Tuesday, May 20, 2025 – Camano Island to Vancouver, BC to Amsterdam
Got off to a great start. We wanted to leave home by 10:00 am and actually backed down the driveway at 10:04 am. Hurray us!
Then an easy drive to Peace Arch crossing with not even a 5-minute wait. And then a less than 1 minute questioning by the Canadian crossing guard including where are you headed, when do you plan to return, and do you have any guns etc. along for the ride. After that brutal inquisition, we were on our way to YVR (the Vancouver BC International airport). But before we could go through all the security, check in, and interminably long wait to board our flight, we first had to a) find the airport, and b) drop off our car. Piece of cake! There were signs everywhere. (Thank you, Canada and Jetset YVR Parking.)
Then onto the plane we proceeded. Business Class, which BTW I adamantly recommend, especially if you are a senior citizen. For this trip, we were, for the first time, flying the friendly skies with KLM. The seats were wonderfully comfortable, but their idea of gourmet fare and mine are worlds apart. Suffice it to say, I ate hardly any of the dinner and breakfast provided. But sleep, that I did. All tucked away in my own little cocoon. With Mr. C. right next to me.
After landing and collecting our luggage, it was time to find a taxi. Easy. And there was no waiting time. Then it was off to our BNB.
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – bnbheerhugowaard
Now, when I was reserving a place to lay our heads the first night in the Netherlands, I decided against staying in Amsterdam proper. Hotels in Amsterdam are very pricy. Well, I should have realized that a taxi ride of 57 km from Amsterdam airport to bnbheerhugowaard, would cost quite a bit of money too. But I never imagined that it would cost us 200 Euros, plus tip! Way to go Patti. And then, how in the hell were we going to get from our bnb in the Netherlands hinterland to Amsterdam and then to the Viking River Cruise terminal? Because as we were informed by our host when we arrived, there are no taxis in this small town that go as far as Amsterdam. Well then, now what should we do? So, Andy went on his phone and found a local taxi company where we could book online for a quick 6 kl car ride that would take us to the town’s (and I use the term “town” loosely) train station. But mind you, at this point we are sleep deprived, hungry, and I am totally anxious and ready to turn around and JUST GO HOME! So, instead of making a taxi reservation for 10:00 am on the 22nd, he made it for the 23rd. And after securing a taxi, Andy went online and bought us 2 first class train tickets to Amsterdam.
Our own little room at the bnb. Notice the pen in the foreground with chickens. There were also rabbits.
Pretty little church near the bnb in Heerugowaard, Netherlands
Thursday, May 22, 2025 – Amsterdam and all aboard Viking’s Gersemi river boat in Amsterdam.
After partaking of a lovely breakfast provided by our host, we find ourselves checked out and waiting at 10:00 am for our taxi. At about 10 after, Andy looked at the reservation again and realized his mistake. Now, what in the bloody hell are we going to do? Just about then our host must have seen us still waiting and we explained that we had made an error, had called the taxi company, confessed our mistake, and they said they would try and get a cab to us in half an hour. “Try” being the operative word. Our host took pity on us, and after unloading a whole bunch of stuff from his car, took us to the train station. So, here we are waiting for the next train, not really knowing what to do. I must at this point tell one and all that when an old lady with a smile on her face, and a confession of being completely confused asks for assistance, it is gladly given. Because this lovely young man, who was also waiting for the next train, who BTW spoke beautiful English, helped us figure out which train to take.
But then, now that we have the train reservation on our phone, what in blue blazes do we do next. There is no scanner or any railroad personnel to assist us at the station. God must have taken pity on us, because now we are at least traveling in the right direction. That destination being Amsterdam. A nice ride and we got to see a lot of lovely homes, fields of cows and sheep, water canals everywhere, and more bicycles than I have ever seen in any place before.
