Assmannshausen

Really.

It's really a place, and we really went there.

While the name alone is kind of ridiculous enough to warrant a trip, it's not the only reason we went there.  If it weren't also for it's scenic location along the Rhine, or the fact that it is surrounded by vineyards and known for its production of Spätburgunder (pinot noir) wine, we probably wouldn't have packed up the kids and set out to see . . . Assmannshausen.  Or maybe we would have.

I finally got my wish and got out of the Wiesbaden-Mainz area for the first time since arriving 8 weeks ago.  We were lured to the sleepy little wine villages along the Rhine, especially after reading of footpaths through the vineyards connecting the towns.

It's probably a little more beautiful in the spring, but hiking along the hills high above the Rhine and soaking up the sun was good enough for us.  Erik and I each strapped a kid to ourselves and set out for a little adventure.

13th century castle, with the town of Bingen in the background

And of course, the day in wine country ended as it should: two glasses of Riesling and an apple juice (and two little baby hands reaching for all of the above).

(By the way, recipes will resume tomorrow. Our micro-fridge has been overtaken by leftovers and we need to catch up).