The Simon Inn (our friends Kerstin and Karstin)

It seems that with each move the weather turns, usually to a light rain. It happened again on our way to the Simon Inn. We had such a nice welcome with balloons at the door and welcoming notes throughout the house. We even had towels folded on our beds with notes for us, coffee and cake waiting. We had a very nice time catching up over several hours, then we had dinner. We loved our German style BBQ! There were many different courses of kabobs, bacon wrapped meat, lamb, figs with bacon, etc, all with fresh herbs. It was all delicious! We were up until midnight again, just talking the evening away.









The next morning after a wonderful German breakfast and more relaxation, we set out for the Rhine River. It was a beautiful warm day, almost too warm. We walked through the cute village, had an ice cream cone of reisling ice cream, walked through a castle with its beautiful gardens, then decided to sit at a cafe right on the river. We had drinks, mine was like a wine cooler with basil and lime.









We enjoyed great conversation and a beautiful view of the river, and watched boats coming and going. After an hour or so we walked through town to another cafe for cake and coffee. It is a tradition to have cake and coffee between 3-4 o'clock. It was wonderful again.



After more talk and more relaxing we were off to see more of the village and then decided to go to a monastery. They were having a televised concert that evening. We watched as people were arriving all dressed up up in their formal attire.






Due to the concert we where not able to tour the monastery, but just the grounds. It was beautiful with vineyards all around. Then we decided to head off to a local village for their wine festival. It was held in their village center.












There were tables set up, vendors selling food, wine, beer, etc. and a band playing. It was quite an authentic German experience. The village must not have been bigger than a couple hundred people, so probably half the village showed up. The older people would sing along with the band, and after a few drinks they got up to dance. Kerstin told us that all Germans learn the fox trot and waltz, and boy could those old people dance! As we were leaving, one old gal told us to come back the following day at 10:00 for a beer festival they were having! Those Germans love to party!

We ended the day with more conversation before bed. The following morning Karstin took the morning off work to feed us breakfast and see us off. It was a really wonderful time with friends that are precious. Seems like we have known them for 30 years, yet we met them once 2 years ago and enjoyed dinner with them twice at that time. We feel fortunate to have them as our friends, and to have been so welcomed.





A must do while in Germany.......drive on the autobahn with a German!
ZOOM...ZOOM!

Off to the Mosel....oh no...we left our rain coats at the Simon Inn!


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Location:Im Spieß,Neu-Anspach,Germany