So we're back

A few observations from our brief stay in Germany:

• there are hardly any billboards along the Autobahn
• one rarely sees road kill
• not everyone speaks English, especially outside the big cities (Hungarian would have come in handy a couple times)
• there are speed limits on most of the Autobahn, but the default, 130 KM (about 81 MPH) isn't all that bad
• don't try to get a VW Polo above 140 KM or you'll soon be smelling antifreeze
• people know how to drive in Germany -- they pay attention, keep to the right except to pass, don't talk on the phone, and like good Germans, follow the rules (no flipping someone the bird or otherwise)
• no sense in trying to pass someone if you see an Audi, Mercedes, Porsche, or BMW in the rear view mirror -- they're definitely going faster than the VW Polo, Dacia, or Ford Focus that you're driving
• seems that there's something for kids everywhere, including special tours and play areas at the car museums
• Germans love their dogs, and doggie water bowls are prevalent at restaurants and stores
• the beer is good, but we didn't have anything better than the products of our excellent microbrews available at home
• the roads make Michigan look like a third world country although a few small potholes were noted in Stuttgart and in what was formerly East Germany
• visiting at least one of the car manufacturer's museums is a must-do for any visitor
• currywurst is surprisingly tasty
• anyone who loves to drive owes it to themselves to drive the Nürburgring