Southern Europe road trip!

So it's time that I, Erlend, post a blog again.

I just came back from a 6 day road trip with my sister-in-law, brother-in-law and a friend.
A few pictures are missing, unfortunately, because my phone, that was also my camera, got stolen...
But, anyway, here we go:

We had already planned the route before we began:

We started in Germany

We stayed over night in Rosenheim

Then we drove to Austria

First to Innsbruck (there was no snow, I had to copy this picture from the internet)

And then we crossed the Brenner Pass to Italy

And after crossing into Italy, we drove along the coast of Lago de Garda

But Italy was not our goal, so we drove on until we came to Republica di San Marino

Which is a 61 square kilometers large independent republic that borders Italy on all sides

It's the worlds oldest country, and has been independent since year 301

My broter-in-law enjoying the view from San Marino City towards Italy and the Adriatic sea

After visiting San Marino, we drove back into Italy, and stayed over night in our 28 year old camping van at a truck stop on the autostrada close to the city of Modena

The next day we headed west wards along the Italian riviera. At the rest-stop in this picture, we experienced the highest temperature on the trip: 29 celsius.

The next day we drove to a "country" I would be surprised if anyone has heard of:

Principato de Seborga

Seborga is what is called a "micronation." It is a village in Italy that claims independence based on historiacal documents they say prove that they are not a part of Italy. 

The population of this village is only about 300-350, but they still have a king, flag, constitution, army (one man, a lieutenant), currency (the Linguini) and serious national pride. The entire village is covered in flags.

They also have a national motto: Sub Umbra Sedi. It means "Sit In the Shade."

Oh, and also; if the Linguini would have been an real currency, it would have been the most valuable one in the world. The exchange rate is 1 Linguini = 6 US Dollars. 

My sister-in-law Doro at the Italian-Seborgan border

Our friend Alex in the guard post of the Seborgan army

The guys hanging at the Seborgan border

While at the border, we actually decided to attempt a take-over, and invaded to set up our own country, but nobody noticed, so after looking around we just left...

Main street in Seborga

Seborga is not far from the French border, so that is where we headed afterwards

But france was only part of the way, because our goal after Seborga, was the second smallest, and most densely populated country in the world: Principauté de Monaco

Those of you who know flags will notice that it looks identical to the flag of Indonesia, just a little shorter.

Border to Monaco

Stefan checking out the boats at the port in Monte Carlo

Monaco is only 1,95 square kilometers in size, but still has a population of over 36 000.

In my opinion, they also have Europe's worst traffic. 

It is the only place I have experienced to have to leave the country while looking for parking...

After leaving Monaco, we drove along the French riviera, stayed over night close to Montpellier (thats where someone broke into the car, while all 4 of us slept in it, and stole my phone, with out anyone noticing. We drove down to the beach for breakfast, and then headed up the Pyrenean mountains

The reason for this was to cross into Spain

And the reason for that, was to cross into Principat d'Andorra

Andorra is about 470 square kilometers in size, and the only country in the world to be officially ruled by two people who both come from other countries. Legally Andorra is ruled by the French President and the Bishop of the Spanish city of Urgell, even though it's a independent country. 

We headed into the capital city; Andorra la Vella (again, a picture from the internet)

Andorra la Vella is 1023 meters over sea level, and that where we experienced the coldest temperature during the trip: 6,5 celsius.  

Me out side of the Andorran government building

And then I could finally eat something i always wanted to try: snails!

Most people think this is disgusting, and, to be honest, that was what I expected, but it was good! Seriously, I'd not mind eating it again.

After leaving Andorra, we drove through France, and crossed back into Germany close to the city of Baden-Baden, and stayed overnight there at my wife's uncle's house. Thank you for your hospitality.

Conclution: 

The country that impressed the most: Republica di San Marino

The thing that was most fun to do: Visit Principato de Seborga

The country that disappointed the most: France (partly because that where someone stole my phone)

If you have a camper-van, or know someone that does; I seriously recommend this trip. The 4 of us only paid 150 Euro each, and that included all the fuel, all the food and all the road toll. 

Doro, Stefan and Alex: you're awesome people to travel with. And Stefan; seriously good driving! Absolutely no problems what so ever during 4040 kilometers.

And thank you God, for keeping us safe.