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

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

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 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.

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 2^nd 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.

Money Exhibit, Nuremberg Museum, Germany.

Historical photographs, 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 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.

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.

: 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.

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

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.

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.

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

One of Bamberg’s most famous buildings is the 14^th 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.

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 16^th century.

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

The Residence, and Formal Garden, 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.

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

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.

St Michael’s Church, Bamberg.

Ornate Work on Building in Bamberg.

Lovely lady in traditional dress in Bamberg.

Day 7. Sailing the Main-Danube Canal and Bamberg in Upper Franconia, Germany. (kidazzleink.com)
14th September- Bamberg, Germany (laurencewesley55.wordpress.com)
An Amazing Day In: Bamberg, Germany (chriscruises.com)
Bamberg and Nuremberg Adventures (jessmany.wordpress.com)

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

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

Link back and recognize the blogger who nominated them
Answer ten questions given to them by their nominee
Nominate ten or so other bloggers for the award.
Create ten questions for their own 10 nominees to answer.
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. 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.

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!

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

That’s an easy one….travel!

4. What is your favorite memory?

My Mum…I miss her.

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:

What is your favourite thing to do when you have time to yourself at home on holidays?
What is your favourite wild animal and what country is it native to?
Do you prefer to stay home, visit family or travel overseas when you holiday?
What was the absolute best family holiday you remember having as a child?
What’s the most outstanding holiday you’ve ever had as an adult?
Where did you go on your last holiday?
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?
What are your two favourite overseas countries?
Where would you go if you had about $1000 to plan a holiday right now?
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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

According to Wikipedia, Wurzburg has experienced many changes. In earliest times (from about the 4^th to the 7^th 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 8^th 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.

Skeleton detail over doorway to Dom St Kilian in Wurzburg

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.

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

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 13^th century) and the Kapelle Pilgrim Church (built 18^th 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

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.

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)

Day 6 – Wurzburg and its Magnificent Residenz

09 Wednesday Oct 2013

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

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

Amsterdam to Budapest, Baroque, Germany, Mirror Room, Northern Franconia, Rococo, Viking River Cruise, WOW and Amazing, Wurzburg Residence

Dragon Artwork- Wurzburg Residence

We’d now docked in Wurzburg, Franconia (Population approx 144,000). We’d sailed from Miltenberg the previous evening and then travelled on down the Main River through the night. Today we’d moved into the Northern Barvarian Region of Germany.

We were preparing ourselves for another enjoyable morning of sightseeing when over the longship’s speaker system came the call we’d all been waiting for:

“A very, very, lovely good morning to you all my wonderful ladies and gentlemen. This is your first call for this morning. Would those of you wishing to join our morning’s sightseeing in Wurzburg to visit the Residenz Palace, please start to make their way to the departure area.”

Ceiling Painting – Wurzburg Residence

We were in the habit of dressing early, then waiting for these ‘always on time’ and ‘always oh so polite’ announcements to come from our absolutely wonderful and extremely well organized, travel-hostess, Valerie.

Today the announcement procedures were no different…..yet I found myself becoming more excited as our departure drew nearer. Afterall, today we would soon be heading off to see one of the most ornate, most spectacular residences in Germany, a residence with some real “WOW” factor –“The Wurzburg Residenz.”

Wurzburg Residence, Germany

Another photo of Wurzburg Residence, Germany.

Architect, Balthaser Neumann designed and co-ordinated the building of this extraordinarily, beautiful baroque palace back in the early 1700s. It was built for Prince-Bishop Johann Phillipp Franz von Shonborn and the Counts of Shonborn. It encapsulated the work of many of the very finest artists and craftsmen of the day, including the ornamentation genius, Antonio Bossi and ceiling painter extraordinaire, Giovanni Battista Tiepolo.

