Blogging
From Abroad

No trip to Germany would be sufficient without any number of rides on the infamous autobahn. My experiences on this eloquent superhighway were profound enough to influence me to embellish further on the topic. They say German drivers are among the best in the world, having seen it first hand, I can attest this myth to be real. Capable roads need capable drivers. My distant cousin, Rolli, was driving, I won’t go into details of his technique, but you’d better believe I was taking quite copious notes!

The autobahns are designed in such a way to allow for speeds in excess of 250 km/hr. I think is difficult for an ordinary individual to comprehend these kinds of sustained speeds (especially speed-deprived Americans). I will not bore you with the engineering behind the marvel that is the German automobile, or even specially designed roads. I simply ask that those who have experienced an autobahn to reflect with me for a moment…

And a teaser, some German-engineered bliss in a clever commercial….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_sshN-URJY (click back in browser after enjoyment to return here)

I was riding on the autobahn with, Rolli, a distant cousin of mine, when we saw a sign marked NÜRBURGRING 32 KM. I couldn’t believe my eyes and had to look twice! We just randomly happened upon THE Nürburgring!

I will elaborate only slightly; the Nürburgring is a world-renown race track of 20.8 or 24.4 kilometers in length (depending on use) and the common loop is called “Nordschleife” or northern loop (commonly called the Ring). Car-makers from around the world test their latest prototype models here and the public can use it with street-legal vehicles. Since there is no speed limit, it is quite alluring. Also note, that general German autobahn rules apply since it is still a public toll road, which means no passing on the right (left lane is for passing, take note AMERICANS!!! Unfortunately, we were unable to enter the Ring and could only look on from a high fence, but I managed to capture a cool video of this Audi Q7 jus’ cruisin’!

Near the Nürburgring was the BMW M test center, a most excellent Kodak moment. Too bad the display room was closed!

Bye!