Tuesday, June 28, 2011 -- Cruising the Rhine in Germany

Phil and I both slept late -- knowing that we would be on board till after lunch because this is Castle Day on the Amacello.   We are cruising the Rhine with commentary about all the castles along the way -- there are 30 castles between Koblenz and Rudesheim.  We also pass "Loreley Rock" the narrowest and deepest point on the Rhine River.  The castles are incredible as they sit on the top or sides of the of the hills along the river. How long it must have taken to build them so many hundreds of years ago defies imagination. It was a very pleasant morning.

There are a number of barges along the river hauling all manor of cargo.   The owners live in quarters at the back of the barge.  Their vehicles and sometimes a small boat are on the roof of their "house".  A crane is used to hoist the vehicle or boat off the barge when needed.    Some of the housing looks quite lovely with flowers and curtains in the windows.  Apparently families live this way until the children are six or seven when they are sent to boarding school. The parents continue this lifestyle which, of course, is their livelihood.

Arrival in Rudesheim is 12:30 pm -- a mini-train picks us up to bring us through this small town to Seigfried's Mechanishes Musikkabinett--this museum houses one of the largest German collections of self-playing musical instruments from the 18th to the 20th century.  Our guide, Melanie, is knowledgeable, well spoken and genuinely excited about these wonderful instruments.  We listen to many of them during the tour -- and they are amazing.  

Afterward, we all go in various directions to explore the streets of Rudesheim.  Sharon and I find a shop that has lots of possibilities especially for Sharon -- she bought gold sneakers, 3 hats, 2 purses -- all at reasonable prices. On our way back to the ship -- we pass a cafe and who is sitting there having some German wine but Phil, Dave, Patte and John.  We chat for a minute but decide to move on --- there are just too many shops and so little time -- we have to be on board by 3:45.

Sharon and I get back to the ship and stop into the lounge for a cold drink before the others arrive.   As we are resting -- the crew is setting up for High Tea.   The spread they put out was the best I've ever seen -- the pastries ---  the cakes -- the mouse -- all so beautiful.  I did use my will power and enjoyed these delicacies with my eyes only.

The Amacello is back on the Rhine by 4:00 pm.  About 6:00 pm we leave the Rhine to begin traveling on the Main River (pronounced "Mein") -- the main sun deck is closed because of all the low bridges on this part of the river -- as Maddy said in her announcement:   "We don't want any bridge damage from your heads"

In the afternoon (while I was busy writing this blog) -- our group formed a Trivia Team called the "Cape Codders".   The first test had twenty questions and was distributed at 5:00 pm with winners announced at  6:45 pm just before dinner during the briefing for tomorrow's travels.   The Cape Codders won first prize -- a box of brandy-filled chocolates.   After dinner The Cape Codders participated in a Musical Trivia Test -- out of possible score of 22 -- we scored 21 -- another first prize.   This time we won a bottle of sparkling wine which was promptly opened and enjoyed for celebratory purposes.  During the music trivia  -- the answer to one of the questions was "Polka" -- as a hint Patte and Phil got up and gave a demonstration-- it was hysterical.

We finished our celebrating just in time to go out on the deck as we traveled through Frankfurt -- spectacular at night with all the lights and the people still up and about at 11:30 pm.  It is so pleasant to sit outside at night as we travel down the river.  This ship is as smooth as can be -- one hardly feels the motion.

Tomorrow we visit Miltenberg and Wertheim.

Thanks for Reading!
Pat
On the Main River in Germany