The Best of Europe Day 3
The Best of Europe
Day 3 Monday September 8, 2003 – Baden Baden
Day began early when the severe thunderstorms with lightning woke us up about 2:30 AM. The chickens across from us did not wake up until late and were no bother. But the thunder and lightning were spectacular.
By the time we woke up at 6 AM most of the storm had passed and as we dressed and got our luggage out at 6:30 AM the clouds were lifting a bit. We had a good breakfast, even though the staff was overwhelmed with close to 100 people entering at the same time. Both tours were getting an early start.
At 7:30 everyone was outside ready to get on the bus. Jurgen, our bus driver was struggling with the suitcases. Everyone is entitled to one suitcase in the hold of the bus. But, as these are rather large and heavy, the placement is crucial.
Several people have carry-ons that are too big for the interior of the bus so they expected that some would go in the hold. Most were fortunate that our group was down to 47 from the expected 49. By 7:45 we were off and we had to fight the Monday morning traffic trying to move in the autobahns around Frankfurt.
We drove through the Rhine Gau - the valley where all the grapes are grown for the German wines. They expect a great harvest as the summer was very hot and sunny, producing great grapes.
When we entered the narrow Rhine River Valley we were able to see a plethora of castles on both sides. These medieval fortresses defended the narrow passage up and down the river.
We went by Lorelei Rock, the famous bend in the river noted for its shipping accidents. These were attributed to the blond hair siren who combed her hair to the distraction of the ship captains.
We went as far north as Boppard where we boarded a cruise ship to travel upstream, south, to St. Boar. It was a bit cool and misty but we stayed on the deck for the fresh air and great views of the river.
While sailing up the river we passed vessels carrying oil, coal, and other commodities that are used throughout the Rhine Valley. The river was low so we could see the shoals and protruding rocks.
We went as far as Lorelei Rock and disembarked on the west side of the river and got on the bus at St. Goar. We passed the same ancient castles and terraced vineyards that we had seen on the way north.
Taking the major autobahns, we headed to Heidelberg where we arrived at 1 PM. We viewed the Heidelberg Schloss (Castle), an original gothic castle, a vast residential complex that was built and repeatedly extended between the 13th and 17th centuries.
We got a brief overview of the city and a little walk and then we were on our own. We walked toward Heidelberg University, created in 1386, and saw its buildings and students.
While there, we stopped at a bakery and bought lunch. I got a sandwich of mozzarella cheese and tomato and Gennie got a piece of rye bread with melted cheese and crumbled bacon.
We then walked up to the Castle and had a view of the Neckar River an the city below, with the hills and vineyards on the opposite side. At about 3 PM we were all back in the motor coach and on our way to fashionable Baden Baden.
On our arrival we were given an orientation tour showing us part of the town, the casino, exclusive shops and their narrow streets. Most of the buildings had beautiful flowers in boxes and pots, there were several water fountains and the streets were cobblestone.
We wandered in and out of these streets, watching people, buying ice cream cones and just enjoying the sun and the warm 70 degree weather. At 5:30 we were back at the bus to go to the hotel and dinner.
We drove through a densely wooded area and arrived at the Fairway Hotel. We were given Room 312 on the first floor. It was very spacious and had a view of some gardens.
We edited the photos of the day, showered, dressed and were ready for dinner at 7 PM. We walked to the reception area, joined our group and had a fish dinner.
They had told us it was to be salmon, but it was a white fish. I had pork medallions again. But it was good and the people we sat with provided us with a variety of conversation topics.
One couple was from Australia, a woman was from South Africa, a lone gentleman was from Australia by way of Spain, and the other was a couple from California. We had a lively conversation and enjoyed ourselves.
At 8:45 we returned to our room to write the journal and prepare the pictures. The hotel internet computer had a virus so I chose not to use it and will wait until Tuesday to try to send the emails out.
(Buffet Breakfast/ Dinner)
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