So, we got off the train, and again, not a soul to tell us where to go. And I’m telling you true, I wanted to shout at just about anyone who would listen, just exactly where I wanted them to go! No signs, and of course I led us astray. At about the time I was afraid I might break into tears; Andy calmly directed us to the exit. And of course, we had to prove that we had actually paid for our ride. But perhaps at this point the Gods of foreign travel decided to once again take pity on us, because the gate opened immediately as soon as Andy showed the bar code, or whatever that squiggly square thing is called, and we were no longer train station captives. Then, where do we find a taxi. Again, no signs. But Andy spotted a taxi, and we toddled off to claim it at a good clip for a couple of weary senior citizens. And the taxi driver gladly opened the car doors for us.
And then our next adventure began. We gave the nice taxi driver as much information as we had, but unfortunately, he dropped us off at the wrong dock. But as luck would have it, a nice lady who was helping people board a huge floating hotel, sent us off in the right direction. And after about a 20-minute brisk walk, we finally arrived at our destination.
Now I must confess, I haven’t walked that long or that fast in many years. It’s amazing what the fear of not knowing where you are and how you are going to get to where you need to be, to put your body into – full steam ahead mode! But we were welcomed aboard our Viking ship, shown to our room, and were advised that lunch was being served.
And the really ridiculous part of this whole unnecessary taxi ride was the fact that the train station was closer to where our boat was moored than where the taxi driver dropped us off! But that is just one of the aspects of traveling. Not having a clue what you are doing. Will I ever forget this mix-up, of course not!
After a nice repast, we went back to our room, took everything out of our freshly delivered suitcases, and stowed everything in drawers and closets. I was amazed at how much storage there actually was in our tiny room.
We chose not to pay for a fancy room because we didn’t plan to stay in our room when there were so many lovely areas on the boat just begging to be used.
After a light lunch, it was time for me to start my travel report.
Andy decided to go for a short introduction to Amsterdam guided walk at 3:30 pm (5 people) into the heart of Amsterdam.
Amsterdam’s train station
Amsterdam Centraal Station has two new underwater bicycle parking facilities with a combined capacity of approximately 11,000 bicycles.
I decided to stay in our room, start my trip report, and if luck was on my side, take a bit of a nap before toddling up to the lounge for drinks at 5:00 pm.
Interesting fact about Amsterdam. Amsterdam consists of 90 islands. Basically, a patchwork of islands connected by 1,500 bridges.
Met a lovely couple from Nashville who were retired music educators. We thoroughly enjoyed talking with them. Then at 6:00 pm we were given a welcome briefing and safety instructions. 7:00 pm was dinner. Again, we met a nice couple from Salem, Oregon. And after our initial banter, we realized we were of like minds when it came to the situation, we Americans are currently facing. So, we talked about our leaders. Of course we did! Then after dinner we decided to check out the trio that would be providing entertainment in the lounge. After 30 seconds, we gave it a pass, headed back to our room, and were in bed by 9:30 pm hoping to sync our bodies with the local time zone.
I have no pictures from this day. I took plenty, but they somehow disappeared from my cell phone camera. We looked everywhere for them, but they are simply gone. Grrrrr
Friday, May 23, 2025 – Viking’s Gersemi river boat – Kinderdijk, Netherlands
Both woke up early. Andy decided to go top-side and find a cup of coffee. I read for a bit then got ready to join him for breakfast at 7:00 am.
After breakfast, we joined our group at 8:20 am for a shore excursion to the Kinderdijk Windmills.
Kinderdijk is a village community in the Alblasserwaard province. This corner of South Holland, part of the scenic Waal and Merwede regions, has long been shaped by Rhine Delta waters. Kinderdijk is most known for its 19 remarkably preserved 18th-century windmills. The charming hamlet is located amid low-lying polders, tracts of land reclaimed from the sea by the power of the windmills and enclosed by embankments or dikes. This legendary place calls to mind the 1865 novel Hans Brinker, in which a heroic boy plugs his finger into a ruptured dike.
