June 17, 2005
Day 11: Fuel Stop
June 17, 2005 1:35pm Odometer: 36819
I've been trying to keep up with the Autobahn traffic, just to see what it's like. As I mentioned before, that's about 100mph average, sometimes more. It has been pretty interesting... the slower traffic really hurries to get out of my way. So unlike the traffic in the U.S., where some of the left lane drivers are totally oblivious and don't even move out of the left lane when the right one is clear. It has become second nature to pass on the right when I drive in California; it's not worth getting upset about the oblivious folks in the left lane. I thought it would be hard to get out of the habit as it's not allowed to pass on the right in most European countries, but since folks pull over as quickly as possible, it has not been a problem at all. The awareness that most drivers have does make driving a lot more pleasant over here.
What I do notice is that the high speeds really cut into my fuel mileage. I really do find it odd that so many people drive as fast as they do considering the cost of fuel here (as I mentioned, about $5.60 per gallon). Though a large portion of the vehicles run on diesel fuel, the cost of diesel fuel is not really that much of a bargain either at ~$5 per gallon. And whether diesel or gasoline, the faster the car is driven, the worse the fuel economy. So folks buy a tiny little economy diesel car, then they drive it as fast as possible... seems counter-productive!
This is the last gas station before the Danish border on this stretch of the Autobahn; I'm obviously getting pretty close to Flensburg. As I was filling up, a fellow came up and recognized that I was from the Sacramento area by seeing “Modesto” on the license plate frame; I was impressed!! He said he works for the oil industry, and so has been to California and knows the cities. He also mentioned that he has a Kawasaki 1500 cruiser he normally drives when he's not working.
I got a bratwurst and roll for lunch after I filled up; very delicious! There are a certain kind of rolls here that are unique; I have had a very hard time finding similar rolls in California. Crunchy outside, soft inside, great flavor.
I also find it interesting how much more aware the folks here seem to be, more “with it.” Driving is one example. Another is when I got my food... the lady noted I was on a 'bike, so she did not even ask if the order was “to go;” she did ask the couple ahead of me, who were in a car. Nice!
I should be able to get to my Mom's pretty soon; I'm looking forward to seeing her again.
.JPG) |
| Nice camper spotted at the gas station. |
Posted by Michael at June 17, 2005 01:35 PM | EuroTrip2005
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Posted by: Anonymous at June 17, 2005 01:35 PM
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