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European Holiday and River Cruising Memoirs

Monthly Archives: October 2013

Day 9 – Regensburg, Germany – Famous for its 900 year old Sausage Kitchen.

30 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Regensburg, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

Bavaria, Black Forest, Danube, Germany, Regensburg, Stone Bridge, UNESCO, World Heritage Site

Regensburg is sometimes also known as Ratisbon or even Ratisbonna –  both were evidently among the early Celtic names given to this little township in around the 1st Century A.D.

Sailing towards Regensburg, Germany

Sailing towards Regensburg, Germany

It was a big day for us. It it was probably going to be our very last day in Germany for many, many years. Later tonight we would sail across the German border into Austria.

But as you all probably know by now, I do so truly love the land of the Peridot green valleys and the Tiffany blue lakes (Austria that is).

Despite this, I  wanted to make the most of our last day and truly relish in this opportunity to explore yet another beautiful German city we’d never seen before.

Armed with my trusty D7000 and our knowledgeable, but young info-walk guide, I was determined to get the very best photos I could in this pretty city.

Outside Portia Praetoria, Regensburg, Germany.

Outside Portia Praetoria, Regensburg, Germany.

According to one famous British architect, Lord Norman Foster, Regensburg, Germany, (Population about 140,000) is actually one of the most beautiful, and historic cities in the world. Sitting right on the banks of the Danube and Regens Rivers; just a little west of the Black Forest in Germany, it is historically abundant. The city showcases many old buildings and “centuries old’ architectural styles. Some buildings even date back to the Stone Age (around 90 A.D.)

Wandering around Regensburg's cobbled streets, in Germany.

Wandering around Regensburg’s cobbled streets, in Germany.

Unlike Nuremberg (which we visited yesterday), Regensburg was left relatively untouched by the World War 2 bombing raids. But it is of course another UNESCO World Heritage Listed City due to its many irreplaceable treasures. As such it provides significant windows into Germany’s architectural and historical richness…….a city that has survived many of Germany’s early conflicts.

St Peter's Dom, Regensburg, Germany.

St Peter’s Dom, Regensburg, Germany.

Inside the Dom, Regensburg

Inside the Dom, Regensburg

All of the early architecture is still there, Romanesque, Roccoco, Gothic. There’s even a very early Roman wall and a reproduction temple built to honour of the Parthenon in Greece. The latter, called Walhalla is evidently some 15 kilometres to the east of Regensburg; it sits in a little place called Donaustuaf. Unfortunately we didn’t get to see it.  I think I would have loved to visit but maybe there is good reason why we didn’t.

I’ve been told, Regensburg lays claim to the oldest sausage kitchen in the world (some 900 years old in fact). Dating back to about the 12th Century A.D., people still throng to its rustic ambiance. They sit on basic wooden bench seats watching the Danube pass them by as they chat about the treasures cacooned within the area. And they enjoy sampling the deliciously spicy German fried sausages with caraway seed rolls, homemade sauerkraut and mustard. Yummm

Old Sausge Kitchen, Regensburg, Germany.

Old Sausge Kitchen, Regensburg, Germany.

But Viking were indeed keeping us very well fed during this wonderful river cruise. I have to say there were always delicious breakfasts, lunches and dinners; smallish servings on the whole, but so many courses meant we were unable to squeeze in even a another morsel…not even a mouthful of sauerkraut, let alone a whole sausage meal, complimented by a caraway roll and other condiments to boot. Sadly our very sated tums meant we had to leave the sampling of such tasty age-old morsels to all of the other hungry visitors to Regensburg that day!

As we wandered along the banks of the Danube, we came to Regensburg’s old, arching stone bridge. It was evidently the very first stone Bridge to cross the banks of the Danube in Germany…..so old indeed, that it has seen the knights of the 2nd and 3rd Crusades trotting across its structure on their trusty steeds way back in about the 12th Century A.D.

And I must say that the view from the bridge was really beautiful…..there were historical regional city views with Cathedral spires in one direction, busy river boat and water views in another and there were even some small wilderness areas on the other side.

Regensburg, Germany, taken from the old stone bridge across the Danube.

Regensburg, Germany, taken from the old stone bridge across the Danube.

The Danube River, Regensburg, Germany.

The Danube River, Regensburg, Germany.

Greenery seen from the bridge in Regensburg, Germany.

Greenery seen from the bridge in Regensburg, Germany.

We visited so many places that afternoon on our short 1- 2 hour info-walk.

I more than most it would seem!!!

Between all of the historic buildings, knowing it was our last day in Germany, and with my very deep-seated desire to take the best photos I possibly could……..  it  turned out to be a rather more eventful afternoon than we’d intended!!

Ah but that’s another German “tale” altogether!  Germany’s simply full of all sorts of German tales I believe. Must be something to do with a tradition of the fairy tales and the Grimm Brothers perhaps!

Another  view from the old stone brige, Regensburg, Germany.

Another view from the old stone brige, Regensburg, Germany.

Traditional clothing for sale, Regensburg, Germany.

Traditional clothing for sale, Regensburg, Germany.

Mozart with a tourist, Rergensburg, Germany.

Mozart with a tourist, Rergensburg, Germany.

