Lindau, Deutschland. Wednesday, 15th May 2019
The last night at Fussen, we were trying to decide what bus to take to Marktoberdorf this morning. the one at 09:02 or the one leaving an hour later. The advantage in catching the first one was that with comfortable changes, we would reach Lindau by 12:35. However, for this, we would need to wake up by 05:30 or so. To catch the 10:02 bus, we could afford to wake up an hour later, but with comfortable connections, would reach Lindau only by 14:30! The final decision went in favour of the 09:02 so I had set the alarm for 05:15. Well, we did wake up at that time but were too lazy to get out of bed. On the spur of the moment, I decided to take the later bus, even if that meant reaching Lindau late.
Finally got out of bed by 06:00 and readied ourselves. Breakfast, check-out and we were out of the hotel at Fussen by 09:10. The sky was grey and the dark clouds were hiding the snow clad peaks. Slowly tugging our bags, we strolled in the direction of the Bahnhof. Stopped at Feneberg market to recycle tins; and purchase Lindt-Mousse au chocolat. Reached the bus station just adjacent to the railway station, by 09:30. Waited inside, in its warmth. The SEV bus to Marktoberdorf docked at 09:45 or so and was filled within minutes. It departed approx. 8 minutes before time! Once again we were treated to magnificent views of the countryside but the snow clad peaks were invisible. This robbed the beautiful setting of its crown!
We reached Marktoberdorf Bahnhof at 10:42 and spotted a train on platform no. 1. Boarded it comfortably. It was bound for Munich, but we had to alight at Kaufbeuren for a change of trains to Lindau. The train left on the dot at 10:48. Now, we saw a chance, albeit thin, of catching the 11:06 from Kaufbeuren to Lindau, with a transfer time from platform no. 2 to no. 1, of just 4 minutes! However, our hopes began to fade when the train waited for long to let an express pass, at the station before Kaufbeuren. In the process, it got delayed by 3 minutes! We were resigning ourselves to a long wait at Kaufbeuren and reaching Lindau at 14:30. The train reached Kaufbeuren at 11:05, with just a minute to go for the connection!! To our great joy, our bogie stopped right next to the staircase! Wasting no time at all, collecting our luggage and our wits, we disembarked safely and literally raced down the stairs (no escalator!), with luggage! Hurriedly turned right in the underground passage, right again, up the next flight of stairs leading to platform no. 1. As I was halfway up, I saw the train approaching! "Gaadi aali!" (the train is arriving), I shouted to Urmila, who was a little behind me. She too gave it her everything and within seconds, we were in the train! All in the space of ONE MINUTE! Stood patiently till we were breathing normally again. Then stowed our bags and plonked on seats in the almost empty compartment! Phew!
The journey to Lindau lasted almost an hour and a half and was full of great scenery - seemingly endless forests of light and dark green pines clumped together, on either side of the tracks! This was absolutely incredible! Lindau station had a lovely exterior, as do many of these old-world stations in Germany have; and we had our first view of lake Constance from close quarters, to our right (we had already seen the huge lake from the train, just before arriving at Lindau station). Lindau station is located in the old town, which is actually an island, separated from the main part of Lindau.
Helped by GPRS, we trudged in the direction of our Hotel Brugger , along completely cobbled roads. The town had a feel of Cesky Krumlov (Czech Republic) and Brugge (Belgium) to it. The chill winds did not prevent us from admiring the exquisite constructions around - all with the typically European old-world charm. The criss-crossing of cobbled lanes with colourful buildings on either side presented an alluring albeit known spectacle. Arrived at the hotel by 13:15. Welcomed at the reception by the smiling owner and his wife. Allotted room no. 24 on the first floor. Room was good; road-facing.
Refreshed ourselves, set off for lunch. On our way to the hotel, we had spotted a Thai restaurant and decided to try it, rather than hunting around for restaurants. It was pretty cold and we were hungry. On reaching the restaurant, we found that it was soon to close for the afternoon, at 14:30. We entered the place at 14:16 - a good 14 minutes before its closing time - but were told politely and firmly that the restaurant could not accept any more customers as it was on the verge of shutting for the afternoon! How rigid were they, when there was still time before closing! Hungry and dying to eat, we found another decent looking restaurant not too far away. Entered it, to be welcomed by the captain. Thank god, this restaurant wasn't about to close! Just as we were about to sit, the captain regretfully informed us that they served only drinks and cake at that time! Double blow! However, he guided us to a nearby street, the main shopping area of tiny Lindau, where many restaurants were located. There was no choice but to head there, braving the chill. Entered the first restaurant we saw, only to be told that it had shut for the afternoon! Triple blow! Imagine restaurants shutting down during lunch time!! (Germany's Punekars?) This helpful gentleman pointed out to an Italian restaurant just 50 metres away and said that it did not shut during the afternoon. Thanks! Finally ate a meal comprising tap beer, minestrone soup, fried chicken and veg. salad with mayonnaise. The food was lovely, the ambience lively, the place warm.
Stomachs filled, we were back in the cold and were strolling slowly in the direction of lake Constance, entering a shop from time to time, to get a brief respite from the wind! Finally reached the lake. It was huge and reminded us of lake Zurich in Switzerland. We braved the chill to admire the snow clad peaks and forests of pine that were clearly visible in the distance, far beyond the opposite shore of the lake. Right in front of us stood Lindau's famous lighthouse and to its left, separated by an inlet, stood the statue of a lion, the symbol of the petite town. The wind here was literally hammering us, the cold had become worse, yet we went up to the shore of the lake to get better views and capture the panorama on camera.
Walked to the Bahnhof building and continued on to the REWE supermarket, which was outside the cobbled, pedestrianised zone. Purchased two tins of Captain Morgan White Rum Mojito; and Lindt Edel-Marzipan, plus some fruit. Took the outer road in the direction of our hotel, hoping to get a bus. We were hoping against hope, but reached the hotel on foot, within ten minutes.