In this beautiful, water-rich area near Dordrecht we walked to one of the windmills that was built around 1740. These 19 remaining magnificent windmills serve as part of a larger water management system to prevent flooding in this area. This is very important because 60% of the Netherlands is under sea level. And rain, no rain, etc. requires a very complicated system of keeping the water level consistent.
Simply put, these few historic windmills symbolize Dutch water management and in 1997 they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Why? The Kinderdijk windmills were built to keep the low-lying land of the Alblasserwaard dry. Once you visit this area, you simply must admire the tenacity of the Dutch and their many waterways, dikes, mills, and locks that have been using water to their advantage for over 1000 years.
Of course, during our walk, the heavens opened, and we survived a short but very impressive deluge. And in typical NW Washington manner, 5 minutes later the sun came out and along with a bit of help from the wind, we were dry again in 15 minutes. Of course, I did feel a bit of pressure during the walk, because we had been warned at the start of our tour that we had to be back at the boat by 10:30 am. If not, we would be left behind. Needless to say, we made it back in time, but now safely on board and back in our room, I immediately lay down for a bit of a nap. One hour later, it was time for lunch and afterwords, a nautical talk including a slide show on the workings of our boat.
Of course, the talk was a bit over our heads, so upon conclusion, we both decided a nap would be the perfect way to spend the next hour. So, lights out, curtains drawn, and logs sawed until 4:30 pm to once again return to the lounge for a talk on upcoming optional excursions. Then drinks in the lounge until dinner was served at 7:00 pm.
After dinner we decided we had socialized enough today and proceeded back to our room for me to write up today’s report and Andy to bury his nose in his kindle.
Saturday, May 24, 2025 – Viking’s Gersemi river boat – Cologne, Germany
Well, today was a strenuous day for us. After breakfast we joined the “leisurely” group for the Cologne Walking Tour which took us, with the help of short bus ride, into the market district of bustling Cologne.
After passing some other old structures, we finally arrived at Cologne Cathedral.
This Gothic cathedral dominates the skyline of Cologne and is one of Germany’s most famous landmarks. It is also one of the most beautiful examples of Gothic and Neo-Gothic architecture in the world.
The building of the Cologne Cathedral commenced in 1248. But it took over 600 years to complete. And even after all the years, the cathedral still dominates the skyline of the city.
Currently the cathedral is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Upon its completion on the 14th of August 1880, the Cologne Cathedral held the title of the World’s tallest building until 1884.
The Cologne Cathedral dominates the city of Cologne even today and can be viewed from anywhere in the city. The cathedral’s famous twin towers stand out boldly as the symbol of Cologne’s proud history. On the outside the cathedral is dark and rather menacing; inside it is just awe-inspiring. At the end of the gigantic nave is the reason for the cathedral being built; the shrine of the Three Magi, the Three Wise Men whose relics were brought to the city in 1164.
Then it was back to the boat for lunch.
After lunch we boarded another bus for yet another excursion. This time we visited the Brühl UNESCO Palaces.
The Augustusburg Castle was built on the foundations of a medieval castle in 1725. Shortly thereafter, in 1729, a hunting lodge was designed to the southeast for the owner to practice falconry.
The main block of Augustusburg Palace is a U-shaped building with three main stories and two levels of attics. The three wings are made of brick with roughcast plaster. Two orangeries (a room or dedicated building, historically where orange and other fruit trees are protected during the winter, as a large form of greenhouse or conservatory) adjoin the main building on the north and south sides. The magnificent main staircase is made of ornate marble, jasper and stucco. The main garden directly south of the Augustusburg Palace is a complex, embroidery-like parterre (a level space in a garden occupied by an ornamental arrangement of flower beds) with four fountains and a mirror pool, flanked by alleys lined with lime trees. A path runs diagonally south from this garden to the Falkenlust lodge.
The Falkenlust lodge was built in the style of a country home. The main building has two floors, flanked by two single-story buildings that housed the prince-elector’s falcons. On the ground floor is an oval salon.
