Shane's sister - even in Germany

We finally met some of the Wasem family in Germany!!


1. Mechtild Wasem picked us up at the Ingelheim train station and gave us a quick tour of the area. Here are some of the vineyards in the area.

2. Wine tasting with the next generation. We are standing in front of the fermenting tanks where we tasted some wine that was nearly finished and still had yeast in it. From the left: Thomas Firch, Johann Firch (18), Sebastian Firch (18), Julius Wasem (20), Phillip Wasem (18), me, and Murilo. The twins, Johann and Sebastian, aren't much interested in the wine business - they have the computer bug like their father (and others in the Wasem family). However, Julius (our tour guide), was in Australia for 3 months working for a winery and learning more about how the Aussies do things. He is getting ready to begin studying wine making in earnest next week at University - a three year program. The jury is still out for Phillip but I think he will be involved with wine making in some capacity. (Julius and Phillip are Holger's older sons).



3. Outside the Wasem compound with Mechtild Wasem-Firch and her husband Thomas Firch. On the right, from where we are standing all the way back to the corner is where Mechtild's family and Holger's family live (Mechtild and Holger are brother and sister). On the left is where their cousin, Burkhard, lives with his family.


4. At the Redwine Festival in Ingelheim with the whole Wasem clan. Holger and his wife standing in the middle of the group (next to Jessica) and their youngest son, Gerard (14) is on the far right (he makes a mean chocolate cherry cake).

Holger's wife (can't remember her name) was hilarious once she relaxed around us. When she realized I was Shane's sister she had us all laughing. We heard the story 2 or 3 times about how the "American" or the "Cowboy" showed up in Ingelheim. When Holger's wife called him to let him know Shane and Laurie had arrived, he asked "How do you know it is them?" She replied, "Just wait until you see him and you will know." They were quite impressed with the big hat, boots, and leather vest. As usual, Shane made a lasting impression. I assured them I was not like him at all :).

Since the winery is in the middle of its busiest time (harvesting and making wine) we may not get to visit with them for another month or so. But, they have invited Jess to come stay for a weekend to help her learn German. After soccer season she is ready to take the offer.