Monday, October 9

We got off the ship in Koblenz for a shore excursion of Marksburg Castle. It is a beautifully preserved, 700 year old hilltop fortress. Spectacular views of Braunschweig, the Rhine, and surrounding countryside from its 550 foot perch. 

We got back on the ship in Braubach. 

The next 3 hours, we enjoyed spectacular views as we sailed through one of Germany's most scenic regions. We sat on the top deck on deck chairs. A few drops of rain here and there, but we are getting use to that now!  We passed vineyard-blanketed hills, splendid castles, towns, and dramatic rocks along tall banks. And, most impressive was the Lorelei Rock, at a dramatic curve in the river. This river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet. 

Cocoa, alone or with rum, was served on the top deck while we enjoyed the sights!

Back in the lounge, we learned how to make Rudesheim Coffee (coffee, warm brandy, and sugar) and had coffee and tea time. 

We have just docked in Rudesheim and have some time before we go into town for a festive dinner, traditional music, and, I suppose, lots of beer!  I know it will be late when we return, so I wanted to let you all know about our day!

I hope you all are have a great day across the pond!

Sunday, October 8

This morning we did a walking tour in the historic city of Cologne. It is crowned by Northern Europe's Largest Cathedral. It is majestic and spectacular!  Construction began in 1248, continued in several stages over 7 centuries, and finally completed in 1880. There was some damage during WWII. It is still being repaired. 

90% of Cologne was destroyed during WWII. 

This afternoon we went to a chocolate factory on a cute little tram. We didn't take a tour but we did buy candy!

A bridge near the ship is very unique--couples write their names on locks, put the locks around a rail, lock it, and throw the key in the Rhine. They are pledging their love forever. Ahhhh.,,,,,

Dinner was delicious, as usual, and since we couldn't decide on a dessert, we were brought two! Here's a pic of my pork tenderloin and 2 desserts!

We have to keep walking A LOT to walk off all this food we are eating!  Yum!

Saturday, October 7

The rain and temps of between 51 and 56 degrees didn't stop us from having a great day!

After a wonderful breakfast, we bungled up for our shore excursion to see the Kinderdijk Windmills in South Holland. We walked across a dyke to a network of 19 remarkably preserved, 18th century windmills and ingenious flood-management devices. Families actually live in these windmills and are required to keep them in working order. 

When we came back to the ship, it was time for safety instructions. 

Lunch, nautical talk,  "All Things Dutch" presentation, and Dutch teatime took up our indoor afternoon!

Dinner was delectable!  

Picture of the peanut butter, chocolate, caramel dessert!   My mouth is watering as I write about it!

We entered Germany at 9:00 this evening and then had a German lesson!  Oh, my, I should have tried to learn more from Libby!

Gute Nacht

Friday, October 6

Got on the ship safely at 3:15.  Only 4 decks including the sun deck. 186 guests on the ship. It is beautiful and elegant!

Forgot to take a picture of our delicious dinner at 7:00!  We enjoyed so much talking to Dawn, Al, and another couple from Oklahoma. 

Then we enjoyed dancing to a Retro group!  

The ship will be leaving the dock at 11:30 pm. 

Another tiring day!

Good Night!!

Friday, October 6

We will be leaving the hotel shortly for the boat/ship and wanted to share some thoughts before we leave. 

Coffee Shops -- almost everything sold in them have marijuana in it.....coffee, cookies, etc. I'm not writing this because of experience!  Don't worry, kids, we haven't changed that much!!!!  

Marijuana and prostitution are not legal, but everyone just turns their backs to it and it's tolerated. People say, "the more laws you make, the more you have to make"!

TV -- Programs we saw were in English, but close captioning is in Dutch. All commercials were in Dutch. 

Many homes have bike ramps so

people can take their bikes in and out of their homes. 

Sky was blue this morning, Dawn and Al saw a beautiful rainbow, so we thought it was safe to do some exploring!  Hmmm....Walked about a block, large black cloud, wind, and a hard rain came.

Wet again!!!

However, when the sun came out, we found a cute little cafe along a canal and had scones and tea for the ladies. The men enjoyed coffee and pastry. 

We took some new roads on the way back to the hotel!  Along all of our walks in Amsterdam, we crossed charming canals, colorful umbrellas, people enjoying outdoor eating, young people walking back and forth to the University, lots of people smoking (not only cigarettes!!), and crazy people on bikes and motorcycles!  Fun to explore!

Hotel

Scone for lunch, Marla!!!

Thursday, October 5

Back again with a few comments. 

Walked around Red Light District--recommended by 3 people--don't really know what to say about it. Use your own imagination!

Also, found out why all the wind and rain....Hurricane Maria!  No comment!

Thursday, October 5

Oops!  The last entry was sent by mistake before I finished. I'll catch on to this blogging by the time we get home!!

Dutch pancake!!  Yum!!  It was a huge plate and the pancake took up the whole thing!

After lunch, we had tickets for the Anne Frank House. Dawn ordered them 2 months ago!  It was touching and some-

thing I wouldn't have wanted to miss. 

So far today, we have walked 11,000 steps!  I need to walk off that pancake!!!