David and Goliath Mural, Regensburg, Germany.

David and Goliath Mural, Regensburg, Germany.

"Dr Bear" outside of a medical centre, Regensburg, Germany.

“Dr Bear” outside of a medical centre, Regensburg, Germany.

Cute little garden gnomes, Regensburg, Germany.

Cute little garden gnomes, Regensburg, Germany

Can you believe it though?  The continuing story has something to do with some  Magic Gnomes having to return a rather lost Viking tourist to a very worried husband and  her tour group! But more of that intriguing little tale next time! Please don’t worry ….. all good fairy tales tend to have happy endings these days!

Must be Family- And isn’t it Magic!

27 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Family, Poetry, Uncategorized, WordPress

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Caring, Family, Inspiration, Poetry, Sharing, There for each Other, Wordpress

Must be Family!

Must be Family!

Our lives are interwoven

In the shimmering web of life.

We happily post and comment as we ponder and delight;

We send sparkles, cheer and magic,

As we

Soothe,

Encourage,

Embrace.

We like to learn from history and observe each other’s grace

And we so enjoy this journey…

As we share

We laugh

We cherish.

We simply adore our time spent blogging

And exploring cyberspace.

We must be part of the WordPress family!

Thank You Everyone.

KidazzleInk

Much Love,

Michelle

WOW again- Now I’m Part of the WordPress Family too – Yeah!.

26 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Wordpress Family Award

≈ 19 Comments

Tags

Award, Blog, Creating a Splash, Family, Fun, Happy, Wordpress, Wordpress Family Award

WordPress family creating a splash.

WordPress family creating a splash.

Well yes it’s official! I’m now part of the wonderful WordPress family and I couldn’t be happier!

A couple of weeks ago I received this welcome award from lovely Dawn Hosking and it means a lot to me. Please go over and check out her blog here: http://dawnyhosking.wordpress.com/2013/10/19/we-are-family/

I’ve only been blogging a few short months but I have to say I really enjoy the experience. Dawn has been a wonderful WordPress friend during this time. She is an inspiration. Please do visit her site and read her wonderful words.

Wordpress Family Award

WordPress Family Award

But you are all such a wonderful bunch of helpful, talented, positive and caring people. I’m finding more and more that I just can’t wait to sit down with a nice cup of coffee whenever I can and catch up with all of your latest posts and comments.

Now to be awarded the WordPress Family Award is a wonderful surprise. So thank you very much Dawn.

As you read this, you may be asking yourself where did the idea for this “Part of the WordPress Family Award” first originate. A fabulous man called Shaun created it and this was his rationale for doing so:

 ‘This is an award for everyone who is part of the “Word Press Family” I started this award on the basis that the WordPress family has taken me in, and showed me love and a caring side as only WordPress can. The way people take a second to be nice, to answer a question and not make things a competition amazes me here. I know I have been given many awards, but I wanted to leave my own legacy on here by creating my own award, as many have done before. This represents “Family” we never meet, but are there for us as family. It is my honour to start this award. Thank you,

Shaun @ http://prayingforoneday.wordpress.com/‘

What a warm and wonderful award to create and pass on to others we appreciate.

Well here are the award rules.

If you receive this award it means someone really values all the hard work you put into your blog and the kind and considerate thoughts and comments you share with others through the WordPress experience. It means you’ve been identified as someone who is part of the WordPress family.

In accepting the award you are asked to:

1. Display the award logo on your blog.

2. Link back to the person who nominated you.

3. Nominate 10 others you see as having a positive impact on your WordPress experience; people you feel are part of your own WordPress family.

4. Let your 10 new “Family” members know you have awarded them

5. That is it. Just please pick 10 people that have taken you as a friend, and spread the continue to spread the love.

My new Word Press Family Awards today go to:

RestlessJo

CindyKnonke

TracieLouise

ToniAndrukaitus

Tina’sRabbitHole

AdinParadise

ShairChair

NiaSimone

MindfulMagpie

Dadirri7

CookingwithSpana

HeartaFire

I know that’s just a couple too many…..but I do love all of your blogs just so much and I’m very thankful you take the time to create such a wonderful WordPress experience for others. I find your posts fascinating, entertaining, interesting, uplifting and loveable. You all put a lovely positive spin on my days. Congratulations and thank you. Oh and please don’t think you have to rush to accept this award and no problem if it is too much at the present time – I can fully understand. Just know that you are appreciated, that’s all.

Oh and I’d like to add that there are just so many other bloggers out there that I love heaps as well. To everyone I am following. I love you all. You brighten my days. Many many thanks.

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Day 8 – Nuremberg Today; Gingerbread, Sausages, Toys and Christmas Markets.

25 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Nuremberg, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

A Modern City, Christmas market, Franconia, Germany, Gingerbread, Nuremberg, Peace and Human Rights Education Award, Pegnitz

Nuremberg (Population about 510,000) in middle Franconia, sits on the banks of the Pegnitz River and the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal. It’s the largest city in Franconia, Germany and the second largest in Barvaria.

Nuremberg City, Middle Franconia, Germany

Nuremberg City, Middle Franconia, Germany

Nuremberg’s history dates back to about the 11th century A.D.

