Erika's special treat was a visit to the monastery church, or basilica, at Birnau, a village further along the lake from Unteruhldingen, which we could walk to. This was a particularly beautiful walk along quiet lanes, through fields and among old houses. The lanes were leafy and shady, welcome in the heat. We could see the domes of the basilica long before we reached it, as it stood high above the lake. An artist was selling his pictures outside in the grounds, Diana was greatly interested and it was good work. I was more interested in getting a bottle of water at the shop.

The basilica as we approach                                                                 the artist's paintings

the last gasp, uphill to the basilica                                                          The Virgin of Birnau

the wonderful rococo interior                                                               the pink and white icing exterior

two views of the painted ceiling

Dinner at the Ochsen

We were just in time for dinner at my favourite eating place, the Ochsen - they stop taking orders for food at 9pm, and we just scraped in. I did not even look at the menu, I knew what I wanted - trout with almonds, bratkartoffeln and salad. The trout was served in the pan it was cooked in - copper - and was superb. A perfect end to a perfect day.

every picture tells a story

at the end of the meal, we are all so happy