After this excursion to this beautiful palace, it was back to the boat for cocktails, dinner, and a short but wonderful classical concert by a flautist and pianist. By the time we were back to our room, I was thoroughly and completely exhausted. But all and all a wonderful, adventure-filled day.
Sunday, May 25, 2025 – Viking’s Gersemi river boat – Koblenz, Germany and Braubach, Germany
We had an early start today. Breakfast at 7:00 am, then 8:30 – 12 noon, a walking tour of historic Koblenz, including the market square and The Liebfrauenkirche. Built on the highest point of the city, the Liebfrauenkirche was the main parish church of Koblenz from the late Middle Ages until the French Revolution. Its beginnings date back to the 5th century, when the Franks built a place of worship in a previous Roman building. Using the foundations, it was rebuilt and extended several times. The onion domes, built in the 17th century, destroyed in 1944 and restored in 1955, characterize the silhouette of the Koblenz old town.
Then back for lunch at noon and from 1:00 pm to about 4:30 pm we sat on the sun deck as the boat made its slow progress through the Middle Rhine. This area is the most beautiful section of the Rhine Valley. It lies between Koblenz and Bingen. Here, the river cuts through the mountains, (we consider them hills rather than mountains) creating a winding valley of pretty villages with Gothic-style houses and fairytale castles. As for the weather, we had patchy clouds, sun breaks, wind, calm, and everything in between. Fortunately, no rain. But it was, huddle in your raincoat, take it off, put it on again, etc. etc. the entire time we were on the sun deck.
Happy campers along the shore.
Andy taking in the sights.
At 4:30 pm it was time to go down to the lounge, for a briefing on tomorrow’s excursions and events.
After that it was a nice drink, and then for me, back to our room to catch up on my trip report, while Andy wandered around the boat until it was time to collect me for dinner.
Not a bad way to spend the day. Ya think?!
Monday, May 26, 2025 – Viking’s Gersemi river boat – Speyer, Germany
Today was just what the doctor ordered. A morning with nothing planned, besides breakfast, of course. So, I slept in until 8:20 am. And boy was that nice. Then, to the dining room for breakfast. And then, because it was such a beautiful day, a quiet few hours up on the sun deck reading, chatting with fellow adventurers, and generally taking it easy.
After lunch, it was time to get ready for our shore excursion: Speyer Walking Tour. Like our other tours, we had a local guide who kept us well informed as we visited the area.
Speyer Cathedral*, a basilica* with four towers and two domes, was founded by Conrad II in 1030 and remodeled at the end of the 11th century. It is one of the most important Romanesque monuments from the time of the Holy Roman Empire. The cathedral was the burial place of the German emperors for almost 300 years.
Speyer Cathedral is historically, artistically, and architecturally one of the most significant examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. It is, by virtue of its proportions, the largest, and, by virtue of the history to which it is linked, the most important.
In its size and the richness of its sculptures, some created by Italian sculptors, it stands out among all contemporary and later Romanesque churches in Germany, and it had a profound influence on the pattern of their ground plans and vaulting. Today – after the destruction of the Abbey of Cluny – Speyer Cathedral is the largest Romanesque church in the world.
*A basilica is a church that has special importance for worship or history, while a cathedral is the seat of a bishop. Speyer Cathedral just happens to be both. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After walking around the town and visiting the cathedral, it was back to our boat by 5:00 pm. And into the lounge for a drink and an announcement about tomorrow’s exciting excursions and events.
I think it is time I told you about our experience on this cruise. The staff is friendly and very helpful. The rooms and public areas, like the lounge and restaurant, are beautifully appointed, comfortable, and the food is fabulous. And the information provided about every aspect of our boat tour, including the next day’s events, is provided every day so you can’t miss out on anything.