It’s actually a miracle we can still enjoy  some of its rich historical atmosphere, considering about 90%  the Old Town Area was totally destroyed towards the end of World War 2. But miracles do happen!

Nuremberg sits on the Pegnitz River.

Nuremberg sits on the Pegnitz River.

Ceiling shot in Cathedral of Our Lady, Nuremberg

Ceiling shot in Cathedral of Our Lady, Nuremberg

Stained glass windows in Cathedral of Our Lady, Nuremberg.

Stained glass windows in Cathedral of Our Lady, Nuremberg.

The majority of the city was rebuilt shortly after the war ended. Historical buildings still coexist alongside more modern architectural structures. Its elaborate fountains, ornately decorated churches, grand old statues and even the centuries old Nuremberg Castle itself are all still there to be viewed by the hundreds of thousands of tourists who visit the city every year.

Fountain, Carousel of Marriage, Nuremberg

Fountain, Carousel of Marriage, Nuremberg

The Schroner Bruner Fountain, Nuremberg.

The Schroner Bruner Fountain, Nuremberg.

Today Nuremberg is best known for its gingerbread, sausages, quality homemade toys and Christkindlesmarkt or Christmas markets.

It is also very much a part of the industrial heart of the wider Barvarian Region, with large companies such as Siemens and Bosch having both firmly established in the city.

Gingerbread House

Gingerbread House

Architectural mix in Nuremberg Street

Architectural mix in Nuremberg Street

It appears to be a township of renewed vigour. A city, that despite near total destruction less than a hundred years ago,  still stands proudly as a symbol of what can be achieved through a concerted effort and unyielding spirit.

But it certainly hasn’t forgotten the atrocities that took place either. In the year 2000 it was awarded one of the UNESCO Peace and Human Rights Education prizes for its role in promoting peace and for educating others about the importance of human rights for all.

Nuremberg City of Peace and Human Rights Education

Nuremberg City of Peace and Human Rights Education

After our rather solemn morning, Dearly Beloved (D.B.) and I really enjoyed just spending our afternoon meandering around Nuremberg’s pretty streets, taking in the interesting shop windows and soaking up the lovely eclectic architectural mix and cosmopolitan feel.

Nuremberg, wandering the peaceful streets.

Nuremberg, wandering the peaceful streets.

This was indeed a small, yet vibrant city and a joy to visit during our river cruise.

Oh and I also recall this was the one and only day we didn’t decide to go back to our “Longship Tor” for lunch. We’d stayed on to savour some of the traditional bratwurst sausage and sauerkraut instead. Then to top it off, D.B. happily got to sample some of that delicious Apple Strudel he’d been hankering after for some time now!

Nuremberg Sausages and Sauerkraut.

Nuremberg Sausages and Sauerkraut.

Apple Strudel at long last!!

Apple Strudel at long last!!

Gingerbread, Christmas Markets Nuremberg

Gingerbread, Christmas Markets Nuremberg

Handmade Wooden Toys

Handmade Wooden Toys

Related articles
  • http://www.tastespotting.com/tag/Gingerbread+House
  • http://www.christkindlesmarkt.de/en/the-nuremberg-christkindlesmarkt-on-video-1.2418060
  • http://monkeysandmountains.com/nuremberg-christmas-market-germany
  • Nuremberg (angelicaalmas.wordpress.com
  • An Amazing Day In: Nuremberg, Germany (chriscruises.com)
  • Day 8 – Nuremberg Tour: An Emotional and Moving Morning. (kidazzleink.com)

 

 

Day 8 – Nuremberg Tour: An Emotional and Moving Morning.

23 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Nuremberg, Peace, River Cruising, Uncategorized

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

Colosseum, Germany, Jimi Hendrix, Nazi Germany, Nazi party rally grounds, Nuremberg, Nuremberg Trials, One earth, One flag for Earth, one solar system, Peace, World War II

Peace Quote by Jimi Hendrix

Peace Quote by Jimi Hendrix

Maybe when people truly understand that we are all citizens of the same beautiful planet, sharing the same vaporous atmosphere within the same radiant solar system, perhaps then….they may at last realize, it is not their country that they need to protect but rather our entire living breathing Earth, along with its place among the stars in our shimmering Milky Way.

After all the destruction, the atrocities of World War II, and all of the other major wars that came long before that, it’s quite confounding to find that there are still people on our wonderful planet that believe terror and violence constitute an appropriate means of resolving conflict!

Hitler's Colesseum, Nurenberg, Germany.

Hitler’s Colosseum, Nuremberg, Germany.

Ah well….. that’s enough of my soap box for now other than to say please….we must all advocate peace whenever we can.

Well it was Day 8 of our European River Cruise. We’d docked early in Nuremberg that morning.

2nd World War, Nuremberg Museum, Germany.

2nd World War, Nuremberg Museum, Germany.

To start the day, Dearly Beloved (D.B.) and I had chosen to visit several of the more solemn areas within this historical city called Nuremberg, Germany (population about 510,000); areas and places that, for us,  had become so much a part of our own modern-day history, as we’d grown up in Australia just after all of the catastrophic destruction of World War 2. Indeed, during our childhoods, other wars still raged close by in Vietnam and Korea.

We therefore felt it important that we pay our respects and honour our fallen. We also hoped that the day’s sightseeing choices would allow us to gain a greater…much deeper….understanding.

The Colesseum, Exhibit in Nurenberg Museum

The Colosseum, Exhibit in Nuremberg Museum, Germany.

We would be heading off to visit Hitler’s uncompleted Colosseum, along with the the Zeppelinfeld and the Courts of the Nuremberg War Trials.

Hitler had wanted to build a Colosseum of truly grand proportions. It was never completed. Today it is a museum housing many documents and newsreels (very old movies) from the 2nd World War. It stands solidly as a macabre reminder of past atrocities and as a fervent symbol of caution to our current and future generations.

Arial view of Colesseum, Nuremberg, Germany.

Arial view of Colesseum, Nuremberg, Germany.

Money Exhibit, Nuremberg Museum, Germany.

Money Exhibit, Nuremberg Museum, Germany.

Historical photographs, Nuremberg Museum, Germany.

Historical photographs, Nuremberg Museum, Germany.

Historical faces, Nuremberg Museum, Germany

Historical faces, Nuremberg Museum, Germany

After passing the Colosseum we travelled on to the Zeppelinfeld, originally known as the Nazi Party Rally grounds. It was enormous; far bigger than one would think. It evidently catered for some 200,000 spectators and many more thousands of participants during the early rally years. Just to be there… to actually see where this person once stood rallying a nation actually filled me with the most eerie and unpleasant feeling.

The Zepplinfield, Nuremberg, Germany.

The Zepplinfeld, Nuremberg, Germany.

Since the war, the Zepplinfeld has become a vacant and unused area of the city. It is mainly a sightseeing venue for tourists. On occasion, it has also been used as a venue for school football events and as a race track. It was also been used infrequently for rock festivals.

Today the Zeppelinfeld is crumbling; much in need of repair. The Government is quite controversially talking about spending money to maintain its structure. This is believed by some to be a scandalous project. But if repairs were to take place, it is envisaged that the area would continue to be used mainly as a tourist destination. It may house another museum…..I myself believe it is important for us to see the reminders…….lest we forget!

We then travelled on to the Nuremberg Palace of Justice; the actual court location of the Nuremberg War Trials. This is where the Allied Forces of World War 2  tried a large number of  the most notable Nazi war criminals; mostly the more prominent members of the old political, military, and economic leadership of Nazi Germany.

Palace of Justice, Nuremberg, Germany.

Palace of Justice, Nuremberg, Germany.

I would have to say that the morning’s visits were thought provoking, unsettling, emotional and moving.

Would I have wanted to miss the experiences? No not at all….I don’t think so.

Some things in life still need to be experienced even when they prove difficult.

Afterall such experiences still enlighten us and thereby contribute to our awareness…..our unique  understandings and central core of inner beliefs.

But I’m told we’re now living in the 21st century…Time now I believe to have a united flag for our earth and our solar system….. rather than just our country!

We need a flag symbolising Earth and our Solar System for all nations and people to raise high.

We need one flag symbolising our Earth and our Solar System for all nations and all people to raise high! The sooner the better.

A flag for all!
I believe we need to unite under just one flag as we see our allegiance for planet earth and all of its life forms interconnected through our solar system.

Related articles
  • http://onenessofhumanity.wordpress.com/2013/10/06/world-peace-forever/

Day 7: An Afternoon in Bamberg, Upper Franconia.

18 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Bamberg, Germany, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

Alte Rathaus, Bamberg, Haßfurt, Little Franconian Rome, Locks, Regnitz, Smoked beer

01-AAA_7814.NEF-002

Sailing in and out of Locks as we travelled though the Main-Danube Canal, we arrived in a little village called Hassfurt (Population about 13,000) around lunchtime.

After another very orderly disembarkation from our Longship Tor, we were grouped onto about 4 buses; then transported some 30 or so kilometers into the city centre of Bamberg (Population about 70,000) for another educational info-walk and a relaxing afternoon of sightseeing in the Old Town Centre.

Bamberg sits on the Regnitz River about 3 kilometres from the confluence of the Main and the Regnitz Rivers. It’s sometimes referred to as “Little Franconian Rome,” because it too is sprawled over 7 surrounding hills. Each is noted for its own grand church. If you have time check out the short YouTube Video below which is all about Bamberg.

There are some 9 breweries throughout the city of Bamberg. They produce about 50 different varieties of beer altogether. Within a further hundred kilometre radius there are said to be some 300 more breweries. Most famous, of course, is the Bamburg smoked beer called “Rauchbier”. Dark and smokey it is evidently made by drying the malt over open flames. This is said to deliver its characteristic smokey flavour.

Regnitz River, Bamberg.

Regnitz River, Bamberg.

Today Bamberg is a bustling small city, well known for its student population, a U.S. Army presence and wonderful markets selling all manner of craft and fresh produce. It is also highly regarded as a very authentic, historical, German city as it mostly avoided the damage caused in other areas during the war years.

Historian in traditional dress, Bamberg.

Historian in traditional dress, Bamberg.

Old Palace, Bamberg.

Old Palace, Bamberg.

Bamberg presents a very eclectic mix of architecture ranging from early Romanesque influences, though to medieval styles, the baroque and the modern-day. Frachwerk is also found in many of its old town areas.

Modern Statue, Bamberg

Modern Statue, Bamberg

One of Bamberg’s most famous buildings is the 14th century Altes Rathaus (or Old Town Hall). Being built right over the Regnitz River, it offers beautiful watery views all the way up and down the waterway.

Painting on the Walls of the Alte Rathaus, Bamberg.

Painting on the Walls of the Alte Rathaus, Bamberg.

Bamberg also lay’s claim to a somewhat chequered past having witnessed the torture and execution of some 300 to 600 people during the German Witch Trials of the in the 16th century.

Later, in  February of 1926, it provided the venue for Hitler’s famous Bamberg Conference.

The Residence, and Formal Garden, Bamberg.

The Residence, and Formal Garden, Bamberg.

Very old book in a pharmacy window, Bamberg.

Very old book in a pharmacy window, Bamberg.

Presently, it is a modern-day city endeavouring to encourage education and the arts through it’s own university, symphony orchestra, and artist house villa known as Concordia.

Cafe, Bamberg.

Cafe, Bamberg.

The young were all out on that lovely  sunny Spring afternoon. They were obviously enjoying this age-old city as they congregated in partying groups at the bars and in the cafes and restaurants. They all appeared most cheerful as we made our way through the old cobbled streets.

Buck's Party, Bamberg Style

Buck’s Party, Bamberg Style

Late in the day, we even came across a most intriguing, and might I say rather lively buck’s party. I’m still wondering if this young fellow’s fiancée (probably his wife by now) has seen any of the charming photos of that afternoon’s bubbly proceedings.  Ahhhh well…..it was just good to see the young people enjoying themselves. After all they weren’t hurting anyone but they did certainly appear to be having a jolly good time.

Mate's at the Buck's Party in Bamberg.

Mate’s at the Buck’s Party in Bamberg.

St Michael's Church, Bamberg.

St Michael’s Church, Bamberg.

Ornate Work on Building in Bamberg.

Ornate Work on Building in Bamberg.

Lovely lady in traditional dress in Bamberg.

Lovely lady in traditional dress in Bamberg.

Tulips in Bamberg.

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Day 7. Sailing the Main-Danube Canal and Bamberg in Upper Franconia, Germany.

16 Wednesday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Bamberg, Locks, Uncategorized, Viking River Cruise

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Atlantic Ocean, Black Sea, Charlemagne, Cockroach in a bathtub, Rhine–Main–Danube Canal

A Lock

Amazing! Now I think I now know how a cockroach must feel when it gets stuck right at the bottom of the bathtub! Well I think this would have to be a close experience anyway.

If you have the time, just watch this video by Feisty Tortilla on Youtube. I think it gives everyone a better feel for just what it’s like.

 

We sailed through many of these enormous locks as we travelled all the way from Amsterdam to Budapest on our recent European river cruise. And yes. it was very easy to feel just like that cockroach at the bottom of your bathtub many times over! Afterall, there are some 16 locks just within the Main-Danube section of the journey alone.

Going into a Lock on Viking Tor.

Going into a Lock on Viking Tor.

As we sailed into each new lock, the water would be let out. Our Longship would then gradually sink down, down, down  following the changing water level. The light would slowly seem to fade inside our elegant stateroom.

Following the water level down onboard  Viking Tor

Following the water level down aboard Viking Tor

Soon the only thing we would be able to see from the longship, would be the amazingly steep sides of the soaring lock walls just outside.

Ascending high above us, they began to appear as sheer towering cliffs (only much smoother and usually a greenish-brown shade that indicated they were rich with algae of course).

Initially these experiences worried me a  little.

Once in a lock, it appeared that the only way out (had we needed to get moving in a hurry) was via some very steep ladders built into its sheer sides. So as we sank lower I would initially find myself muttering a few of my own little Hail Mary’s…hoping to goodness that the enormous gates at the other end would actually open as they should.

Well of course,  they always did. We would then simply sail off once again into the rich splendour of the Upper Franconian Landscape.

Breathing a sigh of relief  as the gates open after the water had been sucked out of the lock.

Breathing a sigh of relief as the gates opened as always after the water had been sucked out of the lock.

Sailing out of a Lock and into the splendour of the Upper Franconian Landscape

Sailing out of a Lock and off into the splendour of the Upper Franconian Landscape

After a while, I found I became quite accustomed to these locks. I guess because there are just so many of them.

Viking tells us there are about 68  or so altogether between Amsterdam and Budapest. Their workings and the technological genius of their mechanics are really quite intriguing to watch. Dearly Beloved (D.B.) certainly seemed to think so. He loved to photograph them using MY camera!

Once I realised  that the gates would always work without a hitch, I actually even started to look forward to passing through them myself.

Sheer cliff like walls of a lock.

Sheer cliff like walls of the lock taken by D.B.

D.B. loved taking photos of the inner workings of the locks.

D.B. just   loved taking photos of the inner workings of the locks.

