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Felt really really sad saying goodbye to Minnie. That lanky, long legged, licky girl has completely stolen my heart.
Her true character emerged during the 3/4 days of our trip from Crete. In Crete, Minnie had ants in her pants, and was never still, and slightly ungainly, a bit like a bull in a china shop.
But when with Heidi, on our travels , they looked after each other much like two ancient aunties on a road trip. She was never restless (apart from in the car at the start ), they slept quietly in hotel rooms and in our cabins and walked nicely when out and about. I will miss her. However she did dribble for England in the car.
So, today’s journey started in Mulhouse and has ended near Aachen where we are now. I am told we are in Belgium but it is another case of being in an area of three frontiers- this time- Germany/Belgium/Holland.
Last night, in Mulhouse, the hotel was in Rue des Trois Frontières – Switzerland/ Germany/ France.
Today we have been in and out of France, Germany and Belgium. We particularly appreciated the forests and rolling hills of Germany. With the autumn colours , there was much to catch the eye.
It is also interesting to note how each country stamps its identity on highways and their signs.
I mentioned Italy in this light yesterday as being a bit confusing. But I should have commented on the clever way the Italians make night driving easier- by having reflective markers along the central reservation barrier. These illuminated the road when reflected by the headlights.
German signs are clear and easily followed with a familiar feel – akin to the UK or France. But as for the Belgian road information… you can’t miss it. Signs are huge and slightly clumsy to look at.
The journey passed uneventfully with the help of my iPhone and Google Maps since the satnav doesn’t do Germany or Belgium.
We met Marion and Dieter to hand over Minnie. They had Malloy / aka Bennie with them who is a brother of Heidi and Minnie.
Malloy/ aka Benny… reunited brother and sisters after 18 months
Marion and our two sisters
They were really lovely gentle people… Dieter is a retired teacher… Malloy will become his dog and Minnie ( who will stay Minnie) will be Marion’s dog. Their other dog in the car is about seven and was a special breed – something to do with a fox. Marion was very soft getting to know Minnie and lots of treats exchanged hands/mouths.
We waved a sad goodbye on a wet and windy late afternoon on a Belgian motorway. But I know it’s the right thing for Minnie.
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