Two weekends ago we did something very German.  We went on a bicycle trip to a restaurant to eat Spargel (a.k.a. fat asparagus).  I say it is very German because it seems like a popular thing to do, at least here in northern Germany.

Spagel on a plate (Source: Wikipedia)

For those of you who do not know, Spargel is the German word for asparagus.  Someone I know on Facebook was recently in Europe and found out about Spargel while visiting Germany.  Their wall status seemed to reflect a little disappointment when they found out it was just “fat asparagus”.  Yet, Germans seem to love the stuff.  So much so, you can find booths for it on street corners.  Similar to fireworks stands around the 4th of July.

Soon after arriving in Germany last year we went on a bicycle trip for Spargel.  There were around a dozen people riding 10-15 km to eat Spargel.  Being new in Germany, it was my first experience here with both Spargel and riding a bike that far.  I had a great time doing it and I was exited when Anni asked if I wanted to make another trip this year.  Especially since I can actually ride a bicycle this year and I had an idea of what I was getting into.

I think I enjoyed the trip even more this year because I knew what I was getting into.  I cannot say that about everything in Germany, or just generally about life.  Some things are just more exciting the first time they happen.  For me, events like meals and trips are usually better when I have an understanding of what is going to occur, or where I am going.  Plus, knowing what I was getting into left me excited about the possibility of going again.

I enjoyed the green asparagus I had growing up.  At least that is what my memory recalls. Probably, at the time I thought it was horrible.  Like almost all kids who hate to eat their vegetables.  A Spargel dinner here consists of several courses.  First comes a round of soup made from Spargel, than (for us) came several trips to a buffet table containing Spargel (of course), fried pork, two different types of ham, boiled potatoes, a sauce for the Spargel and a butter sauce for the potatoes.  I made several trips myself.  It was a great treat, especially with a beer to wash it down.  Afterward, they offered several desserts.  I picked a chocolate pudding which was great.

After dinner, all stuffed from eating and a little bit intoxicated from drinking, we rode our bikes back.  It was a great day overall.  I had a sore butt for the whole next week, but it was well worth it.  I am looking forward to next year.