Ornate work, Wurzburg Palace

On viewing the residence Dearly Beloved (D.B.) and I were naturally awestruck. Afterall, we’d never seen a structure of such ornate magnificence. It captured so many different historical styles of interior décor of the time. I believe it could be described as similar to, yet different from the Palace of Versailles in France. Having not seen Versailles myself I can’t really comment.

Mirror Room, Wurzburg Residence

Ornate Ceiling Work, Wurzburg Residence

As we followed our “Residenz Tour Guide” from one highly decorative area of the palace to another exploring each the individual rooms, the whole splendor of place just seemed to envelope us in its history and grandeur.

It seemed to become more and more ornate as we moved further into the building.

Antique Room Heater, Wurzburg Residence

We saw so much; first there was the large entry vestibule, then we moved on to the enormous grand staircase room with its extremely high painted ceilings, then there was the absolute beauty of the neoclassical White Room, the marble and stucco work of the Imperial Hall, the dazzling Room of Mirrors, the Residenz Chapel and so so much more.

Lost for words for most of the time, all I seemed to be able to say as one door closed and another opened was………

Wow, Wow, Wow and Wow or else lots of O.M.G’s which for me is Oh My Goodness or Oh My Golly Goloshes!

More Artwork Around Windows at Wurzburg Residence

Painted Ceiling, Wurzburg Residence

13th September- Wurzburg (laurencewesley55.wordpress.com)
Rococo: The Art of 18th Century (ipseand.wordpress.com)
Day 5 – Miltenberg on the Main River in Lower Franconia, Barvaria (kidazzleink.com)

Day 5 – Miltenberg on the Main River in Lower Franconia, Barvaria

04 Friday Oct 2013

Posted by KidazzleInk.com in Amsterdam to Budapest, Germany, Miltenberg, River Cruising, Travelling in Europe, Uncategorized

≈ 11 Comments

Tags

Castles, Germany, Grimm Brothers, Lower Franconia, Middle Rhine, Miltenberg, Rhine, UNESCO, Viking, World Heritage Site

D.B. and I in Miltenberg, Germany

After leaving the splendour of yesterday’s Castles in the Middle Rhine Area of Germany, we’d sailed on into the night.

By early morning we’d found ourselves passing through the small villages and vineyards of Bavaria in Lower Franconia.

We were now in the second river of our Grand European Journey…. the Main River.

A great light-hearted little read about Germany

With some free time to ourselves, before we reached our next scheduled UNESCO World Heritage destination of Miltenberg, we’d decided to take advantage of a relaxing opportunity to just kick back and enjoy some time to ourselves.

We wanted to mellow into this most magnificent holiday; after all we were totally enjoying our new home-away-from-home on Longship Tor. We were also enjoying being pampered and spoilt; it was truly so lovely not having to do anything for yourself…..well not very much for ourselves anyway!

This must be the most luxurious way to Journey through Europe!

To wile away a few hours this morning I’d chosen to spend time reading. I’d recently picked up a very light-hearted, yet humorous little book on modern-day Germany entitled “Those Crazy Germans” by Steven Somers.

It filled in a couple of hours nicely (actually triggered several lively conversations and a few hearty chuckles along the way)….Really it did help me to start to differentiate the “bergs” from the “burgs”; it developed my understanding of tipping and even clarified the appropriate etiquette for eating out at a local German tavern.

It also did a great job of acquainting me with some of the other less-well-known cultural aspects of every day life in today’s Germany.

As the morning passed, it was also delightful just watching the river and all of the little Bavarian villages pass by; lovely to see the green of the countryside in all of its new Spring leaf and most enjoyable to take photographs of yet another new day.

A swan on the Main River in Germany

I loved watching the graceful, white swans as they swam just out from our stateroom windows.

I recall there seemed to be so many beautiful white swans; they were on all of the rivers throughout Europe and most wonderful to look at. I could have sat and watched them for hours if I’d had time.

But the morning soon disappeared and we were again off and away to sightsee and explore.

We spent the afternoon in an absolutely delightful township called Miltenberg (population about 10,000).

It was just magical.

Coming from Australia we’d never seen a township with so much history or so many traditional medieval buildings before. Initially I thought them to be some sort of Tudor architectural style but I was quickly corrected.

After all Tudor is English….most definitely not German.

Out and about in Miltenberg Germany

Metal sculptures outside a shop in Miltenberg, Germany

Fachwerk Architectural Style, Miltenberg, Germany

Scarf shopping Miltenberg, Germany

More of the "Fachwerk" Architectural style in Miltenberg, Germany.

Main street in Miltenberg, Germany.

They are, in fact, great examples of what is known as the “Fachwerk” architectural style.

Though do be most careful how you say that. It’s a little tricky for the English speaker and should always be pronounced with the very guttural European tone. (Please remember…. it’s not to be confused with any sort of poor English enunciation!)

Actually many people, including the helpful Viking team, just seem to call it the half-timbered façade style.

Whatever you prefer to call it, I found Miltenberg a most magical little village. It was filled with the kind of charm, architecture and history that we just don’t have in our land down under…… in Australia.

Once again I found myself thinking that perhaps Walt Disney or one of those Grimm’s brothers might just materialize as we were rounding a medieval corner or passing one of those very traditional timber doorways in this amazing little place.

Beautiful old doorway with flood levels on wall beside, in Miltenberg,Germany

One very old cottage in particular reminded me so much of that Fairy Tale about Hansel and Gretel. Take a look…isn’t it just so charming. I do so love, love, love it!

Charming old cottage in Miltenberg, Germany

After our educational Viking info-walk, looking at the culture and history of Miltenberg and the Lower Franconian region in general, we’d had some free time to explore on our own.

Dearly Beloved (D.B.) had been hoping for some yummy traditional Apple Strudel. How could we possibly eat any more I questioned?

D.B. outside the cafe that sold the longed for Apple Struedel

Somehow I recall I managed to talk him into a pleasant little uphill stroll to explore the scenic views from up on high at the Miltenberg Castle.

Like all castles it was perched on one of the highest points overlooking the little township. The views were breathtaking and so well worth the slightly strenuous walk uphill to see them.

Through the tunnel and up the hill to the castle, Miltenberg, Germany

The path to the castle in Miltenberg, Germany

Flowers in our travels around Miltenberg, Germany.

The view from the Miltenberg Castle, Germany

D.B. and I with the view of Miltenberg, Germany in the background

HAVE A LOOK AT THESE OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS OF CASTLES ALONG THE MIDDLE RHINE ON THE LOVELY ADINPARADISE BLOG – IT TOO HAS A GALLERY OF BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS SHOWING MANY OF THE CASTLES FOUND IN THIS AREA:

Just click on this link http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/2013/08/23/thanks-for-the-memory-castles-on-the-rhine/ and it will take you there.

OR MAYBE CHECK OUT THESE OTHER INTERESTING BLOGS ABOUT THE MIDDLE RHINE AND MILTENBERG:

12th September – Middle Rhine to Miltenberg (laurencewesley55.wordpress.com)
Miltenberg, Germany (neitherbeernorthere.wordpress.com)
Castles and Vineyards Along the Rhine (innovationthroughexploration.wordpress.com)

And thanks for dropping by my Blog.

Day 4 – Koblenz and the Middle Rhine

02 Wednesday Oct 2013

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

≈ 15 Comments

Tags

Braubach, Deutsches Eck, German, Germany, Koblenz, Marksberg Castle, Middle Rhine, Moselle (river), Rhine

Today we were excited about exploring Koblenz and the castle district of the Middle Rhine in Germany.

View to the Rhine Germany

Early this morning we’d tied up in the Deutsches Eck or German Corner which sits majestically on a headland at the confluence of the Rhine and the Moselle Rivers in Germany.

German Corner in Koblenz Germany

We’d looked out to see the most wonderful equestrian statue; an historical monument depicting the well known German Emperor, William the 1^stthat was initially erected in the late 1800s. Sitting grandly right on the tip of the headland it signalled yet another historical window into Germany’s past. It is now viewed as a dedicated landmark to the continued unification of Germany.

We were on the outskirts of the city of Koblenz (Population approx 110,000).

Tulips at a church near the German Corner Koblenz

It was green and it was spring.

We’d soon be heading off to explore the medieval past with our scheduled visit to Marksberg Castle this morning.

Marksberg rises high above the small town of Braubach on the banks of the Middle Rhine. Amazingly,it still remains firmly intact despite the two world wars and the significant turmoil and destruction of the 20^th century. It’s one of the very few castles that remains in original form despite the centuries of battle and the civil calamities that are all part of early German history.

This castle’s survival provides a kind of lens through which we can view our affluent German ancestors, their enemies, their servants, their goals and their daily lives in days of yore.

Viking Coaches to take us to Marksberg Castle

As we disembarked our Longship Tor, we saw that Viking had organized their very own….. very modern Viking Fleet of Buses to Transport us in comfort up to the Castle for the morning’s sightseeing. (We weren’t aware they owned a fleet of company buses prior to this.)

Well anyway once again there would be many wonderful travel photo opportunities and I was looking forward to them all. My battery was charged and my beloved camera was close by. Dearly Beloved (D.B.) was kindly helping to carry the photographic paraphernalia as he often does.

First we saw the neat traditional outside structure of the castle itself.

Marksberg Castle Germany

Then there was the well maintained historical inner core.

The painted ceiling Marksberg Castle

Four Post Bed Marksberg Castle

The Kitchen Marksberg Castle

The Armoury Marksberg Castle

Another ancient wall painting Marksberg Castle

Finally there was the wonderful view down to the river.

The Middle Rhine Germany

After our morning’s immersion in daily castle life, it was once again back to our Longship Tor for lunch.

As usual, the Viking Chef’s had very been busy in our absence. (I still occasionally wonder what life may have been like if I could’ve actually taken one or two of those wonderful chefs home with me! Anyway enough with the daydreaming). They had prepared yet another delicious buffet.

For today they’d naturally chosen a variety of the more traditional German recipes such as wurst, sauerkraut, salads and freshly baked pretzels. The dishes were made from the very freshest of local ingredients which had again obviously been sourced from the surrounding bakeries and farming areas along the Rhine.

Castle on the Middle Rhine

After a fairly busy morning we were now able to relax up on the beautiful Aquavit Terrace with our fellow travellers as we watched in awe of the surrounding scenery on this lovely Spring Afternoon.

There seemed to be castles everywhere…well at least castles every couple of kilometres or so. They perched high on the hills overlooking the river. There were times when there seemed to be castles everywhere you looked…and sometimes they were even on both banks of the river in the same area.

Same castle on the Middle Rhine in Germany

I recall that the the weather that afternoon was delightful…not too hot, not too cold……..just right in fact.

With the soft white clouds floating across the beautiful blue sky, our chilled glasses of German Moselle were adding an even more magical quality to the fairy tale vista unfolding before us……It was yet another glorious afternoon sailing down the Rhine… one to savour and just enjoy.

Another castle on the Middle Rhine that was an hotel

Another castle on the Middle Rhine that was once an hotel

Another Middle Rhine Castle in Germany

11th September – from Koblenz up the middle Rhine. (laurencewesley55.wordpress.com)
Castles and Vineyards Along the Rhine (innovationthroughexploration.wordpress.com)

Day 3 – Cologne and its Grand Gothic Cathedral

27 Friday Sep 2013

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

≈ 14 Comments

Tags

Cologne, Cologne Cathedral, Germany, Green Sightseeing Train, History, Prussians, Rhine, Robert Louis Stevenson, World War II

I never weary of great churches. They are my favourite kind of mountain scenery. Mankind was never so happily inspired as when it created a great cathedral. – so said Robert Louis Stevenson 1850 – 1894

On reflection, there must have been inspiration aplenty surrounding the building of the gorgeous Cologne Dom.

One of the enjoyable things about our recent Viking holiday was the informative sightseeing walks. We would usually explore a little of each day’s new territory on foot learning about the culture and history as we went.

There were always cities, villages, castles or other historical landmarks to acquaint ourselves with ……..and walking actually seemed to allow us more time to really get to know an area as we burnt off some of those extra kilojoules we’d been consuming (mind you this was probably deemed more important by those of us with the weakest willpower; unfortunately that would have to include me I’m afraid!)

Stained Glass-Cologne Cathedra

Well for today’s walk we’d soon be visiting the enormous Cologne Cathedral. We would then view and discuss the surrounding old-town areas of the Cologne city centre, with its cobble-stoned streets and its many centuries of German and early Roman history.

Interior of Cologne Cathedral

Cologne is currently Germany’s 4^th largest city. Built right on the banks of the Rhine, it is said to have been established by the Romans back in the 1^st Centrury A.D.

Tragically, it suffered major damage during World War II. This necessitated a painstaking and costly rebuild in the post war era. The Cologne Cathedral or DOM took many hits from bombers during the war years. However, it actually remained standing despite much of Cologne being flattened around it.

Small Side Altar Cologne Cathedra

Today, Cologne DOM is ranked up there as one of the tallest gothic cathedrals in the world. It is graced with much elaborate detail and quality craftsmanship. You really have to stop to contemplate how difficult it must have been to build a structure such as this…and especially way back then. Without access to any modern day technology it would have been an enormous challenge for the early artisans. Today it is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can actually choose to go right on up to the top of the structure if you wish. You need considerable perseverance though, as I believe there are some 500 steps to be negotiated in all.

Earlier that morning, and prior to our scheduled daily walk, dearly beloved (D.B.) and I had actually contemplated this climb (rather enthusiastically I recall at the time). Unfortunately we’d then run out of puff……. After the informative morning walk, we’d decided to head right on back to the Longship for one of those delicious Viking lunches. Sadly, I have to report that by the mid afternoon we’d totally lost our earlier resolve. However…. I believe others did manage to climb to the very top. Those that did were justly rewarded for their efforts with the most splendid views out over the city and river.

My D.B. was quite taken with some of the DOM’s early building history. I noted he was showing greater than usual levels of interest….actually paying attention – especially in relation to the fact that the cathedral build was said to have been finally completed by a team of Prussians in around the mid 19^th century.

Well…… being of (possible) Prussian heritage himself, D. B. truly enjoyed this minor detail (even today he continues to put much more emphasis on it than one would expect). He still holds his head rather high as he states with considerable (possibly) Prussian pride “well you know it was actually my mob that finally got this whole job finished!”

Afterall, the cathedral had been “under construction” for a total of some 650 or so years in all. I guess that does seem like a mighty long time to be building anything. It is truly an amazing structure with unbelievable architectural detail. As is often said….. they just don’t build them like this anymore!

And we certainly don’t have any of them in Australia…AKA God’s own Country! (Now explain that!)

Later the same afternoon (with free time to explore Cologne on our own), we’d headed back into town. By now, we were feeling somewhat weary after having walked in the morning and eaten yet another delicious Viking lunch back onboard the ship (soup, salad, savoury dish and sweets).

Spring Pansies Cologne

For the rest of the afternoon we simply opted for a relatively relaxing way to see a little more of this lovely German city. We boarded one of those rather charming, but I must also say….. rather extremely bumpy, little sightseeing trains. This allowed us to explore a little further out from the main cobble-stoned old-town areas which we’d meandered through earlier in the day.

Then it was back to our longship for cocktails and another lovely dinner before sailing away.