Today was a good day!! Slept in for the first time and then we took off for the day. Lots of sightseeing today!!
We went to Schweinfurt, the family home area (die Heimat), today and the surrounding area. As we were driving on the autobahn (FYI, my max this trip was 200 km/h.... Did I mention that earlier?), there had been an accident and as luck would have it, we were right by an exit. To we took it and trusted the Navi to get us to Schweinfurt.
We were routed past a small town, Zimmern, which happened to be across the river from the smallest town in Bavaria, Rothenfels. It may be small but had a great panoramic view. So we stopped at a campground and asked some old fellers if we could take a picture across the river. They graciously said yes and even offered to take our picture. I think I could live in Zimmern for a while.... Just looking at this view.
It was a short stop but a chance to meet people. The gent who took our picture got to talking, wondering where we were from, what we were doing, etc. He had a brother who moved to the States but unfortunately died recently in LA. And when people ask us where we are from, I always say Iowa. And without missing a beat, they always say "Oh yes, Iowa, potatoes!" People are the same everywhere!!
Once we got to Schweinfurt, Hilary wanted to go to a wool shop to get German wool. So while she shopped, I walked to the town market place for pictures.
This picture is Johanniskirche (St Johannis Church) in Schweinfurt, where my mom and dad were married in 1948.
After finishing at the wool shop, we headed to a small wine village I drove past earlier in the week. Obereisenheim is it's name and, while I had hoped to drive past on the bike, the trail had me taking the ferry across one town up.
Right on the road, next to the river is Gasthaus Zum Schiff in Obereisenheim. It is a small hotel with a very nice patio overlooking the Main River, great for a drink and a bite to eat. We did and the Käsespätze was great!!
Käsespätzel..... Think Mac and Cheese, just better!!
Our next stop turned into an interesting one. We went to a winery in Obereisenheim to buy some wine from the "Family Winery". Weingut Krämer is a local vintner who, when my Uncle Hans and Aunt Bette passed away, ended up with their house and vineyards. We sampled some of the wines and schnapps and were talking. As we were speaking with the owner, I told him that Hans and Bette were my uncle and aunt. He looked puzzled for a little bit until I told him my mother was born in Schweinfurt and my grandmother and Bette were sisters. At that point he said "just a minute, wait here". He came back in a few minutes with this picture of Hans and Bette to give to us. They apparently had found it in the attic and were going to get rid of it. What a lucky break!!
After the experiences of the day, we headed back to the airport to return the rental car. Then back to the hotel to pack up. It's been a great trip!!
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