Day 13 – Rhine Falls and a parking ticket

Sunday here is like it used to be in New Zealand. Nothing is open, well almost nothing – the exceptions are petrol stations and restaurants. It always means a bit of adjusting when I come to Europe.

The Rhine Falls were recommended as a place to visit. They are in Switzerland so that meant going through a border. The border we went through was without an official so we happily sailed through it. We took the scenic route which was lovely and the road we took literally went into Switzerland for a couple of kilometres and then we were in Germany again before going back over the border.

Parking near the falls was difficult to find. Eventually we found one. I looked to see whether we had to pay. As far I could determine you didn’t need to on Sunday. Two or three hours later we returned to find a ticket. I then looked at the parking meter again and it looked like there was a ten minute limit. I will need help in paying it!! Hopefully our Switzerland based friends will be able to help out.

The Rhine Falls are the largest in Europe and as such receive many visitors. We were both a little underwhelmed by them. Compared to the Niagara Falls they are less dramatic and even the Huka Falls in New Zealand are probably a little more impressive. Nevertheless, we had a lovely walk around them and then continued downstream along the Rhine for half a kilometre or so before returning via the opposite bank. It was nice being able to out in the fresh but cold air (8 degrees) without it raining.

We were peckish after our walk so had a kebab which had been recommended as they had their origins in Germany. Apparently a Turkish immigrant had invented or adapted the process. It was delicious.