After leaving Duisburg (the Melcher side), we went to see the castles along the Rhine and visited cities involving lots of phlegm-pronunciation such as Cochem and Bacharach. Along with castles, sun-drenchedvineyardscovered the hillside. And we were fortunate enough to see it all unfold at sunset.Before reaching Wiesbaden, we wondered if the long lost Lopez family would feel at all familiar,but after seeing Uncle Vic'swarm smiling face waiting for us at Bingen, we knew we would feel right athome. It turns out, my namesake, Caroline, is more Lopez than I could have imagined and her joy at being the mother of 11was palpable. Getting a chance to meet the "tribe" was a highlight for Melissa and I. Remembering names, noticing familial similarities and playing a few rounds of "Golf" just added to the magic.
Test your memory with the photos. Oldest to youngest.... Josephine, Stephan, Maria, Phillip, Tina, Suzie, Peter, and Paul...and of course, Stephan's girlfriend Sina's baby Chihuahua..Laney :) Alex, Caroline and Vic round out the group. Whew!
We will be on our way tomorrow, but what a great opportunity to connect. We are already making plans for our next trips and hope to see Stephan and Sina in the Spring in California.
In the end, travel isn't just about great food, castles, sunsets...it's about connecting. The best part of our trip so far has been the people. We are constantly reminded of how small the differences in language, culture and geography really are.
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