Our 2nd weekend being driven into Germany by our friends Simon and Michaela, this time to stay with their parents and go to the local ‘Weindorf’ or ‘wine village’. This is somewhat different from an American style wine event. We are accustomed to tastings where you take a small sip of each wine to see if you like it. Here they sell small glasses–1/10th liter—of their latest vintages for 2 Euros ($3). By each of us getting a different variety, we could each sample 4 wines at a time. However, it’s hard to throw out wine, so it was more like going out drinking, than like sampling to find what you want to buy. Unfortunately, none of the wines were very impressive, although Jon did find a varietal he had never heard of which he liked: Muller-Thurgau.
Saturday I stayed in bed with a sore neck, while Jon ventured out shopping with our friends. Prices are generally lower in Germany, so a lot of people try to stock up while there. Unfamiliarity with the stores and the products proved a major hurdle, but he did find me a yoga mat (so I can take better care of my sore body).
Saturday night it was back to the Weindorf (which carries on for 5 days) for Jon and the others. But the weather gods were not in a good mood and they all got soaked by a classic Iowa thunderstorm. The entire area, with its rolling hills of corn and heavy humidity has reminded Jon of his home in Iowa, so this just capped off the experience.
We broke up the long drive home by touring the Schloss at Ludwigsburg and having dinner in Konstanz by the Bodensee. This palace was modeled after Versailles, but is in much better condition with grounds to match. While pictures are not permitted inside, Simon managed to sneak a few. But they only hint at the phenomenal decorations. I asked in particular about some of the vases I saw and was told most were authentic 16th/17th cen. Chinese and Japanese. Many exquisite pieces of furniture, wall coverings, embroidered chairs, etc. One of the places you never hear about but are so glad you got to see.
