Rheinfelden: Roman Ruins and Wonderful New Friends
We had a great breakfast on the deck after our wake up call by Caruso, with the Rhine lapping at our feet. It is still summer here. We were invited to stay another night but I felt we had to put on some kms. Yvonne escorted us to the medieval village across the river in Swizerland. A large annual market was underway where we eventually ran into the local hockey team. Even they knew of the Victoria Breakers. One of the boys - Silvan - now has a Victoria Breaker's tee shirt.
GTW taking over at this point. Yvonne and Gerhard were amazing hosts. I shared Keith's feelings about wanting to put some kilometres on the ponies, but I was also reminding him that one of our goals was spontaneity and I loved the idea of staying. When he started chatting up the hockey boys, and it was already noon, I made an executive decision. We both agree it was the right one. We stayed with the Holl family and Caruso and his harem for another night.
Yvonne made us a delicious lunch with fresh veg picked up at the market that morning. Then Yvonne and Gerhard took us to see the rest of the Roman ruins on the Swiss side. I learned more about the gladiator lifestyle than I really care to know. It was a cruel life. There was a wonderful museum and their collection of Roman silver and the intricacies of it astonished us.
In the evening we went out for dinner at a great spot. There is nothing like local knowledge! It was a magical evening.
Breakfast on the Rhine. Watch for Joscha, Yvonne and Gerhard's son in the next few years. He is a great rower and has a fabulous coach...his Dad.
These boys were a lot of fun. "Canada? Hockey? Never heard of it! Oh wait, there is one team we have heard of...the Victoria Breakers." We just happened to have a shirt with us.
I like touching the old stones and thinking about how amazing it is they survived. It is still an active archeological site and the interpretive material they have is excellent.
And back at the ranch the chicks needed to be fed and the ponies were resting. We went out for dinner shortly after and forgot both phone and camera, so no pictures, but a truly wonderful evening. Yvonne and Gerhard, thank you so much. Then back to the Holl's amazing house for a good night's rest.