We spoke with many of the guests and have heard not even one complaint. In fact, all the folks we have visited with, especially the ones who have been on large boat cruises, tell us that they much prefer the intimacy of a smaller group. Even if there aren’t casinos, movie theaters, swimming pools, etc. etc., they much prefer everything this type of cruise offers. The Viking people know how to do it right. We are having a wonderful time.
Well, it may be only 10:00 pm, but I’m calling it a day. Tomorrow’s excursion starts at 8:05 am tomorrow. That means breakfast at 6:45 am.
Tuesday, May 27, 2025 – Viking’s Gersemi river boat – Kehl, Germany
Even though our cruise ship was now docked in Kehl, Germany, our adventures today were in Strasbourg, France (just across the river) and a bus ride into wine country for Alsatian wine tasting.
But first, panoramic Strasbourg by land and water. Our group left for our land and water tour at 8:05 am as dictated. Then it was a short, but up many stairs, walk to our bus, get on the bus, drive into Strasbourg, get off the bus, get on our tour boat, and ride along the canals for an hour and 15 minutes. (We went through 2 small locks on our water tour. One up, one down. Great fun!)
Then, off the boat and a nice walk and interesting facts about the area given by our guide as we proceeded to Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg France.
Interesting fact. There isn’t just the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris. (The one that was partially burned recently. And the only Notre Dame I had ever read about.) But in fact, in France alone, there are more than a hundred churches dedicated to “Our Lady” (“Notre Dame”) scattered around the country. And we were lucky enough to visit this incredible cathedral. To put it mildly, it was freaking huge!
And truly, nothing can prepare you for your first glimpse of Strasbourg’s Cathédrale Notre-Dame, completed in all its Gothic grandeur in 1439. The lace-fine facade lifts the gaze little by little to flying buttresses, leering gargoyles, and a 466-foot spire. The interior is exquisitely lit by 12th to 14th century stained-glass windows, including the western portal’s jewel-like rose window. The Gothic-meets-Renaissance astronomical clock strikes solar noon at 12.30 pm with a parade of figures portraying the different stages of life and Jesus with his apostles.
After going through the cathedral, we headed off on our own to visit the statue of my great, great, great, etc. etc. grandfather Jean-Baptiste Kléber. Born in 1753 and died in 1800. Gramps was a French army officer and architect who served in the War of the Bavarian Succession and French Revolutionary Wars. After serving for one year in the French Royal Army, he joined the Imperial Army of the Holy Roman Emperor seven years later. However, his humble birth hindered his opportunities. Eventually, General Kléber joined the French Revolutionary Army in 1792 and quickly rose through the ranks.
After saying goodbye to my famous ancestor, we decided a bit of a sit down was in order. Although I am managing to walk a great deal better than expected, there comes a time each day when my body tells me enough is enough! So, upon finding an establishment that served both coffee drinks and gelato, we availed ourselves of a table and chairs to wait the 20 minutes or so until our fellow travelers re-grouped, and together we toddled our way back to our bus.
After enjoying the most delicious lemon gelato I have ever tasted, we joined our tour group and arrived back at our boat just in time for lunch. A first for me. Even with Andy’s help, I could not finish my 2 scoops of gelato. It still boggles my mind to even think that this could happen!
At 2:00 pm after enjoying yet another delicious lunch, we joined yet another tour. This time it was up to the bus again (huffing and puffing all the way) to once again manage the steep stairs up onto our tour bus. After about an hour of driving out into the countryside, which BTW at least half of which I missed because I fell asleep, we arrived at the Achillees winery.
Each of the barrels had their own special picture. I have no idea if the pictures meant anything, but they were all fun.
Andy examining the vines.
After seeing the workings of the winery, we sat down and did a bit of sampling what this fine winery had to offer. I only took one tiny sip of each wine, but truthfully, I wasn’t very impressed. And wonder of wonders, Andy didn’t purchase even a single bottle. (Amazing restraint on his part.)
Then it was back on the bus for another hour’s ride back to our boat. At least for the return trip I was able to stay awake. Then hurry to our room, shed a few layers of clothing, and hurry up to the lounge for a drink, and a port talk including disembarkation details.
