OR
Up a very flooded and not so Lazy River.
Often
called the "Romantic Rhine", the Rhine river flows through one of Germany’s most
scenic regions known as the Middle Rhine.
The design of Viking Longships is ideal. Rather than railing, the Aquavit terrace at the bow of the ship has glass walls that deflect the wind and allows clear views of the river and landscape as well as a perfect vantage from which to get some great pics as we glide along the swollen river. Every table as well as the rocking chairs in the front are packed for the show that we're all here for and it is a constant dance and jockeying for position on each side to get a good shot of the next attaction. Of course there is also the sundeck for 360 degree views and it's packed as well.
As we cruise its most picturesque stretch of the Middle Rhine, another UNESCO World Heritage
The design of Viking Longships is ideal. Rather than railing, the Aquavit terrace at the bow of the ship has glass walls that deflect the wind and allows clear views of the river and landscape as well as a perfect vantage from which to get some great pics as we glide along the swollen river. Every table as well as the rocking chairs in the front are packed for the show that we're all here for and it is a constant dance and jockeying for position on each side to get a good shot of the next attaction. Of course there is also the sundeck for 360 degree views and it's packed as well.
As we cruise its most picturesque stretch of the Middle Rhine, another UNESCO World Heritage
We pass splendid castles and dramatic rock formations along the tall banks,
all of which have stories to share which are recounted to us by Bojan, our
program director, as we cruise along. This adjacent map details the many sights along the way.
Among them the fable of the Lorelei Rock at the dramatic curve in the river where the eponymous river maiden mesmerized sailors with her song and lured them to their demise at her feet.
[It was too cloudy for a decent photo so here is a Stock File pic]
There's not much else to tell that cant be said in this link to a separate Picasaweb slide show of the Middle Rhine. Enjoy.
And now... the arrival in Rudesheim.
Located in the heart of Germany's Rheingau region, Rudesheim is the area's center of winemaking. The famed Drosseigasse, a cobblestone street lined with taverns that pour local vintages and spill music into the alleyways, attracts locals and visitors alike.
Rudesheim was a stop on the "Merchant Road" that bypassed the Hole of Bingen, a stretch in the river believed to swirl into a maelstrom. As it grew, in significance, castles secured the region including the 9th century Bromserburg Castle, the oldest on the Rhine.
This was all well and good and would have been wonderful sight to see. in fact, a stroll about the town to see, taste and experience all the hype promoted by Viking and the tour books was organized by our Concierge, the Delightful Hana except...
The Rains Came. First, light, then increasing until it came in torrents. Like the River.
"Cant' last long"... Everyone said.
"Just a could burst..." Unh...Hunh - maybe.
Soooo... Troopers that we all were, many of us stalwarts grabbed over sized Viking Red umbrellas and struck out after Hana with our "Quiet Vox's" tuned in to her lilting voice as we trudged along the 1/2 mile path to town and proceeded to get as soaked, if not more so than we did while in line at Versailles in Paris.
Not good. Not good at all...
It had no sign of clearing up and even the ducks knew it.
Located in the heart of Germany's Rheingau region, Rudesheim is the area's center of winemaking. The famed Drosseigasse, a cobblestone street lined with taverns that pour local vintages and spill music into the alleyways, attracts locals and visitors alike.
Rudesheim was a stop on the "Merchant Road" that bypassed the Hole of Bingen, a stretch in the river believed to swirl into a maelstrom. As it grew, in significance, castles secured the region including the 9th century Bromserburg Castle, the oldest on the Rhine.
This was all well and good and would have been wonderful sight to see. in fact, a stroll about the town to see, taste and experience all the hype promoted by Viking and the tour books was organized by our Concierge, the Delightful Hana except...
The Rains Came. First, light, then increasing until it came in torrents. Like the River.
"Cant' last long"... Everyone said.
"Just a could burst..." Unh...Hunh - maybe.
Soooo... Troopers that we all were, many of us stalwarts grabbed over sized Viking Red umbrellas and struck out after Hana with our "Quiet Vox's" tuned in to her lilting voice as we trudged along the 1/2 mile path to town and proceeded to get as soaked, if not more so than we did while in line at Versailles in Paris.
Not good. Not good at all...
It had no sign of clearing up and even the ducks knew it.
Soooo.... Chucky and a very wet Dragon Chic turned around and headed back to the boat to dry out, passing a few masochists who were hurrying to catch up to Hana. Some with Parkas and rain gear - way to come prepared guys!
It eventually did dry up about a half hour later, but with totally soaked shoes as well as everything waist down dripping, it would have been a miserable hike and besides...
IRO was beckoning with hot toddies...
Oh wellllllll, another time dear Rudesheim, another time.
After dinner, we met several of the "Touring in the Rain" crowd in the lounge who admitted that it was a bit "Damp" walking around town in soaked shoes and several had headed back early.
Poor Hana showed up around 10PM still drenched but with that ever present Smile that we all loved and all was good in her world.
We cast off around Midnight after the optional dinner in Rudesheim tour returned and we all partied in the lounge till the wee hours since tomorrows tour of Heidleberg wouldn't leave until 0930. Oh Joy... we get to sleep in!
Tomorrow a visit to Germany's oldest University Town and it's most romantic Castle... as if a Castle can be romantic?!?
Ciao für Jetzt,
Uncle Chuck & The still drying out
Dragon Lady
The birds in your pictures are geese not ducks.
ReplyDeleteShe calls 'em Ducks... they're Ducks. I never argue with a Drenched Dragon Lady.
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