Asparagus in Mainz

Heidelberg to Mainz was the first day we cheated and took the train. Not the whole way though. We rode 60km out of Heidelberg and north, through the forests skirting Mannheim. The weather has taken a slight turn for the worse compared to the previous four or five with occasional drizzle and more rain always threatening.

When we broke for a late lunch west of Worms, it was clear that we would either have to stay in Worms, with the impending inclement weather to deal with, or train to Mainz and a dry room.

Not only did we get a dry room, we got one each! Bärbel's ace place is only matched by her. We plied her with dinner out and an ice cream or two. She's shown us the delights of the old town, with it's churches, markets and institutions dedicated to its most famous son - Guttenberg.

Bärbel is also showing me how to cook the local white asparagus, which is in season at the moment. I can't wait!