The Hills Are Alive

So we didn't exactly do the Sound of Music tour while we were in southern Germany and Austria but we did have a really lovely time.  One thing I have really come to admire and appreciate about the Europeans is their cafe society. With living spaces being small and cramped, one needs to get out during the day or evening and go for coffe or drinks. With no yard to look after and only a small area for outdoor potted plants, people seem to put their energy into going for walks during the evening and then stopping for a drink. I'm loving all the families that are out in the parks and places. Except for the touristy areas, most stores are closed on Sundays and so one needs to shop accordingly. That means on Sundays everyone is out and about in the parks or sitting at the cafes visiting. I'm loving the fact that there is a cafe on every corner (and about two or three inbetween). The concept of Mom and Pop establishments is alive and well in European small towns and cities and there seems to be enough business to go around. (Now if I could only introduce them to the concept of refills...)