Return to the Fatherland

In April I went back to Germany for a week of work and a week of...well, I am not sure what to call the second week of my stay. It was a week for seeing old friends that we -Akiko joined me in Frankfurt at the halfway point of my trip- hadn't seen for years. It was a chance to romp in our old stomping grounds. Most importantly it was a week that will have an immeasurable effect on our lives. More about that on another day. Yup, I just did that. For now, here are some pictures of a beautiful little corner of Germany. I really wish I had taken more pictures, but I was too busy enjoying myself to pull out the camera every 5 minutes.

  Here is Ms. Akiko sporting her Harpoon hoody with Burg Schwarzenstein in the background. The yellow arrow is pointing right at it. Someday -when I am filthy stinking rich or just really lucky- I will eat in the restaurants and sleep in the luxury hotel there.

Behind Ms. Akiko in the above picture is the Chardonnay Vineyard from Chat Sauvage.  Below you can see her posing like she owns it.

We kept walking for a little longer until we came to one of my favorite piece of architecture in the Rheingau region. Schloss Vollrads. I wanted to say my favorite, but there are so many places that are stunning for Americans and other new-worlders. Sometimes I wonder is the locals even recognize what treasure they are surrounded by. Some are grand and towering like Vollrads & Johanissberg. Some are small and quirky like Schwarzenstein or the old farm house in the vineyards below Johanissberg -can't remember the name now, though.

Below is the tower in Schloss Vollrads, which is now owned by a bank after the tragic story and end of the previous ownership. In the background you can see the main building which is absolutely unthinkably immense. Slate tiled roof that will blow your mind. Really. Apparently, there is a room that is wall-papered with leather too. It is open to the public, but I always feel guilty about clomping around in muddy hiking boots in such a beautiful looking place.

Not 10 minutes before this picture we watched people scurry for shelter as they were drenched with heavy rains and pelted with hail. We were nice and dry inside the vinothek bothering the staff with silly questions in japanese and american accented german.

Below is a picture of the "small" restaurant on the grounds.This place is also on my "when I am filthy rich, I am gonna..." list.

After our little walk we headed back to where we were staying as guests of Erik and Petra - Schamari Muehle. It's beautiful, isn't it?