Leisurely day on the ship cruising this lovely canal -- still cold and rainy. We keep reminding ourselves that it is July. Internet is sporadic at best so no way to update the blog. There is a lecture mid-morning entitled "Germany since 1933" -- it is interesting to hear a German historian talk about Hitler and how he came to power.
Lunch on board -- excellent at usual. At 2:30 pm we arrive in Bamburg, Germany. With a population of 70,000, Bamburg is a lovely medieval town with many original buildings and bridges. Our Guide is Stephanie who is one of the best we've had -- she is witty and quick -- her English is flawless. She takes us through town pointing out the best shop for this or that. We end up at the Bamburg Cathedral -- another 13th century building. From what I can tell the business to be in during the middle ages was building cathedrals, painting frescoes and sculpting statues --- and we've seen only a few of the places that survived.
After our tour we wandered around town stopping in a shop or two. Sharon and Patte purchased some local handmade lace items. The guys were anxious to redeem the voucher Stephanie had given each of us for a free pint of local smoked beer. However, everyone on the tour had the same voucher so the two places for redemption were packed. We opted to redeem for a beer package to go and buy a beer someplace less crowded. Since the weather had improved we chose "Scheiners Gaststuben" -- an outdoor restaurant on a plaza. As long as we were there we also decided to try a sausage platter --- we could not believe what came out. We thought we were getting a snack -- but the plate of sausages, potatoes and salads that came out took up half the table. Of course, we've been in training for the past week -- so we had no trouble polishing this off -- after all we hadn't eaten for two hours.
Most of the shops close promptly at 6:00 pm -- but on the way back to the ship I approached a watch store, recommended by Stephanie, that appeared to be closed. I knocked on the door and the proprietor acknowledged me but spoke no English. However, he was a good businessman -- he got his wife who spoke flawless English -- I bought a watch -- Sharon bought a gold chain.
Bamburg is a town I could come back to -- perhaps for the Christmas Markets. It has good vibes -- happy, bustling people going about their lives and enjoying it.
Back on board -- our after dinner entertainment was Valerie, a local singer with a gorgeous voice. She sang tunes from all over the world.
Another good day on the river -- now if only this weather would clear it would be perfect.
Thanks to Skip for letting us know that the Cathedral of Ulm in Ulm Germany is the tallest in the world.
Thanks for Reading
Pat
On the Main/Danube Canal toward Nuremberg
The Cape Codders
Jack, Dave, Pat, Beth, Phil, Sharon, John, Patte
Thursday, June 30, 2011 -- Wurzberg, Germany
We wake up to rain, drizzle and a chill in the air. The coolness is welcome -- the rain is not. We have breakfast at 7:30 am and are on the bus to Wurzberg by 9:00. A short bus ride brings us to the "Residenz Palace" -- once owned by several "Prince Bishops". The Prince Bishops came into power when during the rein of Frederich II the local bishops were given secular power as well as religious power making them very wealthy. Germany was ruled by these Prince Bishops for 800 years until Napoleon abolished the practice in 1802. The Residenz Palace has been restored to it's original condition and is gorgeous -- we tour various reception rooms and public areas. The main hall with the grand staircase is magnificent --- with a ceiling that has to be seen to be appreciated. Unfortunately -- cameras were not allowed so you'll have to take my word for it.
After the tour -- the guide walked us to the market square and explained our options to get to the ship: buses at various times or walk. We all did different things -- but those of us who walked all agreed it was a little tricky finding your way around the nuclear plant -- but we made it. Since nobody in our group signed up for the optional tour to Rothenberg -- we had a leisurely afternoon as the ship made it's way to Kitzingen.
After dinner on board -- we were met pierside in Kitzingen by the Wine Queens in medieval attire. These were our escorts to Germany's oldest wine cellar -- GWF Frankenwein. As we walked through Kitzingen -- it felt like a movie set. There were no people -- nothing was open -- an occasional vehicle roared by -- and this was 9:00 pm in the evening. The town was spotless but there was no evidence that anyone lived there.
Upon arrival at the wine cellar we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine -- and directed way down into the cellar where long tables were set up for our tasting. There were glasses, a pitcher of water and bread on the tables. We tasted four more wines -- three white and one red. They were pretty good although on the lighter side than what I favor. Phil purchased a bottle of white that was very good.
We walked back to the ship with Maddy as our guide. There was still no activity -- but the town is lovely -- picturesque with flowers planted in various places -- neat and pretty buildings -- a lovely walkway along the river. Actually we did see some folks walking their dogs on the river when we left the ship but nothing now.
Another good day on the river.
Thanks for Reading--
Pat
On the Rhine Canal enroute to Bamburg.
After the tour -- the guide walked us to the market square and explained our options to get to the ship: buses at various times or walk. We all did different things -- but those of us who walked all agreed it was a little tricky finding your way around the nuclear plant -- but we made it. Since nobody in our group signed up for the optional tour to Rothenberg -- we had a leisurely afternoon as the ship made it's way to Kitzingen.
After dinner on board -- we were met pierside in Kitzingen by the Wine Queens in medieval attire. These were our escorts to Germany's oldest wine cellar -- GWF Frankenwein. As we walked through Kitzingen -- it felt like a movie set. There were no people -- nothing was open -- an occasional vehicle roared by -- and this was 9:00 pm in the evening. The town was spotless but there was no evidence that anyone lived there.
Upon arrival at the wine cellar we were greeted with a glass of sparkling wine -- and directed way down into the cellar where long tables were set up for our tasting. There were glasses, a pitcher of water and bread on the tables. We tasted four more wines -- three white and one red. They were pretty good although on the lighter side than what I favor. Phil purchased a bottle of white that was very good.
