Bavaria and Family Ott

Driving from the Alps into Bavaria, we experienced our smoothest transition of this trip. Each time we change apartments, I brace myself. We pack and load and navigate. Driving today was 4 hours. I imagine that if hell is ever personalized, mine would include 3 whining children in a small European vehicle and I’m lost.
But today was very nice. No police to harass us, no official speed limit and we had precise written directions from our host to help us find the front door.
Plus, Bavaria feels very much like home. German settlers in Wisconsin kept much the same when setting up their towns and farms. Although, (hint , hint America) here we pass many more wind towers and solar panels.
We are hosted by the Family Ott. This is our last one-week stay at a farm. I can now conclude that the absolute best part about our trip has been staying in apartments with host families. Each apartment has been beautiful, comfortable and welcoming.
Farmer Ott introduces himself and gives us an orientation. They produce 3 commercial white wines and sugar. During the high season, the apartments host as many as 50 people. The first floor dining hall can serve 70. For now, we are the only ones here.
My children return from the barn with Mrs. Ott. “Now we know why Frau Moser taught us all those barnyard animal songs! We understood everything the farmer’s wife said to us.” It’s been a complaint off and on at school- why do we need to know the names of all the animals in German? You just never know…
The barn is also equipped with many bicycles, go carts and push toys. The children are excited for the combination of warm weather, open space and new toys.
I’m trying to understand the lay-out of the farm. Instead of being surrounded by open fields, we have neighbors. We are in a town. The major road passes at the end of the paved driveway- where there is a large restaurant and a park only a block away. Urban farming? If there are fields, I don’t see them. Where’s the dirt? Just because it looks like WI, doesn’t mean it acts like WI.