Then down to the restaurant for our special “taste of Germany” dinner.
After dinner it was time to go up to the sun deck to assist our captain as he brought our boat through a lock safely. And I must say, we did a terrific job.
This was a very large lock. The barge carrying containers was only inches away from our boat. These boat captains really know what they are doing.
The boat captain and his assistant were steering our boat from a side control station rather than the regular, middle of the boat station. It was amazing to watch.
You can see how close the boats were together. Fantastic piloting.
Of course, the fact that I was offering my expertise didn’t hurt. Right!
Then it was back to our room for me to write up today’s trip report and to obey my pillow which had been calling my name all day!
Another great day on our “Viking” adventure.
Oh, I must add. So far, the only thing I have heard about that I want to purchase before we leave this area is a Kitchen Witch.
A Kitchen Witch (KW) is a traditional home décor with the functions of an amulet, that has deep roots in European traditions. It usually is a hanging poppet with a broom, witch’s hat or headkerchief, and often also other attributes like spoons, forks, bowls, herb sachets and so on. Kitchen Witches are usually homemade and are considered poppets rather than dolls.
To get technical, a doll is a plaything and a poppet is a small figure resembling a human that is used in witchcraft. But before you panic and think that all poppets are bad, remember that these are good witches. Specifically tasked with overseeing your home and kitchen.
There is some debate over where the Kitchen Witch originated, some claiming Scandinavia and other Germany, but consensus points to older Northern European customs, as it seems to have been more widespread earlier.
The poppet is supposed to depict a “good” witch who inspires productivity and safety in a kitchen, but also counteracts any ill-will directed to the home. It is considered good luck to give a Kitchen Witch to a friend or family member.
And I can attest to that. Many years ago, my sister-in-law Evelyn gave me a Kitchen Witch. I loved my KW. But with the years, it became dusty and so it left our premises, I’m pretty sure, of its own volition. Apparently, we were doing just fine, and perhaps there was another home that needed more assistance than we required. (My story and I’m sticking to it!)
Anyway, I want a new one. So, I am on the lookout.
After another fine dinner, it was back to our room to read until our eyes could no longer focus on words.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025 – Viking’s Gersemi river boat – Breisach, Germany
You would think that on vacation you wouldn’t want to miss out on anything. Wrong. At least wrong, when you are 33 days from turning 81 and your knees are shot! So, this morning, after breakfast, Andy visited the charming town of Breisach while I took the opportunity to write up yesterday’s adventures and do a bit of reading.
Notice how the bricks are positioned. Very clever.
While I was writing I considered what the average age of this cruise ship’s guests might be. I know the youngest guests are 22 and 20. But like us, most of our fellow travelers are retired. So, if I were to hazard a guess, I would say 65-70. Some, of course, are older, some younger. And I would also say, except for a couple of curmudgeonly elderly gentlemen we had tried to engage in conversation, who were obviously on this trip only because their wives insisted, everyone had a burning thirst for travel. And as you might expect, most of our fellow travelers were from the US. And except for one of the curmudgeons, who expressed the beginnings of a positive opinion about our present administration, all the others, if the subject came up, also were truly appalled at what is happening in our country. (And as you can probably imagine, when Mr. Curmudgeon began to speak, we suddenly were finished with our dinners. Funny how that works!)
But all in all, I would have to give our fellow adventurers a 10. Maybe even a 15.
Well, I must stop my narrative now, because it is getting close to lunch time. Not that I’m hungry. In fact, quite the contrary. But we have a 4 hour tour this afternoon into the Black Forest region of Germany. And of course, I don’t want to begin any adventure on an empty stomach. So, once again, I must put in a good word for Viking cruises. There is no way in hell you could go hungry on this boat. There is food everywhere. No matter what time of night or day, there is something to nibble on. And lovely and comfortable places to just hunker down and read.
