A Full-time Life

PROST! We visit KOLN (COLOGNE)

 

The Skirnr arrived at Koln at 9 in the morning, having left Koblenz at 3 A.M., according to our in-room daily newsletter.  We didn't notice the departure -- by this time in the journey (only a couple days from its end) we were quite used to the motions of the boat.  

We opened our balcony door to watch the landing and saw a Festival Beer Garden set up right across the sidewalk from our room.   People were already having fun (at just 9 in the morning) -- or maybe it was "still having fun"  from the night before, who knows?  

 

 

 

The top two pictures above show how our boat was docked here.  The rather steep gangplank that we walked to get in and out shows on the left.   The lower picture is the beer garden, taken from our balcony.     This docking point was great, because we were able to walk on that sidewalk right into the center of town.  (I think a few passengers might have gotten sidetracked on the way in, right there across the 'street'.  

 

 

We were looking forward to a nice long day in Koln.  After breakfast on board, we headed into town -- which was already hopping by that time in the morning.  We saw a coffee shop called Oma Jan's in the same building as Papa Joe's Bier Salon.  It was a little early to patronize Papa, but we enjoyed a pastry and coffee at Oma's.   (Those happen to be two German words I understand very well, as I've known a few couples whose grandchildren called them Oma and Papa.)        As it turned out, we would visit Papa Joe's later in the day.  

 

 

 

It was pleasant to stroll around the old town watching people .... we stumbled on a wedding right at the busiest corner of the pedestrian mall.   The happy couple had quite a few uninvited guests.   Everyone was waiting until the white "doves" were released.   Someone told me that a man has a business renting out these homing pigeons for events.  

 

 

 

I don't know the significance of the top statue but the bottom (uh, lower?) center gargoyle is said to be mooning a statue that is across the river -- that one is sticking its tongue out.   In addition to being a happening town, it seems Cologne seemed  a bit of an irreverent one. 

 

 

Irreverent in spite of the fact that the twin spires of the 14th-Century Gothic Cathedral dominate  the City skyline.     The Cathedral is one of the few buildings in the City that was spared allied bombs during WWII.    The City is quite a mix of old and new, with ancient Roman ruins right next to modern buildings.  

 

 

 

Ornate and imposing, the Cathedral also has beautiful stained-glass windows, which down't show well at all in this picture. There is a 500+ step tower which leads to a viewing platform (we did not climb it).    It holds an impressive  sarcophagus which is said to contain bones of the Magi (the three Kings who visited Baby Jesus).    

After viewing the Cathedral, we wandered back to the boat   for lunch (which we didn't really need) and a nap, which we did.  It was a  pre-emptive rest, because we had chosen to take an optional evening tour to explore Cologne's food and beer culture -- and we did want to start out wide awake!

 

Cologne is famous for its Kolsch beer.  By law, real Kolsch can only be produced here.  As we walked back to town, our knowledgeable tour guide (a young woman) provided very interesting history of Cologne's signature beer and explained that we would visit four authentic  German brauhauses.  Our first stop was Papa Joe's , the one we'd looked at when we walked around that morning.   As we enjoyed our first glass of Kolsch, we admired the hand-carved and life-sized  mechanical band.   Papa's is a jazz club, but the only music we heard was when the  "band" played traditional German songs.   It was probably too early in the evening.

 

At the second stop, we enjoyed our Kolsch along with a traditional four-course German dinner.  Waiters carried  multiple glasses   in  one hand, while at the same time scooping up empties with the other.     We learned the special way to toast each other with the special Kolsch glasses.  "Prost" is the German word -- as we would say "cheers."  (You clink the bottom of the glasses, while looking each other in the eye -- otherwise it is bad luck.)

 

Beer Mat (coaster) 

 

Kolsch glasses are small, but we learned that they would be refilled  unless you remember to put the beer mat over it.  That is how you signal you've had enough.   Our (I guess unlimited) beer and food was pre-paid since we were on a tour, but normally, the waiter would make a hash-mark on the beer mat for each refill and that is how they know how to charge the drinker.    

 

Prost!  

There were two more tour stops -- at the last one, our guide told us the Brauhaus had been built on the site of Roman ruins --  there were  actually plexi-glass windows in a few places on the floor where you could see bones on the ground below.    I didn't really want  to think about that too much by that point.

 

(This picture has nothing to do with beer.)

Our group  had gotten gradually smaller as  the tour progressed, but we stayed until the end, arriving back at the ship around 10 p.m.  .... The boat left port at 10:30.    The picture above is shortly after we left, motoring past some of the  bright lights of  a more modern part of Cologne..

 

 

 We sat on our deck enjoying the still warm evening as we said Auf Wiedersehen to Koln  ...  and to Germany.  The next morning, the Skirnr would dock in the Netherlands, the fourth country we would see while on this cruise.

