The sweet temptations of Heidelberg

The sun is shining this morning in Heidelberg. Though we've had our fair share of rain, it has only served to make the city luscious and green. It is picture perfect, as they say. My morning, as usual, started with a trip to the farmer's market where I somewhat successfully chatted up the vendors, despite my choppy German skills. A big smile can get you further than you think. I was told by my favourite produce vendor that tomorrow, May 1st, is a day that the German's celebrate by going for a long walk and enjoying a beer outdoors. No arguments here. I'm in Germany, and I will do as the Germans do. Maybe I will even start celebrating today. I am completely loyal to this man and his produce now because he usually slips me some free vegetables if he thinks that I have not selected a full range of vitamins. Last week he gave me some carrots, even though I told him I already had carrots at home. I guess he just wanted to be sure that I would have sufficient intake of Vitamin A. Today I discovered some cherry tomatoes in the bottom of my bag. I love hidden treasures, and my parents will be pleased that he is looking out for my health.

I was feeling adventurous, so I wandered over to the cheese vendor and asked him to surprise me. I wanted something creamy and mild. He selected something for me and wrapped it up with a smile. I asked him what it was called and much to my dismay the answer was about 10 minutes longer than I had expected. It was far beyond my German comprehension and so I left with no idea what type of cheese I had just purchased. I blinked alot as he talked. Then gave a big smile and a loud "Ja!" and "Danke!" and went merrily on my way. Of course I had to try the cheese as soon as I got home with a little chunk of fresh baguette and I have to say that it was fantastic. It was as soft as butter, mild with a slight tangy afterbite. It tasted barnyard fresh, that's the only way I can describe it. But I mean that in the best possible way. However, I am dismayed that I will not know how to ask for it next week, or ever again. I might have to do alot of pointing if I am at least able to recognize it when I see it. But there are many white and creamy cheeses around so I'm not feeling very hopeful.

On my way home from the market I finally succumbed to the sweet temptations that have taunted me from the window at Cafe Gundel. (pictured above) This cafe/bakery lies right at the end of my street and I pass by it every morning. I am not the only one who stares longingly at the window, nor am I the only one who has stopped to take a picture. It is a sight to behold.

It has taken all my willpower until now to go in there merely for a loaf of bread, as I have been afraid that I once I caved into the sweet stuff I would be lost forever. I do my best to avert my eyes once I walk in through the door, keeping my head up, and repeating to myself: “Don't look down, keep staring at the bread, keep staring at the bread.” I say it over and over to myself until I am safely back outside with only a loaf or two in my hands. It has worked for me so far, but today I did not fight it. It's going to be May 1st tomorrow, and the man told me I should celebrate. So, celebrate I will. There is nothing wrong with starting a day early. The picture below shows the treasures that I brought home with me from Cafe Gundel. A big chocolate ball of mystery called a Schlosskugeln and a Schwarz/Weiss Bretzel. (a black and white pretzel) Life is surely good in Heidelberg.