So with the world finally reopening again after more than two years of lockdowns and Covid-related restrictions, we’re back on the road. And back on the road again with Kevin & Megan, at last “released” from Western Australia which for two years was not only cut off from the rest of the world, but also cut off from the rest of Australia. We meet up in Munich where we’re also joined by Rob & Kate on a quick trip from England.

Can't remember whether I've been to Munich before, but the city does leave a good impression, the centre at least. Wide boulevards, elegant shops and spotlessly clean! Even the old city where all the tourists head to visit the any of several large churches, or markets both indoors (everything Italian during our visit) and outdoors dominated by an enormous maypole, a feature it seems of many Bavarian villages.

But it's food, drink (beer that is!) and good times that Bavaria in general and Munich in particular likes to be known for. Hans-Peter (H-P as he's mostly known) and Claudia drive four hours from their home in Frankfurt to spend a Bavarian evening with us. A few years back, we'd spent a riotous Christmas and new year with H-P and Claudia somewhere in the Southern Ocean between South Georgia and the Falklands. We'd arranged to meet up with them in Munich two years ago until Covid got in the way. Better late than never! An evening to remember at the Augustiner-Keller, as typical a Bavarian beer garden and restaurant as could be imagined. H-P even showed up in lederhosen as were most of the other men around us. I knew there was something I'd forgotten to pack!!

Hope that H-P and Claudia thought it was worth the eight hour round-trip....we certainly did!!