We walked back to the ship with Maddy as our guide. There was still no activity -- but the town is lovely -- picturesque with flowers planted in various places -- neat and pretty buildings -- a lovely walkway along the river. Actually we did see some folks walking their dogs on the river when we left the ship but nothing now.
Another good day on the river.
Thanks for Reading--
Pat
On the Rhine Canal enroute to Bamburg.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011 - Miltenberg and Wertheim, Germany
Cruising the Main River through so many locks has caused a delay in our schedule. However at 9:15 am we have a glass-blowing demo on board with Hans Ittig -- his family has been in the glass business for more than 150 years. They settled in Wertheim after fleeing communist East Germany in 1958. Hans is quite the showman -- demonstrating in great detail how to make various items even enlisting the help of an "assistant" from the audience. He has brought many samples of his work which he is happy to sell and extends an invitation to all of us to visit his two shops in Wertheim later in the day.
At 11:30 am we arrive in Miltenberg -- a small town which was not bombed in World War II so most of the buildings are from medieval times -- these buildings are leaning and doing whatever 800 year old buildings do -- it feels like a fairy tale. Over many of the doorways is a date and a symbol denoting the year built and the occupation of the resident. Phil, Jack, Sharon, John and I decide not to take the official walking tour -- we wander on our own. Losing Sharon and John to a Tavern in the market square, Phil, Jack and I go through some of the old streets and eventually climb up to the Castle -- which is under renovation and not open. The view is vast and one can only imagine living here and being able to see enemies or friends as they approach from any direction.
Back on the ship by 1:15 for lunch and departure to Freudenberg where -- at 2:30 -- we will board a bus to Wertheim for a guided walking tour.
Wertheim is a lovely small town and the guide is very nice but there is not much to see so Phil, Beth and I extract ourselves from the group and climb to yet another Castle (this one is open with a restaurant). It is quite the climb and I am proud of Phil since he is afraid of heights -- but he makes it to the top. This vista is incredible -- we have a cold drink and as we are leaving Patte and Dave arrive. As soon as they catch their breath, we accept the offer of a fellow traveler to take a goup photo.
Once back down on "terra firma" -- Phil goes in search of pub -- Beth and I poke around the shops. As we stroll through the marketplace -- we spot Phil, Sharon and John enjoying some libation at an outdoor cafe -- we join them. The beer selection is not great here so we go across the plaza to "Zum Ochsen Wirtshaus & Theke" -- a tavern that looks like it's been around since 1500. Beth and I stop first at a bakery to get a large pretzel -- delicious. As we are eating it out of the bag, we bump into Patte and Dave just returning from the castle. Pretty soon we're all in Zum Ochsen enjoying the local beer.
Finally at 6:00 pm -- we start our trek to the point on the river where the ship is docked. On board -- another great dinner and later in the evening a game called "The Perfect Pair" -- (like the Newlywed Game). None of us volunteer but it is fun to watch others and keep our own score.
We have a wonderful keyboard muscian on board -- Miroslav. He is very talented -- he can play anything from background music at tea time to dance music later in the evening. He was the author, with Maddy, of the "Music Trivia" contest we so handily won.
Another good day is done!
Thanks for Reading --- pictures are coming soon -- I promise!
Pat
On the Rhine Heading to Wurzberg, Germany
At 11:30 am we arrive in Miltenberg -- a small town which was not bombed in World War II so most of the buildings are from medieval times -- these buildings are leaning and doing whatever 800 year old buildings do -- it feels like a fairy tale. Over many of the doorways is a date and a symbol denoting the year built and the occupation of the resident. Phil, Jack, Sharon, John and I decide not to take the official walking tour -- we wander on our own. Losing Sharon and John to a Tavern in the market square, Phil, Jack and I go through some of the old streets and eventually climb up to the Castle -- which is under renovation and not open. The view is vast and one can only imagine living here and being able to see enemies or friends as they approach from any direction.
Back on the ship by 1:15 for lunch and departure to Freudenberg where -- at 2:30 -- we will board a bus to Wertheim for a guided walking tour.
Wertheim is a lovely small town and the guide is very nice but there is not much to see so Phil, Beth and I extract ourselves from the group and climb to yet another Castle (this one is open with a restaurant). It is quite the climb and I am proud of Phil since he is afraid of heights -- but he makes it to the top. This vista is incredible -- we have a cold drink and as we are leaving Patte and Dave arrive. As soon as they catch their breath, we accept the offer of a fellow traveler to take a goup photo.
Once back down on "terra firma" -- Phil goes in search of pub -- Beth and I poke around the shops. As we stroll through the marketplace -- we spot Phil, Sharon and John enjoying some libation at an outdoor cafe -- we join them. The beer selection is not great here so we go across the plaza to "Zum Ochsen Wirtshaus & Theke" -- a tavern that looks like it's been around since 1500. Beth and I stop first at a bakery to get a large pretzel -- delicious. As we are eating it out of the bag, we bump into Patte and Dave just returning from the castle. Pretty soon we're all in Zum Ochsen enjoying the local beer.
Finally at 6:00 pm -- we start our trek to the point on the river where the ship is docked. On board -- another great dinner and later in the evening a game called "The Perfect Pair" -- (like the Newlywed Game). None of us volunteer but it is fun to watch others and keep our own score.
We have a wonderful keyboard muscian on board -- Miroslav. He is very talented -- he can play anything from background music at tea time to dance music later in the evening. He was the author, with Maddy, of the "Music Trivia" contest we so handily won.
Another good day is done!
Thanks for Reading --- pictures are coming soon -- I promise!
Pat
On the Rhine Heading to Wurzberg, Germany
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