October in Mainz is for a Golden Fall

Can you believe it's already November? Neither can I. Let's talk about October for a minute...

Goldene Herbst is one of my favorite times of the year. This year, we've had one of the best. Mid-October and the average daily weather has been in the mid-20s (celsius) with nonstop sunshine. The leaves have started changing colors and falling, the ivy climbing up stone buildings looks more elegant than ever, and the first Arctic blast is on its way.

After a festival-filled September, October tends to be a little quieter. Federweisser stands at the market mark the month, and a day of Sunday shopping (MantelSonntag) at the end of the month is the only major activity.

Mid-October also marks the time the cranes fly south for the winter, and Mainz is one of the few German cities where you can really hear them prepare for a few days before, and then fly over the city on their way to Spain. There must be thousands as they take over the skies for an hour, flying in formation and avoiding the airplanes. It is quite a sight to see.

This month is a great time to enjoy the last warm days and sunny evenings before the time changes. And don't forget to change your tires! After the bi-annual tire check, annual car check and windshield wipers switcharoo, and pre-winter car wash, I'm thinking about September but getting ready for November.

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