Constance, Germany

We headed out to Constance, Germany to start our drive North for the holidays. Did we mention that it's cold? There were supposed to be several motorhome options in Constance. Alas, everything was closed for the season.


Finally found a spot about 30km outside of Constance. Through sheer determination, we made it in to their back lot; we were able to fill water from a hose tap inside the restroom. We knew things would be closing up for the winter, but didn't anticipate encountering huge difficulties getting water.


We were close enough in to bike to the train station. Fortunately, it was an honest town as we found ourselves without the keys to the bike locks. About 30-minutes by train and we were back in Constance, absorbing the beautiful Christmas market. Though we were quickly chilled.


By now, I am entering my annual Christmas shopping panic. I've done NO shopping and am concerned about the time we have. Dan is Mr. Relaxed about the whole thing. Men! I swear, they have it so easy that they can put off Christmas shopping until Christmas Eve. He gave in though and took the girls back to the RV to let me shop in peace. After seeing them off on the train, I decided to explore to the left of the station, where I found a huge shopping mall! It was warm and tons of stores and sales to take advantage of. I left with a lighter wallet but tons of Christmas presents for the kids - at about 1/2 what we would have paid in Switzerland. Made my way back to the Christmas Market for some gifts for my host family and then enjoyed a quiet train ride back to the RV.

The pictures below don't do the town justice. The Christmas Market is simply beautiful, especially when the lights are on. By the time I left town (6pm), it was just warming up - people everywhere. Market stalls extend out to the lake front, gluhwein, candles, bratwurst .... all the makings of holidays outdoors.



Pictures from Constance, Germany: