Home And Enduring Friendships Are Where The Heart Is…

Posted on September 20, 2016 by

August ~ Southern California and Southern Oregon

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Monkey business with long-time friends, Cheryl, Karen & Joanne

As much as we love to travel, sometimes there is NO PLACE LIKE HOME! It has felt so good to be back in Southern California, spend some time with friends and family, get myself put back together a little, and take care of a few things that just can’t easily be done while on the road.

Since this blog was created originally as a memory tool for me (kind of combo written and photo journal), I want to fill in a few blanks of how we spend our time when not on the road to where ever.  Continue reading →

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Amsterdam ~ Canals, Van Gogh, Cheese and Windmills of Zaandam

Posted on September 18, 2016 by

August 8th ~ Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Zaandam

Zaandam under threatening skies

Did you know that Amsterdam is a conurbation? Well, I learned one more term today. In case you too need a little help with that one, it means that she is: Continue reading →

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Cologne ~ From the Magnificent Cathedral to a Chocolate Factory

Posted on September 14, 2016 by

August 7th ~ Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany

Cologne, Germany

Cologne is a big city metropolis compared to the smaller bergs we have been visiting. It ranks number 4 in size in Germany with a population of around one million inhabitants, behind Berlin, Hamburg and Munich.

At a strategic position and German military base during World War II, it was almost completely destroyed by RAF bombs, and 95% of the city fled. Due to the postwar rebuilding efforts, this city is an amalgamation of restored historic buildings right next door to modern complexes.  Continue reading →

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Koblenz, German Corner, Marksburg Castle

Posted on September 13, 2016 by

August 6th ~ Koblenz, Germany

View of Koblenz and Rhine River taken from Marksburg Castle

View of Koblenz and Rhine River taken from Marksburg Castle

Koblenz, also spelled Coblenz, is located right on the confluence (junction) of the Moselle and Rhine Rivers in the western part of Germany. We had cruised right past this city in the middle of the night several days earlier.

TRIVIA MOMENT: Koblenz is a sister city with Austin, Texas.

Continue reading →

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Bernkastel-Kues, Germany ~ Charming Old Town, Fabulous Riesling, Low Bridges

Posted on September 11, 2016 by

August 5th ~ Bernkastel-Kues, Germany 

Old Town Bernkastel-Kues

Old Town Bernkastel-Kues

The town in its current form came into being on 1 April 1905 through the merger of the town of Bernkastel with the winemaking village of Kues across the river. Located in the Moselle Valley, this charming town screams traditional German culture.  Well known for their wine, the Riesling is a stand out.  Continue reading →

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Trier, Germany ~ Two Churches Being Connected Was Most Unusual

Posted on September 9, 2016 by

August 4th ~ Trier, Germany

Along the Moselle River

Along the Moselle River

The ship had overnighted in Trier, so first thing this morning we headed out for a walking tour of the town. Once again the skies had opened up and we had a wet greeting, but umbrella in hand, we were not to be deterred this time.  Continue reading →

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LUXEMBOURG ~ What I Took Away From Visiting This Tiny Nation

Posted on September 4, 2016 by

August 3rd ~ Luxembourg

Luxembourg City

Luxembourg City

Our morning was spent cruising along the Moselle River. Some enjoyed spa treatments or attended a mid-morning demonstration on how to make Apple Strudel put on by our Pastry Chef Alex and Executive Chef Ioan.

Tim and I chose to relax, visit with some of our fellow passengers, enjoy the passing scenery and had an early lunch.  Continue reading →

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Cochem ~ On the Moselle River, Rainy Weather and Celebrating Tim’s Birthday

Posted on September 2, 2016 by

Cochem ~ August 2nd (Celebrating Tim’s Birthday!!!!)

Happy Birthday Tim!

Happy Birthday Tim!

During the night, we left the Rhine River, took a left turn and have started cruising up the Moselle River. The Moselle is noticeably more narrow than the Rhine and you get the impression you could walk to shore from the center of the river.  Continue reading →

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Rüdesheim, Germany ~ Mechanical Musical Instruments, Niederwald Monument, and Castles on the Rhine

Posted on September 1, 2016 by

August 1st ~ Rüdesheim, Germany and Cruising the Rhine

Rhine River - Somehow this captured the magic of the day

Rhine River – Somehow this captured the magic of the day

Rudesheim’s history traces back to the Roman times, as do many settlements along the Rhine River. Famous for their delicate white wines, the steep hills are completely covered in lush green vineyards.  Continue reading →

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HEIDELBERG, GERMANY ~ A Castle, the World’s Largest Wine Barrel and a Student Jail

Posted on August 31, 2016 by

July 31st (part 2)~ Heidelberg, Germany

Heidelberg, Germany - Main square (Corn Market) with the castle up on the hill

Heidelberg, Germany – Main square (Corn Market) with the castle up on the hill

Our afternoon was taken up with an optional tour that began with a motor coach ride to Heidelberg. Some consider this the most romantic city in Germany and for good reason. Towering over the town are the extraordinary castle ruins.  Continue reading →

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