden that has a wood and brook at the bottom. Our host is a sculptor and his art decorates the garden. The weather yesterday was beautiful, but today has been wet and dreary. This area is renowned for its thermal spas so this evening we were taken to the newest one, not far from here, and we spent a relaxing evening swimming in the hot water in the outside pools in the pouring rain. It was really fun. On the way home we were treated to Gelato. I think I am going to like Germany!

It has been dark and dreary for the last week. We had wanted to go biking but it has been too wet. We needed some provisions so headed off to Simbach Inn on the German/Austrian border. We then walked over to Braunau in Austria by crossing the bridge spanning the River Inn. Braunau is the birth place of Hitler and he lived there until he was three when he moved to Linz. The house has been left empty and there is nothing to indicate its historic significance other than a stone placed ouside that mentions peace as the Austrians do not want it to become a tourist attraction.