23 September 2013 - Our Trip

 

Monday, 23 September - 0600 wake up call!  Suitcases outside the door by 0640.  We were beginning to get used to the drill....breakfast and on the departing bus by 0720.  We ride along the Romantic Road through villages protected by medieval tower gates, squares of half-timbered houses and richly decorated fountains.

 

 

Ilka - our guide with her ever-present yellow umbrella!

Such beautiful lace!  This one is of the town...I could have spent hours in this shop.

A sad memorial to a tragic time.
To read, click here

Back on the road, we travelled into southern Bavaria for a tour of the legendary Castle of Neuschwanstein.

As we stood in line for lunch, our son Larry texted us to be sure to enjoy some schnitzel - so that's what Lar ordered.  It was very good.

It was absolutely insane the number of people crowding onto this little bridge....and the moment came when many realized just how crazy it was - leading to some extra wild pushing and shoving, I clicked a couple of quick pix and got off!

No photos allowed inside, sorry to say...but a couple of shots out the windows.



 Travelling once more a few more miles into Austria for an overnight in Innsbruck.

22 September 2013

On 22 September we had to be up by 0610, bags out by 0730, had a quick breakfast and departed Brussels for Rhineland, Germany the Wurzburg area.
After a rather long ride, we disembarked at a rest stop and lo and behold, the rest rooms required .70 EU which none of us had!  That resulted in long, really uncomfortable line-standing in order to purchase something - in our case, bottled water - a true irony -  and then a mad rush to "spend a penny" or about 70 of them!
There were a few, only a few, times when a heads-up would have been desirable.  Letting us know when we would vitally need some various types and amounts of money - considering we were to encounter at least three unfamiliar money-types was a biggie.  Note to future travelers, if you are able to prepare for this ahead - you'll be happy!
After a brief rest stop we were once again back on the road.
Back in our seats, we were advised to stow everything we were carrying in the over head compartments.  Almost immediately after doing so, we were told that the guide would be passing back forms which had to be filled out right away.  Need I tell you - I'd just stowed my bag with the pen, and we were not allowed to stand at any time while the bus was moving - so there you are...another note  to self.  Have a fairly small bag full of things like coins in various money forms, and pens - and keep it with you!

Our first view of the Rhine

 We had a bit of time in the village along the Rhine, and then a wonderful, leisurely cruise up and down the river.

Don't know if you can see - but there is a couple walking along that country road with their dog.  Those scenes always, always make me want to take a detour and find out where those roads go!

Keep a pen with you!  And some various coins! And a MAP!



Wild Boar Sausage sandwiches!  They were wonderful.

The Loreley Rock along the Rhine in the scenic Rhine River Valley

Our hotel was a delight!  The Zur Schoenen Aussicht - Marktheidenfeld GY.

Our balcony.

Tour friends, Leeanne and Phil.

After a convivial meal, a number of us strolled through the town center - we were the only people around....it was such a pretty little town, but my pictures didn't come out well.

 

 

A panoramic view of the river.