Lingering in Lauenhagen

 Wednesday 10/07/24

The houses here are styled on the original, old farmhouses of the region and are absolutely massive.
The gardens are also generally very well kept.  It is a lovely area.

We're getting cycle-fit while exploring the local country-side during good weather spells.

It has been interesting living in rural Germany for a few weeks,  and we've been able to explore the area by car, bike and on foot.  

The local area where we are is very flat, perfect for cycling when the weather allows.  Many Germans use their bikes here and it's very easy to get around on the roads and cycle paths. 

We visited nearby Hamlin, another stunning village

The weather has been unusually unsettled this year but we've generally been able to adjust our plans to suit the weather.  Molly loves her walks around the neighbourhood and we've been grooming her daily, which she loves - even Filou comes for a brushing most days. 

We've found the local villagers to be very friendly, and are regularly stopped and greeted on our daily walks.  We've even bartered some of the many eggs from our hens for bread, honey and even chocolate! We're feeling very accepted in the community.

One day we are wrapped up in jackets, the next we are in shorts!

Heinrich III, master at waking everyone nice and early

In fact, we have three roosters here so it can get a little noisy.

At least the slugs have been enjoying the wet weather

There are also three ewes with five lambs between them on the property and, although they are owned by a local shepherd and not our responsibility, we got the knock on the door when they escaped down the road and started eating the neighbours' gardens.  

Luckily Toni and I are can-do people and quickly herded them back into the field and secured the fences.  As a thanks for keeping an eye on them, the shepherd regularly brings us huge Çöreks, Turkmen leavened breads. They are delicious....with the many eggs that we are also collecting!

One of the Çöreks, from the Turkmenistan shepherd

We still have a week and a half before the owners return and then we're planning on travelling to the Hartz forest for a few days, before heading further south to the Black forest.  Whilst we are thoroughly enjoying our time in the house-sit, we are also looking forward to spending time in the caravan again, to explore Germany further.

The Germans love their ice-cream.
We couldn't resist some as an Affogato - delicious!