Mainz

This morning we are in Mainz, Germany.

This town was rebuilt after WWII so much of the architecture is 1950's Blah!

But let's have a look around as it has hidden gems.

As always, there is the Cathedral. This contrasts with the university which accounts for the modern sculpture in the foreground.

Mainz is also the home of Gutenberg, the inventor of the printing press. In my eyes, he is one of the greatest and most influential men to have ever lived. This one man changed our world and sent us all into a new and enlightened era. This is the museum dedicated to his life. It was closed the day we visited but we did get to see some of it on a tour, including one of the very rare Gutenberg bibles.  No photos allowed.

We watched a wonderful 15 minute demonstration on how to print using machines like Gutenberg invented.

And here's the man himself. As no portraits of him have ever been found, this is the image that is universally held as being a possible close likeness.

There are some remaining original town buildings. They're always photogenic.

Notice the red and blue street signs. The red ones all lead down to the Rhine whereas the blue ones are across the length of the town. It is said they did this because of the beer-gardens. When people staggered out very drunk they only needed to follow the colour as to which way they needed to go.

And a door mat that says it all.

I couldn't help but have my heart uplifted by this wonderful lady and her T shirt message. Inspiration and the love of life is all around us if we look and participate ourselves.

Now it's back to the boat for the afternoon visit to Rudesheim.