Germany: Mainz and Bechtolstein

(Kate)

We both think this will end up being one of our favorite days of the trip. Steve drove us to the city of Mainz to visit beautiful churches and have a really delicious Italian lunch. Then we walked from his village of Gau-Odernheim to Bechtolstein, the next village, for wine tasting at a winery and a lovely dinner in the courtyard of friends of Steve and Franziska’s. It was a beautiful day with nature, friends, and off-the-beaten-path sightseeing - we loved it.

1. and 2. The German Baroque Augustiner Kirche in Mainz
3. In Mainz - built in 1450!
4. and 5. The elaborate Romanesque main cathedral in Mainz
6. and 7. St. Stephen’s Church with windows by Chagall. Fascinating and sad to see the photos of this church as it looked after WWII. Lovely restoration!
8. and 9. From the idyllic walk to Becholstein
10. I rode Franziska’s bicycle back to their house after dinner. So fun to ride through the vineyards in the late light (after 10pm) by myself.Read more