Coblenz and Rudesheim

First thing this morning we did a 2 hour walking tour of the charming little town Coblenz. Unfortunately it was unseasonably cold so we had to rug up big time....I was very grateful for the gloves I had tucked into my jacket pocket. But apart from that - most interesting! So much history from past wars, particularly the Second World War. Most of the town was destroyed during that time and had to be rebuilt, but many of the buildings remain true to the heritage and culture of the area.

We spent quite a bit of in the old German quarter where there are places of significant interest, in particular one of the largest statues in Europe of the Emporer William the Great. This was also destroyed in the Second World War and was rebuilt thereafter. It is now considered a memorial to the unification of Germany.

A much newer memorial is three parts of the Berlin Wall that were given to Coblenz and are now standing in the park by the River.

The town is made up of several squares, with many outdoor restaurants spilling outside, beautiful old churches, museums, historic monuments and ancient cobbled streets. One of the town squares with an ancient fountain in the centre is now a world heritage site.

As we wandered around it was so lovely to hear the bells ringing. It was Sunday morning and there were services being held in the churches. I heard some organ music coming from one so I snuck into the foyer to have a peek....a Catholic Church.....but of course it was in German! There is only one Protestant church in the town.

Our charming tour guide talking about her favourite church in Coblenz

Enjoying wandering the streets of Coblenz

We were expecting to leave Coblenz mid morning and continue south to Rudesheim but we were given the bad news that the river is too high - and rising - so the boat hasn't got clearance to leave. This was rather upsetting! There are several boats here in the same situation and there's nothing you can do but sit tight!  So we are praying the water level starts to come down!

So plan B!! This afternoon we went by coach to Rudesheim in the Rhine Valley - just over an hours drive away. What a fascinating place! A town of 10,500 residents that gets 3 million visitors a year!!

It's one of the most popular tourist areas in Germany known for its vineyards. 80% of the wine produced is Riesling.....one of my favourites.....and I was so disappointed we didn't get to try any :-(

We were pre booked to do a 2 hour walking tour after which the bus was leaving so it was 'get on the bus or get left behind'.......never mind......it'll keep!

Wine restaurant

Most interesting here was our visit to Seigfried's Mechanical Music Cabinet.....a music museum.....where we saw and heard some ancient instruments.....I really enjoyed this visit.

Music Museum

We wandered ancient cobbled streets - one street was only 144 metres long and 3 metres wide - stood outside a restaurant that was established in 1727 - that's old be anyone's standards!!

People sitting around drinking Riesling :-)

One thing that was fascinating and fun was a hotel where you could sleep in wine barrels! It costs 74 Euros for 2 people for the night. When you make a booking you get asked how tall you are...ha! You have to be shorter than 1.9 metres which obviously is the majority of people....but still a funny thing to be asked!

Fancy sleeping on a wine barrel?  Well you can in Rudesheim!

Oh I saw my car today.......those who know me well know I have a soft spot for Audi :-)

Yeah!!!

So now we are back on board for the night and don't know how long we will have to stay in Coblenz.....this is turning into more of an adventure than I thought!

Tomorrow is June 3rd, and 18 months since Tony died. What a challengjng and emotional ride it has been. I'm having bitter/sweet thoughts....who would have thought I'd be in Germany?? But I know my Heavenly Father knows where I am and tonight I rest in that fact.

Till next time.........