Clark & Ellen, I mean, Tim & Barb made their epic return to where my Dad's family started - The Heartland of Rheinland-Phalz Germany! After many months of planning and preparation we picked up the jet lagged but excited couple at Frankfurt's International Airport.
Their itinerary included two full weekends here in Germany to take in the sights and sounds of the world famous Rheingau Region. We planned some great travel to places like Heidleburg, Rudesheim, Kronberg and a few other surprise trips that shall remain nameless for those of you planning a trip to Gasthaus Hertzler in the near future.
We ate and drank like our ship was going down, trying everything we could get our hands on. My dad especially enjoyed the Phifferlingers (a mushroom type thing) that was in season at the time. They use it in and on everything from soups, to salads, to schnitzels. My mom was surprised by how tasty everything was; the pork medallions, schnitzels, soups, salads, etc. We all equally enjoyed the local Riesling wine while taking in many, many vineyards over the week.
They took quickly to the German culture making friends with people wherever we went. On one particular evening at our favorite restaurant in the woods, Eberhard's Sheure, we came to find that the cook had up and quit the day before leaving that evenings guests with only a smattering of cheeses, breads, and beer. That combined with ample amounts of shnapps, wine, and beer proved to be quite enough for our group. After dinner the owner, who has taken a liking to us over the past 6 months, invited the family to partake in a dice game similar to the card game B*llSh*t. Desperately trying to translate half drunken instructions, we finally figured out the game just long enough to lose badley. No matter, my Dad made a life long friend in Wolfgang who used his shoulder as an impromptu pillow from time to time.
Their week included a side trip to Italy where they took in all the sights and sounds of Florence. Enjoying first class touring with Bernardo (Historian Extraordinaire) and Angela (Tuscan Wine Goddess). Their hotel accommodations were 1st class and judging by the look of exhaustion on their face when they returned, no sight was left unseen.
We enjoyed a relaxing day by the Bad Soden Pool and they even accompanied us to my Company Picnic where I got to introduce them to all my friends and coworkers.
The last night we decided that a follow up trip to Bavaria would be necessary in the spring. Let the planning begin......again!
Thanks for coming Mom & Dad! You are welcome back anytime!
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