A while back we went to dinner at the Derrs. As you turn off the main street into the apartment complex, you pass this sign. It looks harmless enough but the consequences are far reaching. After making three turns and about two blocks away I started to look for a parking place. I did not see any signs and parked the car. When we returned latter there was a ticket on the windshield. A couple of weeks later the church sent me a 15 euro ticket. Well, this sign did it. Many Germans have never known about no parking "zones" but now I do, and so do you. The no parking zone has a parking allowed sign a few feet away but when the parking area ends you are back to the no parking zone.

 The next few pictures show an interesting but rather profound fact of life here in Germany. The significant fact that you can't see in the pictures is that the pictures were taken this morning-Sunday. Toom is a major grocery chain here in Friedrichsdorf. The parking lot is empty.

 Most days this area is bustling with activity.

 Not today, it's Sunday.

 That is how it is all over Germany. I don't know of any open grocery stores.

 That goes for the shops in downtown Friedrechsdorf as well.