I got carded & Found Crullers

We had our first run in with German authorities this week.

Max and I have taken the bus a few times here which is always a challenge trying to get Max and the stroller on board in a matter of seconds. he first time we tried it poor little Max got caught in the doors. Luckily he wasn't hurt just shocked! On the buses there is a place in the middle for stroller and wheelchairs. Usually there are a couple of strollers already there so it can be quite tight. We went to the pool again this week and took the bus since it is a good hike on foot. Going to the pool is pretty exhausting for me because I have to take the stroller and a big back pack with all of our swimming stuff. so we get on the bus and squeeze the stroller in between two other strollers. I set Max back in the stroller since there are no seats and then stop to take a big breath - yea we made it! About the time I exhale a guy is sticking a yellow card in my face. Stephan had mentioned there are people who travel on buses and trains to make sure everyone pays so I could guess who this guy was. Anyway I just held out the change I had meticulously counted out so I would have the exact amount to give the driver when I was able to make my way between all the people standing with my massive back pack up to the front. The guy was not impressed. He said it was too late that he had watched me get Max settled and then stand there and do nothing. Seriously it could have only be a few seconds. Anyway, a lady who was on the bus with infant twins in a stroller started yelling at him to give me a break and that it is too hard to make it all the way to the front with a small child. She was good and the guy let me of this time. I think there is a hefty fine - something like $50 if you are caught riding without paying. So now I am really afraid of the bus since I need to get on, get settled and run to the front to pay! I need to figure out a monthly card but we only ride once or twice a week so it dosen't make that much sense but it would be easier.

On a good (or bad) note I have discovered that they have cruller donuts here. The kind that look like tractor tires. When I was little we used to go to a little independent donuts shop after church and they had the best crullers - eggy inside with lots of air pockets - super light. I haven't found really good ones in the States in years. They are usually more cake-like on the inside. I saw them in a bakery window and was so excited. I have now tried several different bakery's and they are all fantastic! No wonder all this walking hasn't made one pound of difference!