Having endlessly reviewed all possible angles, we’ve finally landed on a plan of action in relation to our time in the EU. And whilst the possibility of popping into Lichtenstein, a non EU country, to extend our visit is very tempting, we’d be relying on the internet for confirmation that they’d stamp our passports in the tourist information office – there’s no border control there. If the internet has it wrong, and it often does, we would be stuck without a way out in time.
In the end we settle for the simplest option: we’ll leave the EU within 90 days, crossing through the bottom of Germany then France (no hardship there) then ferrying to to England. We can spend the rest of our time there without visa issues. Being back in England will also allow Himself to deal with the motorhome window and a few other maintenance matters. He’s faithfully promised this will not mean we’ll spend our time trapped in various motorhome repair centres. Let’s hope he didn’t have his fingers crossed.
And so today sees us start the long drive towards the northern west coast of France. The ferry is booked, taking our leave on the 89th EU day. We farewell the Czech Republic (you’ve been magnificent) entering Germany’s Bavaria by early afternoon.
There are two deer sightings in amongst the greenest countryside. We’re following our maps “green routes” marked for their natural beauty.
We arrive in Amberg by late afternoon. All the better for a shot of Amberg’s Stadbrille bridge, nicknamed “the town’s spectacles” for the reflection it gives in the Vils river.
It’s another little pocket of living mediaeval history.
The market square features the late 15th century Pfarrkirche St Martin
and an even older Gothic Town Hall dating back to the 1300s. 
It makes a perfectly pleasant spot to stop for a drink. Amberg was once home to the Rhine palantines whose Palace and Chancellery still stand today, tucked to the sides of the bridge.
Amberg’s loveliest surprise though is found a little way out of its mediaeval centre. It runs an extensive community garden, unlike any I’ve seen before. 
More like small housing blocks, many featuring a tiny house, these are serious gardening plots.
I can’t work out if residence is allowed within its grounds, but there are plenty of people relaxing with drinks, firing up BBQs and generally looking very at home. The site is enormous, filled equally with flowers and vegetables. We wander through its full length only to discover there are further streets to explore. By the end, I have serious garden and vegetable plot envy. It’s one of the best urban planning ideas I’ve seen. And! They have a bunny club on site!
There are posters and pictures, deeming bunnies a garden’s best friend. It’s true – bunny marbles are the only manure that doesn’t burn plant roots when it’s “fresh”. I suggest to Himself that we really need a bunny, for the garden. He’s having none of it. I’ll keep working on that. 🐾🐇🌻👯.
Miss Baci Travels 