More inner workings by D.B.

More inner workings by D.B.

Eventually. D.B. and I would even get up in the middle of the night so we could watch the spectacle of our Longship passing through another  new lock in the darkness. It became a little mini-adventure of sorts. We even began to look forward to it.

The locks also seemed to become somehow more exciting in the dark of the night.

And more inner workings by D.B. The engineer likes to know how things work.

More inner workings by D.B. The engineer likes to know how things work.

According to the Danube River Cruise website, the Rhine – Main – Danube Canal was a dream first discussed by Charles the Great (better known as Charlemagne) way back in the 8th century. Even then Charlemagne could envisage the positive outcomes a connection would have for trade and transport between the countries.

But it wasn’t until many centuries later that Germany’s King Ludwig built the first smaller, much shorter section of this original canal. The inaugural section connected Bamberg to Nuremberg in 1836. It saw many productive outcomes. For nearly a century or so it was instrumental in promoting European business and trade.

But with the introduction of  train transport at the commencement of the 19th century,  river transport soon started to decline.  The final damage of course was afflicted during World War 2.  This saw the first canal structure close altogether.

But new plans for a much longer….. a much grander canal were soon on the drawing board.

The Rhine Main-Danube-Canal (as we know it today) was only just completed about twenty or so years ago in 1992.

Today the canal runs from about Bamberg on the Main River to Kelheim on the Danube. It now allows longships and  boats to travel all the way from the Atlantic Ocean in the West to the Black Sea in the East.

This amazing 20th century engineering achievement  has of course once again opened up the river trade and transportation routes right across Europe.

Today more and more people are cruising these waterways every year. Dearly Beloved (D.B.) and I certainly found it a most delightful way to journey through Europe.

Sailing on Viking Tor.

Sailing on Viking Tor.

By around midday on Day 7  we would be arriving in the beautiful medieval city of Bamberg. Built across 7 hills and close by the confluence of 2 rivers…..the Main and the Regnitz Rivers…. we were  most certainly looking forward to exploring these new German treasures.

Germany seems to have so many UNESCO World Heritage protected cities and historical buildings.  They are all  so architecturally  and historically rich and so extremely difficult to replace. We must surely continue to look after what we have; to preserve it,  so we can enjoy its magnificence for generations to come.

Watery vista along the Danube.

Another lovely watery vista along the Danube.

Evidence of Nerve Damage in About Half of Fibromyalgia Patients

13 Sunday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Uncategorized

≈ 3 Comments

It looks like there may be some new research results indicating some small breakthroughs for those with Fibromyalgia. I’m reblogging it just in case some of you haven’t yet seen it.

WOW – A Liebster Award!

12 Saturday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Liebster Award, Time flies when you're globe trotting and river cruising, Uncategorized

≈ 20 Comments

Tags

Blog award, Dawn Hosking, For our Favourite Blogs, Kidazzle Ink, Liebster Award, River Cruising Memoirs

Liebster Award Day

Liebster Award Day

O.M.G.G. (Oh My Golly Goloshes!)

A Liebster has just arrived for my blog,

A nomination for a “Favourite Blogger Award”

In recognition of my memoirs, my new travelogue.

I’ve been writing for weeks, not done so for years (well not just for fun);

I’ve been writing about holidays, travel treats, my time in the sun.

Oh I’m totally chuffed …yes delighted to bits,

Quite simply I’m humbled …and yes I’m ecstatic about this.

But what can I say?

It’s wrapping this golden sparkle right round my day!

A big thank you Dear Dawn and many hugs too;

My day has been blessed with this Leibster from you.

I’d like to say a big thank you to Dawn Hosking for nominating me for a Liebster Award.

Please everyone, do make sure you visit Dawn’s blog. Her Liebster Award page can be found at http://dawnyhosking.wordpress.com/2013/10/09/mistakes-a-plenty/.

Liebster Award

Liebster Award

I always enjoy reading Dawn’s lovely blog posts and seeing her comments on mine. She’s a wonderfully creative, witty and resilient person. I myself am still fairly new to blogging but I’m slowly finding out about the rules, like Leibsters and the protocols for giving and receiving these awards on worpress. I do hope I’m doing this the right way! All guidance gratefully accepted especially if I’ve made a major Faux Pas somewhere in accepting this award..

 

So what is a Leibster Award?

Basically, a Liebster Award is like a “favorite blog award”. It’s given to writers of other blogs that you enjoy reading or looking at. Liebster is the German word for favorite, beloved, or dearest. It’s meant for the smaller blogs with less than two hundred followers to help expose them to the world and help them discover other new and upcoming bloggers. You can find a lot of further information regarding the Liebster Awards by clicking here on Lorraine Reguly’s Life. Lorraine also has some wonderful stories and social media information on her blog.

What are the Leibster Award Rules?

Just briefly, in order to formally accept this award, the nominee must do several things

  1. Link back and recognize the blogger who nominated them
  2. Answer ten questions given to them by their nominee
  3. Nominate ten or so other bloggers for the award.
  4. Create ten questions for their own 10 nominees to answer.
  5. Notify your new nominees for the award

My responses to Dawn’s 10 juicy questions which she has asked me to answer:

1. What made you decide to start a blog?

I wanted to try to make my holiday last a little longer.

