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Published: September 2nd 2016
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10:00pm local time at Rüdesheim am Rhein in Germany.
Yesterday we thought we could walk into Strasbough, France, but it turned out we were docked on the Germany side of the river. A 15 minute walk got us to our bus and the drive was another 20 minutes. We then walked another 15 minutes to get to the main square.
As we rounded the corner the Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbough seemed to fill our view. It is spectacular in a gaudy, over-the-top way, that only those from long ago with unlimited funds and labor could have had built.
The tour inside wasn't too long, as the church would be closing so those who wanted to pay admission could come back in and watch the astronomical clock run through its noon show. To start from the noon beginning, the clock is run 30 minutes behind, so the noon show actually starts at 12:30.
Back outside we had until 2:30 to look around the city. There were several French soldiers around. Too bad this is viewed as necessary.
Lunch at an outdoor table at a café in France sounded like a good idea, so we went to
the closest one. Roger had lamb chops and I had duck.
Tres bien! My face had already gotten a bit too much sun, so I found a hat.
We spent quite a bit of time wandering, but when you're not really looking for anything in particular, time seems to drag. Comfort was back on the boat. We made it to 2:30 and started the trek to our bus that was parked even farther away than it had been in the morning. Walking is good for us.
A shower and a nap were in order, in that order. Much refreshed before another wonderful dinner. We got underway again. That seems to be when an Internet connection is either too weak or simply not available.
9/2/16 Today!
Up about 5:00am, which is just too early no matter where you are. We were already docked in Mannheim, Germany. Today's tour was of Heidelberg.
This is one of the few cities in Germany that wasn't destroyed, even in part, during WWII. It is where the business professionals live and is very expensive and lovely. A grand castle is the backdrop to the town. Homes are well kept and the
streets are clean everywhere.
We did a short tour of what's left of the castle. Deterioration is just because of age. In a functional building on the grounds is the Pharmacy Museum of Germany. That would have ben interesting to walk through, but there wasn't enough time.
Down into town we got off the bus, after being told to meet back there by 12:30. We were taken to the main shopping road and turned loose. We had just over an hour. We went into a Protestant church in the square, but today's goal was to get Roger's glasses' hinge repaired. An eyewear shop was spotted, the repair was made and we were back out on the street.
With plenty of time to spare, we headed back to the meeting place, but Roger suggested we go off the beaten path, so down a narrow road between house rows we went toward the main traffic street and river. We followed the walkway along the road and stopped at the place that looked like where we'd been dropped off. We knew something wasn't quite right when no-one else came along, so we started looking elsewhere.
The buses were waiting
in an area several blocks away that was a duplicate of where we'd been waiting. Same traffic light, hard angle onto the pull-through driveway and the same looking shops and restaurants. More surprising was the buses were pulling out while we were more than a couple blocks away. Luckily, they turned around to go back they way we'd come in the morning, so Roger waived and our driver pulled to the side of this major thoroughfare while we zipped across the street to board. The Viking rep said that their headcount had matched this morning's which is why they left. We were very lucky, as the boat had moved to another dock while we were away. Whew!
It was lunchtime when we go back to the ship. Even at the buffet-style eatery upstairs the chef cooks to impress. It was all good and there was a lot, as always. And just like that it was naptime.
The rest of the day into evening was quite pleasant. We cast off at 8:30am on our way to Koblenz.
And that bring this up to date. Here's hoping for a strong WiFi tomorrow night.
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