| quicksmile4u |
| In July we are going to move, we are taking the 01 MDX. I will be there for 3 years. I will appreciate any comments or suggestions on life in Europe. |
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| laborlitigator |
| Where in Germany? |
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| nightguy |
Hope you have some military orders so you can get cheap gas. When I was over there 8 years ago gas was a little over $4/gallon. I know in England it's been close to $6.
You must acquaint yourself with some gasthauses in the Garmisch...really anywhere. And always order Viesbier. It's the gasthaus's or area's own brew. Usually you can see stuff floating in it and it doesn't leave you with a hangover.
I really liked Germany. The only downside was the hefty amount of fried food anytime you eat out. That may be changing though.
And yeah, where in Germany ? We flew into Frankfurt, drove to Munchen and the Garmisch, then up to Berlin. Somewhere in there was a trip to Darmstadt and Heidelberg. And Neuschwanstein. (sp?) |
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| quicksmile4u |
| I'm going to Hanau, outside of Frankfurt. I 'will be on military orders. I was not aware that gas is less expensive on bases. We are planing to live off post to get the most of the German experience. |
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| hammermdx |
| Take some pics of the X on the Autobahn! |
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| nightguy |
quote: Originally posted by quicksmile4u
I'm going to Hanau, outside of Frankfurt. I 'will be on military orders. I was not aware that gas is less expensive on bases. We are planing to live off post to get the most of the German experience.
That was the case when I went.....that may have changed. I only know because my father in law was a reservist and we found out you must have official orders to buy it, not like the PX or BX where anybody with a military ID can go.
Back then I was able to stay with my wife's family (before we were married) on bases sans military ID with just a little hassle. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to do that now. |
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| robrecht |
quote: Originally posted by quicksmile4u
. We are planing to live off post to get the most of the German experience.
Good idea. Avoid the American ghetto, learn the language. Drinking the beer helps to learn the language. Travel in the Alps, including Austria & Switzerland--really beautiful there. In Austria, in the summertime, there's a road called the Gross Glockner Hoch Alpine Strasse. It's the highest road in Europe I believe--drive above the clouds, lots of great hairpin turns. Have fun! |
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| greatscot |
Sounds like you are in for an interesting time. Really appreciate your service to the country. I have a son in the military right now and can appreciate your being away from home.
Haven't been to Germany for a number of years (last time was 2002, but that time was a short drive through, so doesn't really count.) If you're into cycling, visit Holland and Belgium for sure. And of course, the World Cup will be held in Germany in 2006. Germany will have an excellent chance of winning it this time. |
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| Mr. Mom |
| You would be smart to stay off base. I was in Augsburg for two years down by Munich in 1969. The old base is closed now but I can check it out on the net. If you get away from the GI haunts and into the local restaurants and taverns you will find the people friendlier. I would truly love to drive the X on the autobahn. Don’t be surprised if you get flashed for doing 125 mph. |
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| quicksmile4u |
| Yes, I'm very excited about traveling in the autobahns in the X. This will be a chance of a lifetime, and I would like to come back having experience as much as possible. My job will be to support the soldiers' families as a pediatric dentist. :D |
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| Aggie76 |
I haven't lived there since '85 but definitely live on the economy. I spent 10 years living in Germany, 4 as a military and then two active-duty tours during my 26 year career in the Army. Lived in Frankfort, Grafenwohr & Fulda and loved each for different reasons. Autobahn has really changed, speed limits most places I hear - I had a BMW 2002 over there in the '80's that was used and had a blast. Use the train when you can, absolutely first rate and always on time, almost to the second. I used a Eurorail pass to get around on.
I started German schools as a kid, learned to speak German in school and it was great. Get to Munich, Garmish, Berchesgarten, Oberamergau for Passion Play, etc. Hessens tend to be fairly conservative and Bavarians tend to enjoy things more. Be sure to get out in the countryside whenever possible. I too lived off-post with German families and had wonderful experiences and still maintain contact with one family today. Way too much to go into here but I would go back there in a heartbeat if my business had opportunities there.
:2: |
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| TheWorm |
| You might check with autobahn over on the Honda Pilot board. He's over there right now. |
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| KenF |
| I feel pretty lonely down here in Rota. Tons of XC90's, but I've got the only MDX I've seen so far. Went to Paris for the weekend, none up there either. The MDX gets pretty bad mileage at 110 mph, I think it was down around 13 mpg. |
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| Mr. Mom |
quote: Originally posted by Aggie76
Lived in Frankfort, Grafenwohr & Fulda and loved each for different reasons.
:2:
Grafenwohr, wow, does that bring back memories. Railheads and cold, cold, cold. Buying worst and beer from German kids in the boonies. |
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| Aggie76 |
quote: Originally posted by Mr. Mom
Grafenwohr, wow, does that bring back memories. Railheads and cold, cold, cold. Buying worst and beer from German kids in the boonies.
Oh yes, indeed - Tank & Scout Gunnery, Camp Achien, Vilseck, road trips to Hofenfels and Wildflecken. Spent lots of days and nights in all kinds of weather during my years in Germany - remember the tank trails in mid-summer - thick white dust getting into every orifice. Remember the camoflaged Roach Coach?
I actually was lucky enough to be part of the Brigade 75 rotation assigned to Graf for a while like permanent party for a portion of one tour. We then moved the unit up to Garlstadt on the North Sea for the rest of a full tour - talk about cold & wind!
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| quicksmile4u |
quote: Originally posted by KenF
I feel pretty lonely down here in Rota. Tons of XC90's, but I've got the only MDX I've seen so far. Went to Paris for the weekend, none up there either. The MDX gets pretty bad mileage at 110 mph, I think it was down around 13 mpg.
We'll have to get together. I have a question for you, Do you have a NAV system? if so, how did you get the software? Do you get service through Honda? |
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| KenF |
Yes on the Nav system, but I don't have a Europe DVD. Not sure it exists. I did a lot of research before moving over here, asking around on the board and contacting alpine, who I think makes the system. Supposedly Honda Europe makes a DVD nav system, but I haven't been to a dealership yet and asked to swap out the DVDs to see if it would work in our nav system. What happens now is when I push the OK button it just freezes, you get no map at all.
We didn't drive to Paris, way too far from down here, we drove up to Sevilla and then flew.
Haven't even been here long enough for a service interval. Did the 15,000 right before we left in December, and have put about 2000 miles on since then. There are Honda dealerships in the area, but they don't sell anything in Europe like a Pilot or MDX, so I might end up just doing it myself. There are a couple of Pilot owners on base, so I might ask them what they do. |
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| TranMDX |
Enjoy your time over there!!
I was over there from 2002-2004 but not for the service.
There are many ways to travel over there for cheap. Plus, we found some great B&B in Germany. If you want travel tips and places to see, then email me. I'll be glad to help.
The Autobahn is great but there are speed limits here and there. Mostly near the cities. Watch out for the camera on A3 from Dusseldorf to Frankfurt. I got a good picture and ticket from it. I got a few tickets over there. In some areas, they have cops with cameras to take your pictures too. It does not matter because it is part of the experience!!! Stay out of the fast lane because the MDX can not compete with the Cayenne turbo and high performance cars over there.
Gas is expensive over there, so fill up on base when you can. You can get gas coupons to use at the local gas stations, but there are only 2 or 3 gas station chains that would accept them. My Uncle was in Frankfurt when I did my time in Germany.
Have fun and enjoy because Uncle Sam is paying for your Eurotrip!!! |
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