Mainz – Wiesbaden and the Reason we visit.

For several years, our oldest son, Jason, had been applying for a work position in Germany.  As you may know he accepted one and moved the family to Wiesbaden -Mainz about 14 months ago.  While we have visited a couple of times previously, here we are again enjoying their hospitality and getting to visit with our two grand girls. 

 This visit was particularly enjoyable as we got to attend the oldest Banshee’s 8^th birthday party.

This year’s party was at a place called Clip ‘n Climb an indoor climbing arena for ages 4 and over.  Banshee #1 invited 5 or 6 of her school mates to the party – several who had previously been to this place and were well versed in how things worked.  Banshee #2, being just 4, found things to do but didn’t scale the heights as her sister did.

Cake, pizza, a chocolate #8 and slushies were enjoyed by all for a fun afternoon birthday.

The next day, we piled into two cars and headed out to Hof Schauferts.  This is an organic farm with a brewery and restaurant.  Our visit was timed for lunch, which was quite enjoyable sitting outside with a lively breeze blowing.  Visits to the pigs and pony were fun as well as a quick walk around the place.  We didn’t find the brewery but we all sampled beer for lunch.

One day, Terri (daughter-in-law), Janeen and I went for lunch along the river.  Mainz is right at the confluence of the Main and Rhine Rivers – and clearly a spot where the river has been vital to the development of the community.  We had actually been to Mainz before on a River Cruise but it has been several years ago since that trip.  After lunch, I decided to walk home and found this memorial to the almost 500-year-old tradition of rafting on the river.  Rafting along the river was not easy taking a lot of stamina and self-confidence.  

The last raft trip took place in 1964 but it is clear that rafters have left their mark along the shore over the centuries.

Our visit was only 10 days or so but it is always wonderful to see our grand kids in their space and see how they have grown since we last saw them.  

We are now back in Virginia so no blogs for a while – Alaska in August is coming!