Is Burt still in Bacharach

So I am now sitting in downtown Bacharach (on the Rhine) after a fine evening meal, stretching the day out as far as I can so that I move time zones efficiently. Quiet medieval villlage on a public holiday and I feel pretty good with how the day has gone, despite all the somewhat acute observations along the way. For the record, my main points are: Being on your own really heightens almost everything; no one to correct any travel mistakes and for now at least, I have managed the air, rail and touring systems with little difficulty. I do not have any commitments until Saturday so there is no rush. Wandered off the aircraft after good flights, took an hour or so to get onto the train system (public holiday so limited services) and in Bacharach by just after 1030 am. Quite a cool morning of just 1 degree C but a fine day and the train was going past those beautiful dappled forests in a European spring so very relaxing. Germans of all sizes and shapes are on their bikes today, hunting in packs along the Rhine. I like the idea of sausage and beer stands along the bike ways where they congregate for a chat between riding spells. The river has plenty of traffic as I check out the potential for a couple of short ferry rides tomorrow so that I have something to say at any dinner party where the cruising crowd discuss the almost inevitable Rhine river cruise. Does not look like they stop at Bacharach as no little groups with little flags and dazed looks wandering through. It is not that busy here despite Spring and the holiday so it feels a little strange, quiet and even sad at times in town. Cafes are quiet and restaurants are just starting to prepare for the day as I look for my short duration home. Hotel all closed up when I arrive which was perturbing. Bloke next door said “hotel not good, better up there (points)”. Hmmm, I check with tourist office just back a bit to find that hotel will open up soon. Good. Check bag in around 1100 and hotel inside looks a bit past it and maybe I am only one here! Head off into village to see something German. After check of menus around town, I make my lunch choice. Looks quiet. Open door to enter and find all 4 tables in bar area have stopped eating to watch stranger enter. Confidently order local tap beer and settle in at 5th and last table. Old people resume eating but I think they have been eating here for many years now and have run out of partner conversation many years ago. Enjoyed my pike fish though sitting in this fishbowl. Resisted spargel options on basis that I have time for that over next few days, hopefully again and again. Walk up to castle towering over town after lunch and enjoy my afternoon cake and coffee. More walking back to town but have to clean up a bit now and take a quick snooze. Finally around 7pm, I gave in to spargel for main evening meal and enjoy every bit of it. Try it if you ever get the chance. Internet is quite poor in my declining hotel so no pics this blog. Despite Bacharach providing many photo opportunities. Think there might be one or two couples now in this place. Will see what happens at breakfast. Day 1 over and made it until about 9 pm so should be back to normal time zone things tomorrow.