We had such a wonderful time but gee whiz it just went by so fast.

2. What is your guilty pleasure?

Sneaking as much time as I can to go and Google places we’ve visited and to go back over the memories of our recent European holiday…oh and chocolate of course (especially that newish variety you get here in Australia called Crème Brulee Chocolate made by Lindt!)

3. If you were an ice cream flavor which would you be?

I’d love to be creamy, yummy vanilla but I wouldn’t mind being that rich delicious caramel icecream you get in Europe either.

4. You’ve just won a contest and can live anywhere in the world for 1 year. Where do you go?

Oh that’s a really tough one for me…I’d love to go back to Bad Gastein and see it through all of the different seasons. I’d also love to go and spend a lot more time exploring beautiful Vienna. But there is still so much of the world I haven’t even seen at all. I think I would really like to spend the whole 12 months just exploring absolutely everywhere. I’d like to visit America and Canada. I’d love to go back and see more of China. I want to spend some further time in Hong Kong and Singapore and I’d just love to visit Spain and Dubai. There is just so much to see and do and so little time to explore it all!!

  1. 1. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

An air hostess…back then I thought they had such a glamorous lifestyle.

  1. 2. You’re stuck on a deserted island with one other person. Who is it?

It would be my wonderful Dearly Beloved (D.B.) of course. But I would also like to take a Michelin Chef, a masseur and my wonderful dear old dog who passed away a couple of years ago. Oh, and I know it’s quite naughty of me, but I’d also have to ask for some air conditioning because my poor old dog didn’t like heat much!

  1. 3. What one thing do you wish you did more or had more time to do?

That’s an easy one….travel!

  1. 4. What is your favorite memory?

My Mum…I miss her.

  1. 5. If you could witness any moment in history what would it be?

Watching my Dad learn to fly as a young man.

10. What is your favorite holiday and why?

The one I’m writing about in these memoirs; although I have also really enjoyed ocean cruising around New Zealand and through parts of Asia.

For My New Nominees:

Now here are my ten very challenging new questions for all you LUCKY bloggers I’m about to nominate! You’re all so amazing and I do so love your blogs: (I’m afraid I’ve made these questions nearly all travel related. I hope you don’t mind! (It sort of fits with my Memoirs travel blog!)

Your 10 New Questions Are:

  1. What is your favourite thing to do when you have time to yourself at home on holidays?
  2. What is your favourite wild animal and what country is it native to?
  3. Do you prefer to stay home, visit family or travel overseas when you holiday?
  4. What was the absolute best family holiday you remember having as a child?
  5. What’s the most outstanding holiday you’ve ever had as an adult?
  6. Where did you go on your last holiday?
  7. What activities/entertainment do you look for when you start planning for a holiday period (i.e. time at home, markets, beaches, sightseeing, cultural pursuits etc?
  8. What are your two favourite overseas countries?
  9. Where would you go if you had about $1000 to plan a holiday right now?
  10. If you had a Fairy God Mother who could grant you the holiday of a life time….whatever you wanted to do, wherever you wanted to go, however much it cost…what do you think you would choose?

WELL NOW DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!

My new Nominees are:

1. Ordinary Life –http://beawonghangyu.wordpress.com/about-this-blog/-for wonderful little sketches and reflections on life

2. Audities Photos – http://terrasseaudrey.wordpress.com/2013/10/11/down-by-the-bay-%E2%99%AA-%E2%99%AB-%E2%99%A9/ -for photographic Inspiration

3. Day by Day Photo – http://daybydaybyphoto.wordpress.com/2013/10/10/some-parts-of-it-are/ – for wonderful photography

4. Toni Andrukaitis –http://toniandrukaitis.wordpress.com/2013/09/28/fractious-friday/-for extending my vocabulary and wonderful quotes

5. Stepping Out with an Agorophopic – http://steppingoutwithanagoraphobic.wordpress.com/2013/10/10/a-kiss-goodnight/ -for a lovely eclectic mix of interesting topics and photography

6. Jardin Design – http://jardindesign.org/2013/09/24/jardin-a-la-francaise/ – for wonderful information about gardens and garden design

7. Karina O’Brien – http://what-i-love-about.com/2013/10/11/the-one-who-owns-my-heart/ -for Beautiful Black and White Photography

8. Dorabel’s 3D Designs – http://dorabels3ddesigns.wordpress.com/2013/09/13/2-cutting-part-1/ -for posting about the beautiful 3D pictures she loves to make

9. Fred and Sally’s Europe Trip 2013 – http://laurencewesley55.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/8th-september-amsterdam-board-viking-bragi/– for their travelogue of their adventures in Europe with Viking

10. Tina’s Rabbit Hole -Everyday Life in Vienna- http://tinasrabbithole.wordpress.com/2013/10/07/backstreet-at-schwedenplatz/ – for photos taken around one of my favourite cities

11. Beating the Track – http://trackingthebeat.wordpress.com/author/beatingthetrack/ – for wonderful photography

12. My Fotography – http://myphotolane.wordpress.com/2013/10/03/happy-fall/ – for photographic inspiration and lovely lighting

Lastly I’d just like to say one last thank you to Dawn Hosking who has nominated me for this award. My day sparkles with a very warm golden glow because of your thoughtfulness in nominating my little blog.