 

 

 

 

We had fun in Koln, but as we reflected, we were most grateful for all we had learned at every stop in Germany.  We enjoyed the country so much... perhaps more than I had thought we would.  I really knew so very little about it, even though both of us can trace part of our ancestry to that country.   

 

Linking this week to the following, with thanks to the hosts.  

 

ALL SEASONS;    MOSAIC MONDAY; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS; THROUGH MY LENS;   OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY;  

TUESDAY TREASURES; SAY CHEESE;  MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; SIGNS SIGNS;   THANKFUL THURSDAY;  

SKYWATCH FRIDAY; and   FRIDAY  BLISS; 

 

 

 

 

 

WURZBERG (on the MAIN RIVER)

 

Marienburg Fortress

on the Left Bank of the Main River

 Wurzburg is located  on two banks of the Main River in the Franconia region of Germany.    We had the above view from near where the boat was docked.   Franconia is known for its wine and Wurzburg is  home to Germany's oldest and largest vineyard.  (That is a different vineyard in the picture above --  the city is surrounded by them.)        This 13th-Century Fortress  was originally a Celtic fort and then was expanded into a  Baroque residence of bishops .                                                              

 

Two sides of the same sculpture

Our ship-board guide said Wurzburg's pedestrian zone had the best shopping in the region.  We didn't really shop, but did enjoy seeing this  sculpture by Mia Weiss.    That is two views of the same sign -- from each side.   (I'm sorry I didn't measure my steps better; obviously I was closer to the Love side.)    Here's what I found out about it by searching the net:

Since May 2019, several LOVE HATE sculptures by Mia Florentine Weiss have been travelling as ambassadors through various cities in Germany and Europe in support of democracy and humanism in order to strengthen the European idea according to the maxim MAKE LOVE NOT HATE!

The LOVE HATE ambigram by Mia Florentine Weiss, a larger-than-life-sized sculpture in public space, in its mirror-image reading, confronts the extremes of human emotions with each other and animates the viewer to question his or her own point of view by changing his or her perspective.    The mobile LOVE HATE sculpture by Mia Florentine Weiss was to be integrated into a cultural event as a highlight at the respective locations. With the participation in the art action #LOVEUROPE every city commits itself to love for Europe according to the maxim MAKE LOVE NOT HATE!

   

 

Bishop's Residence on the Right Bank of the Main 

 

The Wurzburg Bishops' Residenz  (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is on the other side of the River from the  Fortress.  (Those Prince-Bishops owned a lot of real estate in Germany.)    This one is massive (I was unable to get a picture of the entire structure).    It is a monument to the ways the royalty used their power (and enormous wealth.)    The palace was built between 1720 and 1744.   

No pictures were allowed  inside sadly.... we even had to check our bags at this palace.   The inside was breath-taking.  We remember the famous grand staircase with  the largest ceiling fresco in the world (it is called "The Four Continents -- all the artist knew about at the time).  From the Staircase, we entered the Imperial Hall which had marble and gold decorations and more frescoes by the Venetian painter Tiepolo .  (Disclaimer:  I remember his work, but certainly had to research for his name.)   

There were also beautiful formal gardens and we enjoyed strolling  around the grounds.

 

Kappele Baroque Masterpiece Church

Just a couple more "ordinary" churches photographed in passing .... I couldn't even begin to  show every photo-worthy structure in this City.

 

Neumunster Collegiate Church

 

We had a nice long day in Wurzburg, plus the boat was conveniently docked within walking distance of downtown.   This made it an ideal location for us to fill a regular prescription that Bill needed.  Finding out how to do that was an adventure in itself.   From the helpful local pharmacist we learned the location of a walk-in clinic where he could visit a Dr and (hopefully) get the necessary local prescription.  ... And it worked! 

  

 

High-school German (from oh, so many years ago) gave us the basic gist of this sign:   "Dear Patients:  We don't necessarily see patients in the order in which they enter.  Thank you for your understanding."     But Bill was seen quite promptly and while waiting we visited with local people -- this definitely wasn't a tourist place!   In fact, they really had no way of dealing with people who weren't on the national insurance -- they had no way to accept credit cards and no change.  We ended up paying almost nothing -- and the office manager smiled and was more than pleasant all through the transaction.   We went back to the same Pharmacy and the prescriptions were ready promptly.

Routine errands, made interesting by virtue of our being in another country.  We were impressed by  -- and grateful for -- the efficiency and caring of the staff at the clinic and the pharmacy.  And interested in comparing both to our country.

 

 

It was a beautiful walk along the river back to the Viking Ship Skirnr, our home-away-from-home for this trip. We made it in plenty of time for departure to the next stop.

 

 

 

Linking this week to the following:  Thank you to all of the hosts:

 ALL SEASONS;    MOSAIC MONDAY; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS;

THROUGH MY LENS;   OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY;   COUNTRY SCAPES;  

TUESDAY TREASURES; SAY CHEESE;  MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; 

SIGNS SIGNS;   THANKFUL THURSDAY;  

SKYWATCH FRIDAY; and   FRIDAY  BLISS; 

BEAUTIFUL BAMBERG

Bamberg really was the prettiest town!   

Founded in 902, the many historical churches and  homes mean it still looks like a medieval city.   It's almost like the whole town is an historic work of art.

  

Alte Rathaus (old City Hall)

In the 14th Century, the citizens of Bamberg wanted to build a city hall that served both sides of the town, which is divided by the Regnitz River.    Their solution was to build a bridge across the river and place the Rathaus (town hall) on a man-made island in the middle.  

 

 

Baroque and rococo touches were added to the building in 1746.  The pictures above are the same building -- this part of it is slightly visible in the very first picture  in this post -- on the left corner from the half-timbered part of the building.   From this location, there are beautiful city and river views.  

 

 

It  is probably no surprise to anyone that most of my pictures include river views.  

 

 

Lots of water and boats.  Bamberg has been called "Little Venice".       

 

Heller Haus

 This building  was the birthplace of Joseph Heller, a historian and art collector.  I really don't have much more information about him, but the building is so pretty.  It looks like it is made out of Wedgewood pottery -- or sugar icing!    The statue on the end of the bridge in front  of it is  Queen (and Saint)  Cunigunde, the wife of one of the Holy Roman Emperors and a patron of Bamberg.     

 

 

Another mystery  -- this three-dimensional sculpture  is on a wall on the Mager Building in the old town.  I don't know the significance, but was fascinated by it.

 

Original Schlenkeria Smoked Beer. 

There has to be something silly about every stop -- in Bamberg for us it was trying this strongly smoke-flavored beer at the historic brewery tavern that is its birthplace.    I'll just say that 'trying' was the operative word (for both of us).   Definitely not 'finishing'.  

 

 

These pictures are from our balcony, shortly after we re-boarded the Skirnr.   This was the most bird life we'd seen from the boat.    There were geese, ducks and ducklings,  and several swan families.    It was the perfect ending  to this beautiful day.

 

 

Linking to the following this week with thanks to the generous hosts:

  ALL SEASONS;    MOSAIC MONDAY;  THROUGH MY LENS;  OUR WORLD on Tuesday;  TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS;   TUESDAY TREASURES ;  SAY CHEESE;     MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;   SKYWATCH FRIDAY;   FRIDAY  BLISS;   and   SATURDAY CRITTERS    

 

NUREMBERG (Day 9)

Our tour  guidebook said that our visit to Nuremberg would be a complex and intriguing excursion.     I can't think of a better way to describe this beautiful city.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

 

  Nuremberg -- old and new 

 

World War II reminders were everywhere on this trip but nowhere more so than here.  That's what we expected to see and learn more about.    Prior to and during WWII, Nuremberg was the site of the huge parade grounds where Nazi rallies and military drills  were held.    Recently, after much debate, a decision was made to preserve  these grounds as a reminder of the country's dark past.  (The grandstands are deteriorating badly and the debate was whether to demolish or repair.)  

 

 

On the day we visited, part of the infamous site  was being used as a temporary campground -- if I understood correctly, many visitors were in town to attend a rock concert.  I'm not sure what to think about that  use, but maybe happy vibes are good.      On the lower left is one of several picture the tour guide showed us as our bus passed the parade grounds.        On the right is my picture of the same grounds.    It was easy to imagine the real and terrible events taking place as we viewed both pictures.    

Our tour guide was excellent --   respectful and knowledgeable.  We did not walk around at this stop, but stopped several times for pictures and  presentations.    

 

 

Imperial Palace

  I was so sure that this tour would be all about World War II that the rest of what we saw and learned surprised me.  The part I did not expect started at the top of Castle Hill, where our the walking tour began.       This is the Imperial Palace, a symbol of the City.    During the Middle Ages, every Holy Roman Emperor  stayed here at some time.   Nuremberg was a walled city with this safe fortress at the center.

Much later in time, the Palace also served an important purpose.    Shortly after  WWII began, an art storage depot was established in the ancient cellars under the Castle.  In this way, the City's most important art treasures survived the heavy air raids intact.  

 

 

 

Although air raids destroyed most of the medieval city walls, around three miles of them with original gateways and watchtowers still remain.                                          

 

 

From the top of the hill we walked toward the City's Old Town.  We had a short guided orientation ending in the Town Center....

 

 

Der Schone Brunen

(The Beautiful Fountain)

.... at this ornate Gothic fountain  which dominates Market Square.  The Fountain is an early 20th Century  replica of the original  built in the 1300s.  It depicts figures from the Holy Roman Empire and the Church. 

We then had some time to explore on our own.   

 

 

We did some window-shopping in the Market Square.     Nuremberg was once known as the toy-making capital of Europe -- mostly hand-carved wooden toys (although my photo obviously shows softer toys).     

It has always been well-known for its famous Lebkuchen — a cookie made with ground almonds and nine spices.  And delicious.  (Okay, it was more than window-shopping at Wicklein Lebkuchen Workshop, where they've been baking since 1613.)  

We  were told that it is a Nuremberg tradition to serve three German sausages in one bun.  The price seemed reasonable enough if sausages are your thing.  

 

The guide had told us to be back at the Beautiful Fountain  when it was time to head back to the bus.  It was a great meeting place --  Nobody could forget or miss this spot!     The top middle picture is somebody trying to reach the lucky ring.      Tradition says  your wish  will be granted if you turn that certain ring three times.  Our guide said it used to be gold, but because of all the touching and pushing and pulling it has been replaced several times.

 Back on the bus (and back to the 20th Century)  we stopped at the Palace of Justice, where the Nuremberg War Crime Trials took place in 1945 and 1946.

Palace of Justice, Nuremberg  

 

We joined our guide  in hoping that peace and justice prevail in this world and that we do not forget history. 

 

Linking this week to the following, with thanks to all of the hosts:  

  ALL SEASONS;    MOSAIC MONDAY;  TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS; THROUGH MY LENS;  OUR WORLD on Tuesday;     TUESDAY TREASURES ; SAY CHEESE;    SIGNS SIGNS;    MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;   SKYWATCH FRIDAY;   FRIDAY  BLISS; 

 

 

 

MUNICH (day 8)

Just after breakfast  the Skirnr docked  briefly at Straubing where guests could board buses for one of two tours -- to the City of Munich (the capital of the German State of Bavaria) or to Regensburg. 

 

 

We had not known before our trip that Munich would be an option, but because we'd heard a lot about it from fellow-snowbirds whose summer (and real) home is there,  we jumped at the chance to visit.        

 

BMW Welt website photo

It was rather a long bus ride into Munich.  On the way, our bus made a stop at BMW Welt -- a gigantic (and ultra-modern) showroom and car museum near the plant where this car is manufactured.  It was more interesting  than most "pit-stops" (and we had almost an hour for  the usual necessities and then to look around).   But I should have asked Bill to take pictures;  I was a little overwhelmed by all the cars and lights and noise and modernity when I had just gotten used to seeing only historical buildings.  So I  didn't take even one picture.  This one is from their website.

 

                                           

City of Munich   

 

Once we got to Munich, most of the walking part of the guided tour was spent on Marienplatz  (Our Lady's Square).  It has been Munich's City Center since 1158.   Both the new and old city halls are on the square ... as well as the famous Munich Glockenspiel Clock Tower.

 

 

 

The Glockenspiel is  quite wonderful in a three-ring circus kind of way.    I got photographer's neck looking up at the action (in the green window in the picture  on the right. .. The other pictures are zoomed and cropped.)   Built in 1908, the tower chimes twice daily at 11 and noon.  When it chimes, life-size figures re-enact two 16th Century stories.  The top half depicts the marriage of Duke Wilhelm -- the action includes a joust with visiting knights.  (Bavaria wins, of course.)    Meanwhile, the lower stage depicts the Cooper's Dance --  there is a myth that there was a plague in 1517 and this dance somehow halted its progress....    When the show is over, the golden rooster in the top cupola crows signifying the end.  

 

 

There were a lot of people in  downtown Munich!   Not for the first time, nor for the last, we marveled at the modern stores in the very old buildings.  Not that I expect all the buildings in these cities to be turned into museums, but just amazed that the buildings have survived through so much and are still being used.  

 

Our tour included a delicious (and huge) traditional Bavarian dinner at the Ratskeller Restuarant, also on Marianplatz.   And after that we pretty much dozed on the evening bus ride back to the boat.

It really was quite a lot of time on the bus and, in hindsight, maybe we should have stayed with our original plan and visited  Regensburg, which was closer to the dock point and would have given us more time to explore.   There are so many historical places in and near Munich  that we didn't have time to visit.   But on the other hand, we are glad to have seen even a little bit of this beautiful and historic City and it will be fun to tell our friends that we at least were able to get a quick overview of their hometown.  

 

So many things of interest, so little time ... but we're always conscious of how fortunate we are to have seen as much as we have! 

While we were away that day, the Skirnr had made its way along the river and we rejoined it at Kelheim just before it set sail for the next stop.   They were also still serving dinner on board -- but for some strange reason, that option was not quite as interesting as it usually was.

 

 

LINKING to the following, with thanks to all of the hosts:  ALL SEASONS;  MOSAIC MONDAY;  THROUGH MY LENS;  OUR WORLD on Tuesday;  TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS;      TUESDAY TREASURES ;  SAY CHEESE;   MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  SIGNS SIGNS; THANKFUL THURSDAY;  SKYWATCH FRIDAY;   FRIDAY  BLISS;   

 

 

 

 

 

PASSAU, GERMANY

 

Morning view from our deck, Day 7

It was exciting to wake up knowing that we would dock in another country -- Germany.    It seemed almost impossible that less than a week ago we were still  in Florida (and still finishing last-minute, closing-up-the-cottage-for-the-season-chores.)   What a week!

The Skirnir docked at Lindau, at 9 that morning.  By a quarter after nine, we were on a bus headed to the City of Passau and a guided walking tour.     (The Viking crew handled tour arrangements efficiently at all our stops, but I was especially amazed at this one because the buses were on the road so quickly after the boat docked.) 

    

Veste Oberhausen

Our tour guide did a good job summarizing the history as we walked through old town  and directing us to points of interest.  

Passau was founded by the Celts more than 2,000 years ago.  In addition to its location at the border between the two countries, it is also strategically  located at the confluence of three important rivers:  the Inin, Ilz, and the Danube.     

The Oberhausen is a fortress founded in 1219.   Situated on the Germany-Austria border it overlooks the City of  Passau .      (click the blue links for more information.)

 

After the guided walking tour, we had   time to explore the City on our own.   Some people visited the famous glass museum or other attractions, some shopped... 

... but our choice was to do as we often do in a new place  .... pretend we’re not tourists* and stroll around as if we were out for a daily walk.  We enjoyed the narrow streets and alleys, seeing a few 'real people'  -- and imagining what it would be like to live in this old, beautiful, and important city.  

*except for the camera

 

I loved seeing the little girls playing a game on their front porch -- totally unconcerned with passersby (quietly)  marveling at their neighborhood.    I think the sign above their  doorway (top left photo is a closer view) says that it was once the home of a butcher (flefchharker), but I'd be glad of any corrections.

That's a lot of pictures of cobblestones, but I wanted to highlight (and remember) what we were walking on during much of our trip.  (Maybe I should have said  'hobbled'  instead of 'walked.'  Bill was glad he had taken the day before to rest.)   We both agreed that it was all worth it though.  The  stones on that one particular street were marked in red paint to show different routes. 

 

 

We kept an eye on the clock as we explored because we had  tickets to attend an organ concert at this beautiful church -- St Stephen's Cathedral -- before it was time to return to the ship.     

 

What a sensory experience to listen to this beautiful instrument  as we marveled at the glorious baroque interior at the Cathedral.

 

Shuttle buses back to our boat had been available all afternoon and after the concert we wended our way back to the pickup spot.  It had been a lovely day and a perfect introduction to the third country of our tour.   

 

ALL SEASONS;    MOSAIC MONDAY;  TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS; THROUGH MY LENS;  OUR WORLD on Tuesday;  SAY CHEESE;    TUESDAY TREASURES ;   MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;   SKYWATCH FRIDAY; and  FRIDAY  BLISS

 

WELCOME TO MELK

While we slept, the Skirnr traveled along the Danube from Vienna --   we woke and breakfasted to views of the beautiful Wachau Valley.

 

The City of Durnstein on the Wachau Valley Riverbank

The Wachau is an important wine-grape growing region; we saw farmlands and  cities, charming villages, castles, and cathedrals close to the shore and glimpsed ruined castles on the hilltops.    Our port-of-call for the day was the city of Melk, at the Valley's base.  It is located at the confluence of the Danube and Melk Rivers.

Watching the Skirnr's arrival was a different experience this time.  We were glad we were up and awake to watch this adventure.  Melk wasn't a big city dock --the boat pulled into the shore out in the middle of (what seemed like) nowhere:

 

 

There was only a short "T" dock, and the boat had to be tied to bollards on the bank.  In the picture above, one deckhand tosses a weighted rope to another man who is standing on the rocky bank below (you can just see him on the left between the rails).  The rope missed him (or he missed the rope) a couple of times before he caught it....

 

... First, the guy on the ground had tried to catch the line as he stood on the safer grassy bank (left picture)  but that didn't work and he had to scramble down those loose rocks.  We held our breaths for him!   Fortunately, he did  catch it and tie us off  without injury to person or boat  (maybe it  was because a certain someone was there to supervise the efforts?)   
  

 

The excursion destination for the day was the 900-year old Benedictine Abbey which overlooks the town of Melk from its hilltop location.  There wasn't anyplace to park near where the boat was docked, so we had a walk through a woodsy area to the bus that would take us there.   

 

 

This is the Abbey as seen from the parking area.    This was kind of a throw-away zoomed-in shot as we boarded the bus, because of course I thought I'd get a better one when we arrived.  (There was some kind of white tent in the corner of the parking lot that I couldn't get away from.)   However, when we arrived at the top, the huge Abbey so dominated the entire hilltop it was impossible to get far enough away for a picture of the whole building.   

 

 

We weren't quite at the top of the hill yet at the end of the short bus ride.  We still had to climb this  elegant staircase to get to the Abbey.  Translated (so I'm told) the words  on  the  steps read   "Melk Abbey" and then  'Listen  and You  Will    Arrive".   That quote is part  of  the  Benedictine  Rule.  

 

 

I  guess it is another way of saying  quiet your mind and you will eventually understand.   Or maybe just shut up and pay attention (it was and still is a teaching abbey after all.)  

 

 

 The grounds are beautiful and the views of the city from the hill top are amazing.   We were divided into small groups inside and the tour guide was excellent.    Here is the article from Wiki which gives the history  -- reading isn't as much fun as it was hearing it from the guide, but  is more interesting than it would be if I tried to repeat what we learned.

We  saw the  awe-inspiring library, which includes priceless medieval manuscripts.   There were ornate sculptures and beautiful frescoes  throughout the building, and a chastibule that contains relics of Saints.   One of the chapels had an amazing  tromp'l'oil  painting on the ceiling that made the flat surface appear to be a dome.   

Sadly, we were asked not to take pictures inside and I obeyed that request.  Although it appeared that not everyone did ... I think cell phones are making that a difficult rule to enforce. 

 

 

 Here are a few close-up examples of at least parts of the building's Baroque architecture.  And an interesting factoid (not personally verified by me) -- the Abbey has 365 windows, one for each day of the year.  Melk Abbey was founded in 1089 and it has been in use as an Abbey for that whole time.  The Abbey building of today was built over a period of years in the mid-1700s.  

 

 

We had been told that while we were on the tour, the Skirnr would leave its  tie-down in Melk and that we would meet the boat at a different location.  That morning Bill had elected to stay on board the boat and forego the Abbey tour.  Perhaps because he wanted to continue supervise those deckhands -- or perhaps because he had walked miles and miles on cobblestones on the previous four days and his bad foot needed a rest.

In any case, it felt a bit surreal to board the bus at the foot of that staircase and be driven through new and different territory (a lot further than the short ride getting to the Abbey).  I certainly hoped  we'd meet the boat (and my traveling companion) as planned ...

 

 

... and was happy when we did exactly that!    The top row are views from the bus window as it traveled from the Abbey to the port at the city of Ybbs.  We didn't see anything of that town except the dock, but I just loved the name and don't want to forget it, hence the pictures of the sign.     

And there's the Skirnr pulling in to pick us up.   My bus did beat the boat by a few minutes, which was excellent timing, because it was fun to watch it motor along the river from outside!  

As soon as everyone was on board,  the Skirnr departed for its journey to  a new port of call.   On the following day we would awaken in Germany, the next country we would be privileged to visit.

 

Linking this week to the following sharing opportunities.   Thank you to all of the hosts.

ALL SEASONS;    MOSAIC MONDAY;  THROUGH MY LENS; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS;  TUESDAY TREASURES  ;  OUR WORLD on Tuesday;  SAY CHEESE;     MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  SIGNS SIGNS; THANKFUL THURSDAY;   SKYWATCH FRIDAY;  and FRIDAY  BLISS;   

 

 

VIENNA (part 2)

 

We met Jacob and Maya  after breakfast on the second day that the river boat was docked in Vienna.   Our fellow Viking passengers were preparing to board the usual tour buses for their day's events, but we were excited to meet our grandchildren for more of our own special time on this second day in the City.  (Vienna Part One is here). 

 

Statue of Empress Maria Theresa in front of Natural History Museum

We visited Maria Theresien Platz.  A monument to the Empress is the center point of the huge plaza which includes two almost identical  buildings that house the Vienna Museum of Natural History and the Art Museum.  There are also four fountains, other sculptures, and lovely landscaping.    Our 'guides' told us that at Christmas the whole plaza is transformed into a world-famous Christmas Market -- it sounded amazing!

 

 

The Empress Maria Theresa governed Austria from 1740 to 1780.   What I remembered was that she was the last of the Hapsburg line of rulers of the Austrian empire, that she led major educational reforms, and that she was the ruler in actuality rather than (as would have been expected at the time) ceding complete rule to her husband Francis,who was a royal in his own right from another line ....  And I remembered that she had 16 children!  I went to Wiki to check my memory, which was not wrong (but certainly not complete) -- she definitely deserves to be commemorated.   Here is the link to the wikipedia page.

 This World Heritage monument is huge!  The entire monument is over 60 feet in height; her statue alone is 19 feet. At the corners are statues of four of her Generals on horseback and carvings of other notables are around the bottom of the monument.   

The upper left and lower right pictures in the collage are two of the corners of  the Museum of Natural History.   They were meant to represent the  continents as they were imagined at the time ... the one on the top left is America. 

  

 

 

We got around the City  underground  -- on the subway/tube ..... our private guides were experts on the system (and the language!)   We had fun pretending like we were locals rather than tourists on a bus.   This picture is where we're exiting the Schonbrunn Station to return to the City Center. 

 

 

These pictures are of the grounds at the Schonbrunn Palace. ( (There is a picture of the Palace on the previous post.)   It was hard to get pictures of the buildings without a lot of people -- we were in Vienna on Ascension Thursday,  a Holiday for schools and many businesses were closed.  We certainly weren't the only ones who were enjoying this beautiful place.   

The center photo is (the top of ) The Gloriette which was built in 1775 during the reign of  the same Empress Maria Theresa and Joseph.      It was meant as a place for the royals and visitors to take in the views.  Now it is open to the public .. the Gloriette Cafe is housed on the lower level.   

 

 

Many elaborate sculptures and garden buildings grace the  grounds of the Schonbrunn, which was once the summer residence of the Hapsburg royalty.  It is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

 

Even with our private guides and a one-on-one tour, our one evening plus one full day gave us time for only an overview of the wonders of Vienna.  But we loved every moment of it -- and we learned so much.  What great memories!  

 

 

We are grateful to have had such a special time with our grandchildren in this beautiful city.   At the end of our day, Jacob and Maya went to board a train to Slovakia, where they would visit her family before flying to Finland  (where they now live).  We headed back to the Skirnir in time for its departure to the next port of call -- Melk, Austria.  

 

 

Linking to the following: 

ALL SEASONS;    MOSAIC MONDAY;  OUR WORLD on Tuesday; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS;  TUESDAY TREASURES  ;  SAY CHEESE;   MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;   FRIDAY  BLISS;  and SKYWATCH FRIDAY.  

Thank you to all of the hosts.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LEAVING BUDAPEST; SEEING SLOVAKIA; ARRIVING VIENNA

 

Bratislava Castle (Slovakia) as seen from the boat.

 Our river ship departed Budapest at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday and would arrive in Vienna at about the same time the next evening, making Wednesday one of the longer days spent aboard the boat. 

We were looking forward to seeing  Slovakia, the next country we'd pass by.  That's where  our granddaughter-in-law Maya is from -- we would be getting together with  her and Jacob when we reached Vienna.    We'd pass through one of our first locks just before we arrived at that part of the river. 

 

Our ship was waiting to lock through

We didn’t dock in Slovakia, but at the top of the lock,   I was able to reach out from our deck and touch the ground.    (I'm not totally sure the boat was actually passing Slovakia at the exact moment we exited the lock,  but I really really want to believe that at least I've 'set hand' in that country.)

 

Slovakia from the Deck -- and requisite emergency drill

 

We boated past Bratislava, the country's capital city and more of the Slovakian countryside --  we saw the castle shown in the top photo and other castles as well, old stone fortresses, and scenic river shores.   So, whether I actually touched land there or not, we did definitely see and admire this part of Slovakia, if only from the middle of the Danube.

Wednesday was  the requisite safety meeting on the top deck. We had to learn where to go in case of emergency and how to put on our life vest (some people actually did have trouble).  It was funny to see every person on board wearing their  "Mae Wests" while many of them continued to take pictures of the beautiful scenery.   It's really hard to take your eyes off  it.

The day on board went by quickly --besides the safety drill,  there were program talks and of course breakfast and lunch on board -- and always that scenery!   The boat docked in Vienna as scheduled and we disembarked as soon as possible to meet our grandchildren. 

 

 

We caught up with their busy life  over a scenic walk, dinner and dessert -- Sacher Torte in one of the city's classical coffeehouses.  According to what we learned on board about Vienna's cafe society, coffeehouses  have been a tradition in Vienna since 1683.  They wouldn't have been considered complete without red velvet seating and magnificent chandeliers.   Since most people lived in small crowded apartments, coffeehouses were considered to be second living rooms, where people could linger over coffee and conversation.    That last part seemed to still be true today.   At least it certainly was for us!  

 

Schonbrunn Palace -- the next day 

 

The ship would be in port the whole next day ...  and Jacob and Maya had a hotel room just down the street.    I'll show more of what these talented  (brilliant and good-looking)* guides to Vienna showed us in the next post. 

*  I'm a grandmother -- what can I say?

 

LINKING this week to the following, with thanks to all of the hosts:

ALL SEASONS;    MOSAIC MONDAY;  THROUGH MY LENS; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS; OUR WORLD on Tuesday;  SAY CHEESE;   TUESDAY TREASURES ; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;   SKYWATCH FRIDAY;  and  FRIDAY  BLISS

 

 

 

 

 

 

ON BOARD IN BUDAPEST

Budapest Hungary was the first  City on our river cruise vacation.

We cleared customs  at Brussels Airport and then transferred to Belgium Airlines for the final hop to Budapest.    Viking had arranged a car to transfer us to our River boat, the Viking  Skirnir.    It seemed like it had taken a long time from Fort Myers  -- we transferred at Newark before crossing the ocean to Belgium and we were a bit jet-lagged.

But  we arrived at the boat mid-afternoon  Sunday and had the rest of the day to get organized, check out the boat (eat and relax)    -- and  even take a short guided walk in the fresh air.    

 

Chain Bridge (between Buda and Pest) 

 On our brief walk that first day, we saw with our own eyes  that the Danube River divides the two parts of this great  city -- Buda and Pest.  The Boat would be docked here all of the next day and until evening the day after that, so we knew we'd have more time for sightseeing in this beautiful City. 

 

The Skirnr docked in Budapest near the Bridge

(Not a great picture of the boat, but it shows how close we were to the Bridge and town.   Great location for walks -- but in this picture buses like the one at the left were lined up ready to take passengers on the panoramic tour of the  city - the one we took on the second day .)

Back on board that first evening, there was a welcome talk , with a brief overview of what to expect on the voyage.  We would be traveling along three different rivers -- the Danube, the Mine, and the Rhine.   The reason these rivers are relatively easy to navigate is because of the lock system.   Locks work by raising and lowering boats between stretches of water of different levels.  This system  makes a river more easily navigable or allows a canal to take a more direct line across a country that is not level.   

We would be locking through the first of these very soon after the ship set off the next day.

This chart from an on-board book in our cabin  (also sent to us as an E-Book) identifies the twelve  locks through which our ship would pass between Budapest and Passau Germany.   The gray bar represents the elevation at which the ships enter the lock, the red bar the height the ship would rise or lower while in the lock.   In all, during the entire journey on the three rivers our ship would navigate through 68 locks.

 

 

Parliament Buildings on the Danube

The picture above and those following are from the  bus and walking tour we took on the second full day.  This overview tour was included without additional cost -- a feature that was  available at each city where  we docked.   Optional excursions at a cost were also available instead or in addition, depending on the length of each stop.    

Castle Hill

 We walked through narrow streets and shops in Old Town -- many of the buildings dated from medieval times. We visited the Castle Districts and Matthias Church .  We were pleased with the historical overview our guide painlessly provided.  And also that we were given  some time to explore on our own as well.

 

View as the ship left Budapest

This beautiful City was a  grand start to our "Grand European Tour."   

 

LINKING this week to the following, with thanks to the hosts.

MOSAIC MONDAY;  THROUGH MY LENS; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS; OUR WORLD on Tuesday;  SAY CHEESE;   TUESDAY TREASURES;  MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;   SKYWATCH FRIDAY;  and FRIDAY  BLISS;   

 

 

 

HOME AGAIN --- with memories!

 

Traveling from the Florida Canal Cottage to Oregon was a bit different this year.  It was an amazing 'detour.'  We're home now and  still sorting out our memories ... and our pictures from the trip.     To get started while I finish that project, here are just a few favorites.  There will be more later.  

 

Budapest

We were on a Viking River Cruise for 15 days -- boarding the boat in Budapest.  The boat docked in a different port almost every day -- we visited twelve cities in four different countries, traveling along three rivers to Amsterdam where we disembarked.     

 

Bill in Ghent 

 

After that, we stayed (all on our own) for two weeks -- spending more time in the Netherlands and adding the countries of Belgium and Luxembourg.  We had a wonderful time -- the whole trip was a triumph for the travel planner (who is pictured above, in Belgium).  

 

With Jacob and Maya at Schonbrunn Palace and also enjoying Sacher Torte in old-town Vienna

Hopping backwards to our time  on the Viking  -- we enjoyed and learned from every one of those twelve stops ... sometimes we went on the   tours the ship offered and sometimes we went out on our own.   The very best guided tour of all though was our own private one during our two-day stop in Vienna.  Here we were met by Jacob and Maya, our European grandson and granddaughter (in-law), who flew to meet us.  It was  wonderful to see them and without doubt we had the best possible tour guides in the world, as Vienna is a familiar city to them. 

 

Castles and colorful villages on the Rhine

One of the best parts of a river cruise is that there are wonderful sights to see almost every minute of daylight.  These rivers aren't wide and the views from our balcony or on the top deck were  amazing.   The pictures in the above collage were taken from the boat on one day's travel --  between Wertheim and Koblenz Germany.

 

Wachau Valley 

 

Every morning of the whole trip, I woke up amazed ... the  boat, the cities, the food, the scenery all really were the stuff of dreams.    But I think even more than anything the  charming views out the window of our room enhanced the dreamlike quality.

This post barely touches the seventeen cities in six countries that we visited, not to mention the scenic points between!   Needless to say, there will be more!   ...   it was a wonderful trip and it is also wonderful to be home!  

 

Back in the USA - Colorado

To get here, we flew from Amsterdam to Colorado where we spent a week with our son and daughter-in-law --mostly decompressing, for which we are enormously grateful.  Then home to Oregon, where our daughter and son-in-law kindly retrieved us from the airport.     Because I always include a picture of the first mountain sighting when we return from low-land Florida -- and since we our trip was about the low  countries of Europe -- Colorado once again has the honors!   The picture is from a walk on the greenbelt near where our family lives.  

 

LINKING this time to:   ALL SEASONS;  OUR WORLD on Tuesday; TRAVEL PHOTO SOUVENIRS ; TUESDAY  TREASURES ; SAY CHEESE;   MY CORNER OF THE WORLD;  THANKFUL THURSDAY;   SKYWATCH FRIDAY;   FRIDAY  BLISS   

 

Thank you to all of the hosts.