Considering Big D and I have resided at 16 addresses in 19 years, its no wonder Wiesbaden feels like “home.” We’ve lived there longer than anywhere else. Our three years in Germany were one long vacation with a whole lot of real life mixed in. And our actual vacation there recently was great – I shouldn’t have worried it wouldn’t live up to my memories and expectations.
Our visit was cram-packed with delicious food and wine, beautiful sights, and most importantly: fantastic friends.
We made a beeline for our favorite bar, the Bäckerbrunnen, and spent lots of quality time there throughout the week with the owner, our good friend Chris.
Despite the calendar, it snowed here in Virginia while we were away. Thankfully: the German Spring was in full swing:
My dear friend Barbara adjusted her schedule, juggled her family responsibilities, hauled me all over the place, and opened her home to us throughout the week. She and equally dear Kirsten hosted a Wine Tasting Luncheon for me which was just lovely!
We enjoyed selections from Winegut Bieber (no relation) – and yes, the wines named Beast and Xanadu are inspired by Iron Maiden and Rush!
There’s nothing quite like having a friend you can spend time with from breakfast, luncheon, sunset, dinner, through to couch time with the family, and then ask for a pair of socks before getting a ride home!
The Rhein view from Barbara’s balcony is as beautiful as she is.
We did some wacky things like blending in with a football crowd in the city of Mainz, and for the first time in ages: we were out past 2am dancing at a club!
The Rays, Slys, and Nicoli during a very late night at Park Café
It felt great to wander through the market, parks, and wine stands I know so well.
Wiesbadener Marktkirche – for perspective, look for the person in a red jacket at lower left.
The adventures of the upcoming week on the European road were the only thing that made departing Wiesbaden bearable. Stay tuned!