Strolling the Odenwald

Stir that cliche storybook setting: 1 part soft meadow, 1 sturdy brown horse, 3 parts rolling hills and a few spotted cows

Add some of those clouds from the Simpson’s opening sequence, a dash of beer and handful of gummy bears

Let the flavors meld for bit.

Bake at some temperature for awhile…

Viola! You have the Odenwald! Serve immediately.

Not far from Heidelberg are the rolling hills of the Odenwald, meaning “Oden’s Woods” (the jury is out on who Oden actually is though). Before heading back to the States for our wedding, Dan and I met with some friends for an afternoon stroll in the countryside. (That sounds so adult doesn’t it? We concluded with a beer, so that makes it more cool, I think.)

I’ll be honest, it wasn’t exactly the most eventful day. But it was a Sunday and aren’t those supposed to be easy-breezy anyways? We walked, chatted, and later grabbed lunch at a local favorite hot spot (using ‘hot spot’ loosely here). The sun was out and warn breeze softly pushed us along. It was just darn pleasant.

What I appreciated most about our afternoon in the Odenwald though was how much it reminded me of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Growing up in Roanoke, Virginia these old, low, mountains encompass the city. The better part of my childhood consisted of playing in the ravines of the mountain that I lived on. Green mountains bubble up in every direction and allow for more that just an ample share of snow days, but endless options for hiking and biking. It wasn’t until visiting the Odenwald that I realized how much my geographic surroundings impacted my sense of ease. It’s just what I’m used to, and I guess familiarity it comforting.