Made it to Mainz today

The Germans pronounce Mainz as Mines. They do so much different here. For instance,  here's a salami pizza. 

Doesn't look at all like Pizza Hut. And they eat it with a knife and fork! Now that just isn't right. Regardless, it was good. Nice Pilsner to compliment it. 

I'm not complaining about Europe... just mentioning some differences between here and the USA. 

I told you about street signs. Something else that is lacking is stop signs. It isn't just because of roundabouts. Most of the intersections don't have a stop sign. I think I've seen more stop signs on the bike paths than city streets. Drivers seem to pay more attention to what's going on. 

The drivers, especially in Switzerland, the border area of France and Germany, and here, fully in Germany, are more courteous, especially to cyclists, than anywhere else I've been. I extend the courtesy back. 

I can't say the same for Paris drivers. That's like the wild west, and the horn is as important a tool as a 6 shooter. 

Many stores take a lunch break/siesta and close between noon and 1 or so. It varies. And some stores, like grocery stores, shut down at 6 on Saturday because, of course, tomorrow is Sunday. 

People, even in France, appreciate when you try to use some of their language. I didn't expect that based on some stereotypes we have. Although when I meet a German who doesn't know English they will sometimes continue in Deutsche and speak slower and louder. We do that too. Must be universal. 

Here's some highlights along the way. 

Unique door handles

Home of the monks that made 

Liebfraumilch wine. One of my favorites. 

This part of the country is covered with vineyards. 

Vineyards on the slopes. 

A festival in Oppenheimer to celebrate that 800 years ago it was recognized as a city. 800 years!  Where I grew up anything that was over 100 years old was considered historical. 

Had to get a goat picture. They are like nature's own weedeaters. 

Art at the end of a bridge looks like the pointy end of the boat. That's a nautical term for the bow. 

Railroad bridge as I enter Mainz. 

Not your typical boat on the Rhine. 

Today was a hot and muggy day. 92° and humid!  Tomorrow's forecast is for rain, thunderstorms, and possibly hail. Head for cover! At least it will only be 77°.

It's late, I'm tired, go to bed Dean!