And just so you know, I will not be purchasing a cuckoo clock while visiting the Black Forest. I made that mistake when I visited the region while on a tour with my church choir in 1988. When I got home, my new cuckoo clock drove me “cuckoo” and I took it down after only a few weeks. Somehow, it too, like my old Kitchen Witch, disappeared without a trace.
But just for fun, a bit of history about these amazingly noisy ways of telling time.
The story of clock making in the Black Forest begins around 1630. People there had always crafted and carved using the local wood that was one of the few natural resources in the area, especially during the long winters when the land was covered with snow and they could hardly leave their houses.
It must have happened around 1630 that a peddler who sold glass from the Black Forest to foreign countries, returned with a clock, perhaps from the land of Böhmen (today’s Czech Republic). Somebody in the Black Forest must have been fascinated by this technical wonder that kept time much better than hourglasses or sundials that were used in the area at that time. So, this person built his own clock and started the tradition of clock making.
Those first clocks were rather primitive. They used toothed wheels made of wood and simple stones as weights. Instead of a pendulum, they used a piece of wood called a “Waag” that moved forward and back above the clock dial, to make the clock keep time.
Most of the people who made clocks at that time were not the rich farmers, but the so-called “Häuslers”. In the Black Forest area, usually the oldest son of a farmer inherited the farm; his siblings only got a small piece of land. Those “Häuslers” had to work for other farmers to survive during the winter-months, and clock making was a welcome way for them to earn a little money. In 1690, the whole industry of clock making was developed in the Black Forest.
Clockmaking became more and more important for the rather poor Black Forest area. It is known for example that in 1808 in Triberg, and the surrounding villages, 790 of 9013 inhabitants were involved in clock-making. In 1850 the Herzog (Duke) of Baden founded a school for clock-making in Furtwangen, where students learned math and drawing as well as making cases and movements for the clocks.
At 1:45 pm, we climbed aboard a bus to take us into the Black Forest to the quaint little village of Hofgut Sternen.
The glassblower doing his thing.
From our ship it took about an hour and twenty minutes to arrive at Hofgut Sternen. On our way we drove through parts of the Black Forest, and that was most enjoyable. The drive is incredibly beautiful, but the roads are very narrow and very twisty. When we arrived at Hofgut Sternen we were given the opportunity to watch a glass blower in action. And of course, a lovely shop displaying beautiful hand-blown glass objects for sale. Also, a cuckoo clock demonstration providing us with a bit of information about how cuckoo clocks are put together. And then of course, you could choose your favorite clock and have it shipped home. There was also a Black Forest Cake demonstration, but I skipped that. While I was shopping, (bought a beautiful glass bird) Andy took a guided hike to a beautiful little chapel.
To be perfectly honest, my favorite part of this excursion was seeing the Black Forest.
Then back on the bus to arrive back aboard our cruise boat at 6:15 pm. There was quite a bit of traffic, so the ship’s departure time was held up. But as soon as the last person was onboard, we were on our way.
Then down to our cabin to clean up a bit, and up to the lounge for a well-earned drink. Then 7:00 pm dinner. By 8:30 pm we were back in our room packing our bags because our bags must be outside our door at 8:00 am. So, waiting until the next morning would never work for us.
While our bags were being taken off the boat, we waited in the lounge. Our taxi was scheduled by the cruise line to take us to the car rental place at the airport at 9:00 am. So, I will close for today and try to get a good night’s sleep.
This cruise was worth every penny. Even though it was sometimes physically strenuous, we survived. There was plenty of time to relax and just enjoy being on holiday. And the sights we experienced and the things we learned will stay with us for a very long time. We are well and truly blessed.
But now, on to the next part of our European adventure. Tomorrow we are off on our own, in our own rental car, having to find our hotels, meals, gas stations, etc. etc. all by ourselves. Hopefully we are still up to the task. We shall soon find out if we can continue to consider ourselves inveterate travelers. Time will tell,