The Rhine Gorge

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Today was a highlight: the Rhine Gorge. Forty miles of green hillsides and vineyards with over 40 castles. Some are ruins, some have been preserved; some are actively in use. It was a beautiful day and we were out of deck for most of it.

Late in the afternoon, we arrived in Rudesheim where we went to the Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments. This is a collection of restored music machines (with drums, pipes, violins, etc) that self play with rolls of paper (like a giant multi-instrument player piano). Fun.

We then took a cable car ride up to the Niederwald monument which overlooks the Gorge and the surrounding countryside. There is a massive statue of Germania (an armored woman warrior who represents the German nation). It was built in 1871 to commemorate the unification of Germany (and the defeat of France in the Franco-Prussian War) and is still the most visited monument in the country. Then back to our ship for dinner.

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