We slept in, showered, had a lovely breakfast, and got on the road to Karlsruhe. We played at a little bar/cafe called NUN. It felt like something between a listening room and a family room.
Dan and I played at the Kafe NUN last tour with Wayne Graham - it can fit about 70 people, tops - spilling in front of and behind the stage. They make a home cooked meal for bands before they plan, sit down to eat and drink together, and prepare them a room in an apartment above the venue.
Annika made dinner for everyone - band and staff - of something that she couldn't translate from German. It was a lot like scalloped potatoes, but with cheese and some spicy mustard throughout. They’re also big wine people - so we had some great, great wine.
Karlsruhe is a college town, so most of the folks who are our age are studying at a university or college/trade school - our soundman was studying engineering. Nearly fifty people filled the room for songs and stories. Then, we went up a few flights of stairs to our host Manu’s apartment.
I stayed with Dan in his children’s room, complete with little colorful flag streamers and everything. We watched Planet Earth on Netflix. We made eggs late at night - and another host - Mareika made us a big breakfast spread in the morning. We all shared it by a window while church bells chimed.
I had a slight fever that night before the show, but it seems like it’s passed - and that Jack and Dan didn’t get it. I think that means we dodged a bullet. We’ll keep scooting forward.