Sunday 13 May 2012

Small Towns on the Rhine

Once we were out of the Gorge, the river widened and we got to stop at a few old, small towns along the river. The first one was called Ruedesheim, and it had a Museum of musical instruments ( actually more fascinating than it sounds!)
The last one was all these animals and dolls playing carnival type music, from the 1920's. I dont know if you can see it, but the monkeys looked positively evil! they would terrify any kid watching! After that we went up a cable car to above the town, and overlooking the Rhine where there was wine tasting from the huge steep vineyards. Awesome views.
Miltenberg
Wuzburg today we were bused to the city of Wurzberg - pop. 100,000. Very much a university city (this time the oldest university in Germany! with world known Law faculty???). we had a lovely guide called Anne who was a history student there, and spoke English perfectly. We visited the 'Residence' of the old Prince Bishops who used to rule this area of Baveria. they were princes but also proper Catholic bishops - hence the name. There was a fortress on the hills protecting the city,
These Prince bishops then built a 'Residence' which we then toured.
It was magnificent! 3 huge wings, and we could visit two. Unfortunately you are not allowed to take pictures, but even then they would not do it justice. there were the most amazing frescoes ?(huge murals on the ceiling, painted onto fresh plaster) and our lovely guide pointed out parts of it with a story for each. There were tapastries 400 years old, similiar aged chandeliers, gold leaf plaster work and one room was entirely in mirrors with paintings straight onto it. app. during the war all these priceless artifacts got bundled up and shipped somewhere safe, which was lucky because the building got bombed (and the whole town) was virtually destroyed by Allied bombers early in 1945(they thought they would get away with it.) we saw a photo at the end of the war of the city and it was in ruins. fortunately the US took the town, and donated money towards rebuilding some of these historic buildings (they had churches built in the early first century). The restoring of the residence took 10 years, and they tried to rebuild it in its orgional design. what a masterpiece! you might need to google it, cause it really is amazing. After the tour they took us to the wine cellars below the residence and explained how wine was the currency of the day, and these Prince Bishops taxed in wine! we sampled some, and I really wanted to buy some but unfortunately wasnt allowed due to luggage weight! so will try and source some at home. The Muller Thurgau was nice, as was the Reisling (nearly all Baveria seem to drink this one!)
Funny story!! After the wine tasting our lovely guide took us back to the boat which was now docked by the city bridge. We went on board, had a yummy lunch and then Dave and this other guy decided to go back into the city (not far) to buy magnets for the fridge (15 min each way tops!) I went down into our cabin to do this blog (and nana nap). the boat was due to leave at 3.30pm and you have to be on board 15 min before. they also have this neat system of checkout and in cards so they know who is on board (to do with your cabin number) well, at 3.15pm I get this call in the cabin asking if we were both there - no - so I went up to the reception. Everyone is on board except Dave and this guy and the captain and crew were getting anxious cause they wanted to leave! So the rest of our 'group' and I were hanging over the rails trying to see them, and five mins later here they are strolling slowly down the river side quite happy. that was till they saw us, and heard our cries to run, and suddenly they are sprinting down the pathway to get onboard! talk about cutting it fine. and this is the guy who is always punctual and gives me a hard time for being late! Blamed the other guy of course!
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3 comments:

  1. fmcneill14 May 2012 at 06:14

    Looks like you are having the most wonderful time! Will you ever want to come home? Your fabulous blog is very entertaining!! Enjoy the happy days. Fiona

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  2. Kick Start14 May 2012 at 08:45

    Wow! Wow! What an amzing time you are having. The cathedral at Cologne is so so amazing. I really enjoyed it too. I just love yiur blog. It is so awesome to read. Some of the sights I remember. Enjoy
    Wendy

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  3. Unknown14 May 2012 at 08:57

    You are doing a great job in keeping us up to date with your travels. You won't want to return home at the end of it all. When do you get to Vienna? Enjoy!
    Jenny B

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