Thanks Dawn.

Related articles
  • Adding the Liebster Widget to your log http://dawnyhosking.wordpress.com/2013/10/10/adding-a-widget-to-wordpress-sidebar/
  • About the Liebster Award (orionwriter.wordpress.com)
  • Wow! We’re nominated for the Leibster Award (twinklestepsblog.com)
Warm Golden Glow

Warm Golden Glow

Day 6 – A closer look at Wurzburg

11 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, River Cruising, Uncategorized, Wurzburg

≈ 17 Comments

Tags

Architecture, Germany, History, Main River, River Cruise, Sightseeing, Wurzburg

Wurzburg, some time to explore on our own.

Wurzburg, some time to explore on our own.

After our morning’s visit to the magnificent Wurzburg Residence and a rather informative info-walk delivered by our knowledgeable tour guides, we chose to fill the rest of the day exploring on our own.

The Kapelle Pilgrim Church across the Main River.

The Kapelle Pilgrim Church across the Main River.

Wurzburg (population approximately 140,000) is built on the banks of the the Main River. Its architectural style is quite different to that of the half-timbered or Fachwerk style of little Mitenberg township which we’d visited on the previous day.

Fortress Marienburg from across the Main River in Wurzburg

Fortress Marienburg from across the Main River in Wurzburg

With a rather eccletic mix of Romanesque, Gothic, Boroque and Rococo styles along with some other rather modern architecture interspersed, we found it a small but most interesting modern day city.

The Market Square, Wurzburg.

The Market Square, Wurzburg.

According to Wikipedia, Wurzburg has experienced many changes. In earliest times (from about the 4th to the 7th century A.D.) it was called home by some of the Celtic race. Later there were the Franks. It was also visited by early Christian Irish Missionaries. But by about the 8th century, it had come under the rule of the Catholic Prince-Bishopry. Today, of course it is part of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Dom St Kilian in Wurzburg.

Dom St Kilian in Wurzburg.

Skeleton detail over doorway to Dom St Kilian in Wurzburg

Skeleton detail over doorway to Dom St Kilian in Wurzburg

A closer look at the detail surrounding the doorway.

A closer look at the detail surrounding the doorway.

Along with several other German cities, Wurzburg has seen many religious, cultural and political upheavals. It is a veteran of the civil unrest associated with Napolean’s French Revolution and the Wars with the Hapsburgs. It has been witness to the cruel events related to the medieval Witch Trials. It has seen the atrocities that impacted its Jewish population during the German holocaust. Added to this, it was very extensively bombed by the British during World War 2.

Yet Wurzburg survives…..one could even say it flourishes.

Flower Shop in the Wurzburg Market Square.

Flower Shop in the Wurzburg Market Square.

Red and White roses in the Flower Shop in Wurzburg.

Red and White roses in the Flower Shop in Wurzburg.

Today it is home to some 30,000 or so University students and it is famous for its Franconian Wine production. There are many beautiful vineyards throughout the region. We sailed past many of the grape growing areas as we travelled along the Main River. Even the Wurzburg wine bottles are famous. They are called a Bocksbeutel  and have their own very distinctive shape…… a rather short neck leading down to a flattened yet bulbous looking bottom.

Bocksbeutel

Bocksbeutel

Dearly Beloved (D.B.) and I found it interesting just strolling the banks of the Main River. We enjoyed taking in the lovely views across to the Marienberg Fortress (built 13th century) and the Kapelle Pilgrim Church (built 18th century).

D.B. letting the jeweller know that one of the clocks on the building was wrong.

D.B. letting the jeweller know that one of the clocks on the building was showing the wrong time for Sydney Australia. It was still showing Daylight Saving time in May.

In the afternoon we made our way back into the cobbled stone centre of Wurzburg City and then spent a further couple of relaxing hours just exploring the more accessible sights of this lovely Franconian district.

Yes it was definitely a modern a modern city but it was also steeped in a long ……and at times traumatic history.

D.B. outside Marienkapelle (Chapel of St Mary), Wurzburg

D.B. outside Marienkapelle (Chapel of St Mary), Wurzburg

Ornate timber doorway of Marienkapelle, Wurzburg

Ornate timber doorway of Marienkapelle, Wurzburg

Neumunster, a Romanesque Style of Cathedral in Wurzburg.

Neumunster, a Romanesque Style Cathedral in Wurzburg.

Loved this display in a shop window, Wurzburg.

Loved this display in a shop window, Wurzburg.

Related articles
  • Germany Travel: Würzburg (abbyhoeffner.com)
  • Würzburg- Wine Country (lindseygummersall30.wordpress.com)
  • 13th September- Wurzburg (laurencewesley55.wordpress.com)
  • Day 6 – Wurzburg and its Magnificent Residenz (kidazzleink.com)
  • Docked at Wurzburg (rivercruise1.wordpress.com)
  • Day 5 – Miltenberg on the Main River in Lower Franconia, Barvaria (kidazzleink.com)
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