We left the vicinity of Schwangau..the "Swan Land" and venture south towards Switzerland. We entered the Autobahn (highway) for some kilometres, enough for Syibli to key in into the Google Map for our next destination.
Another aspect of Rare in this Rarecation is the fact that we travel, as much as possible not using the Autobahn or Autostrada, I mean the highways. The old road, the one less travelled? Those are the most scenic don't you think so? Old road or state road follows the terrain but highways...highways take point A and B, connect them in the most direct route. Mountain in the way? Either you bore through them or smash them into kingdom come. Need to cross a valley? Just build bridge with its support 100 feet tall or more.
We were traveling along the road when suddenly from 'Temerloh' (Saiful Nang (SN) was driving) called in over the walkie talkie telling us to pull over..."berhenti! berhenti!" (Stop! Stop!)
The reason...
....acres upon acres of canola flower. Another feature of Rarecation..since the organisers are photographers first and travellers second...a nice view for picture opportunity is something too good to let go.
Apple trees were also at the location. Since we come from a place that is...ahem...devoid of apples (even the green 'Granny Smith')..so we were...I mean..I was like a monkey.
"so this is the apple tree".....
Suddenly...."What are you doing?" "Who are you?". He was so silent, none of us realised he came. Apparently the owner of the canola farm. SN went to meet him and explained about us and the trip. He was a bit tense at first. But knowing us as only photographers....he even told us a little bit of the farm. He rotates his crop to ensure the soil stays healthy. Canola is the last in the crop rotation. Anyway, he gave permission to carry on taking photographs which we were very happy to comply.
We continued our journey towards the Switzerland border. We passed small towns and farms. The weather was still gloomy...but we kept our spirits high.
I've always love to travel on road...more so when crossing borders. When travelling in Malaysia, states borders were clearly marked with big signboard and the state flag. So I was looking forward to the Switzerland's border.
Will there be any inspection? Our passports checked? Etc..etc? I just kept quiet because we were somewhere around the town of Lindau.
The lake is situated in three different EU country Germany, Switzerland and Austria. Another reason why we stop for a while was because A1 'California' van reported loss of tyre pressure. The vehicles ran on Run-flat wheel/tyres so not much worry there. But still need to sort out the problem as we were just at the beginning of the long journey. Off to the petrol station we go and pump air.....all was ok. For now.
The Swiss border comes and go!
I did not manage to take picture of it! But it was a small one.
Such a letdown! But I can tell you that no passport check...it was at night. So we just passed thru. Only there was a EU flag on a signpost with 'Switzerland' or was it 'Swiss' written below it. It' all the same for Italy, Austria even Slovenia.
Anyway...we continued journey to a campsite which we had called earlier and we weren't allowed to enter. I wasn't sure whether it was full or just close. But the owner refused to let us in.
Syibli checked another one along the route, and it wasn't far from this one. We arrived at the other one...and each camper van was required to submit a passport at the campsite's office (one of the procedure). We immediately parked all the vehicles and prepared ourselves for the night.
Meanwhile for the crew, they need to fetch another participant. Tasha. She's in Zurich at that time. Arrived by train from....somewhere. With the heater on, the camper van was cosy. I was snoring like there's no tomorrow.....Aheh!
 |
| rolling fields |
 |
| road between the trees in autumn |
The reason...
....acres upon acres of canola flower. Another feature of Rarecation..since the organisers are photographers first and travellers second...a nice view for picture opportunity is something too good to let go.
Apple trees were also at the location. Since we come from a place that is...ahem...devoid of apples (even the green 'Granny Smith')..so we were...I mean..I was like a monkey.
"so this is the apple tree".....
Suddenly...."What are you doing?" "Who are you?". He was so silent, none of us realised he came. Apparently the owner of the canola farm. SN went to meet him and explained about us and the trip. He was a bit tense at first. But knowing us as only photographers....he even told us a little bit of the farm. He rotates his crop to ensure the soil stays healthy. Canola is the last in the crop rotation. Anyway, he gave permission to carry on taking photographs which we were very happy to comply.
 |
| (l-r) Hafiz, Anz, Muhammad (behind Anz), Syibli and Radzi |
 |
| (l-r) Che Mun, Coke, Kak Mona, Sab and Pah |
 |
| (l-r) Januar and Kay |
 |
| Abang Rashid....in contemplation |
I've always love to travel on road...more so when crossing borders. When travelling in Malaysia, states borders were clearly marked with big signboard and the state flag. So I was looking forward to the Switzerland's border.
Will there be any inspection? Our passports checked? Etc..etc? I just kept quiet because we were somewhere around the town of Lindau.
 |
| Lake Constance or Bodensee (in German) |
The Swiss border comes and go!
I did not manage to take picture of it! But it was a small one.
Such a letdown! But I can tell you that no passport check...it was at night. So we just passed thru. Only there was a EU flag on a signpost with 'Switzerland' or was it 'Swiss' written below it. It' all the same for Italy, Austria even Slovenia.
Anyway...we continued journey to a campsite which we had called earlier and we weren't allowed to enter. I wasn't sure whether it was full or just close. But the owner refused to let us in.
Syibli checked another one along the route, and it wasn't far from this one. We arrived at the other one...and each camper van was required to submit a passport at the campsite's office (one of the procedure). We immediately parked all the vehicles and prepared ourselves for the night.
Meanwhile for the crew, they need to fetch another participant. Tasha. She's in Zurich at that time. Arrived by train from....somewhere. With the heater on, the camper van was cosy. I was snoring like there's no tomorrow.....Aheh!
No comments:
Post a Comment