Day 11
Today we leave Heidelberg traveling the Weinstrausse - this is the autobauhn that winds through the wine country of Germany. The vineyards are beautiful and are nestled among the fields of wheat and corn. The sun is shining and we soon head off the autobauhn to travel through the little villages of Germany. Maikammer is a little village with narrow streets that you would think only one car could go through. But they just move over to the edge and everyone can pass. Grapes hang over the streets on wires between houses. There is no grass - just walls of houses running right up to the streets with a narrow sidewalk on in front of some houses. Then we park in St. Martin and walk the streets. There are a few little shops but mostly houses and churches. This is a town dating back to the medival times. There are dates on the homes and wine stores from 1400-1500's. The old wall of the city is still there. We stop in Deidesheir at the Deidesheimerhof for lunch. This has the largest beer cask - stands 2 stories tall. Houses here have dates of 1485. THere is a large flea market going on and so we walk through it and buy a cut glass beer stein and a cup and saucer.
Next we head to Freinsheim - now this is an old town. Wow, these buildings are very old yet they are kept up so nice. Lots of wine stores again. Just up the road is Frankenstein and the famous Frankenstein castle. Percy Bethshelly was visiting here when he was inspired to write the story of Frankenstein based on this castle. It stands high on a hill and the only way there is to walk the long trail up to the top.
Now we finally arrive at Munchweiler where Erick and Vio live. Vio was Bill and Karen's opper (nanny) when the boys were 5 and 7 years old. Her parents are Margit and Edmund Knab who live in Pheddersheim about 20 minutes away. Her brother Oliver, runs the family vineyards there. The family vineyard has been in the family for 4 generations.
Erick's parents are Claudia and Carl-Heinz Jennewein. The farm has been in their family since 1928. Erick farms wheat and sugar beets. Erick's brother David and his partner Valentin run the Klostermuhle Hotel that is connected to the farm. That is where we stay - beautiful new contemporary style rooms. David also runs the resturant there and his mother is the main cook. Wonderful food and wonderful people. Erick also has a two sisters named Astrid and Carla who we didn't get to meet. Erick and Vio have two little boys - Louis is 20 months and runs around everywhere showing us the farm and scenery. He talks constantly when he warms up to you - but all German of course! Yoseph is just 10 weeks old. He is such a good baby - sleeps most of the time and wakes up so happy - never hear him cry or fuss - full of smiles! It is so good to meet a German family and talk with them. Erick spent some time in North Dakota learning about farming and so both Vio and Erick speak very good English. We have dinner with them at the Klostermuhle in the garden and sit and talk for three hours while Louis plays soccer in the yard with some older boys - yes, he is 20 months old and can kick a soccer ball.
Now to bed.
