an inbetweener

A little outing to Ruine Neuburg (Thurgau, Switzerland) estimated to have been built in the 13th century. I thought we would check it out while enjoying a lunch up there. Finally gone through a much needed restoration in 2001 and 2002, it is now a safe and awesome ruine to visit. A little hidden and no parking (unless you park illegally like us entitled tourists), you can bet not to find a whole lot of crowd up there. I love that about North East Switzerland. There are only a handful of places that are crowded tourist attractions. Other than that, you mostly run into locals only which in essence helps me feel closer to Swiss culture.

I love old stone buildings. Blows my mind trying to imagine how they managed to stack those rocks on top of each other so tall and fairly level.

Tristan being silly

 Old ruins make for excellent climbing practices.

That's a massive wall

We found a very nice setup for a future lunch here. First thought: This would make a perfect camping spot if we did it unnoticed since camping in Switzerland is illegal unless in designated areas and for a price.

Plants here just like to grow anywhere. I learned that this hill used to be treeless when this fortress was built. It was built mainly to keep track of the merchants crossing the lake just below.

Moss everywhere. You notice silly things like this when where you live it's a rarity. Next stop Stein am Rhein. I remembered it to be as cute as heck of a town. And it was. Not disappointing in any way. 

This town carries a very medieval charm. This said medieval looking clothing in stores are also available.

The narrow passage way into town

Talon insists that this town doesn't look medieval but Japanese. I think it is all the dragon decorative metal drains everywhere in town plus a ton of Asian tourists that gave him that idea.

Even this church has dragon heads resting in all the corners

And this bike resembles the Japan flag. Okay. Wrong color combination. Never mind. Just cute

We fond an awesome Brocki (second hand shop). 30 dollars for some swords and $25 for some awesome cow horns. I should have gotten them that day because it turns out like so many Swiss businesses, it is closed for the rest of the summer for vacation.