Friday, July 15, 2016

A Might Fortress

We are off the river cruise after 7 days--
We stayed on night in Luxenbourg
We took taxi from the port, costing 70 E
While others were continuing onto Paris
We are heading to Franfurt by train


We walked a short distance into the city--marveled
At the town fortress built around
We found a "hop on hop off" bus in
Order to see some of city.  Our walk back to
Hotel took us by this historic church

It is Cathedral of Our Lady

It was a rainy afternoon but we able to avoid 
Showers as we rode bus or stopped in for lunch
In French restaurant.  Here you will hear many 
Languages spoken.  Luxenbourg is the financial 
Center of Europe with many banks and financial 
Institutions 

I thought you'd like to see our shower--red and blue lights. 
The shower sits in the middle of the room! 

The elevator changes colors with each floor advancement 
Quite modern hotel with contemporary features.  Of course, 
For security you must insert room key to go up in elevator
And as all European hotels, a key is required for electricity in your room

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Let's Talk German Wine!




Most people think of beer when you say Germany
But, to us, we think of wine--white wine, mostly 
Riesling.   




Everywhere!  I do mean everywhere you see 
Vineyards!  In the most unusual places--the steepest 
Hillsides. 

Neat rows of grape vines

One day we took tour of vineyard--hiking up the pathways 
We had Four tasting spots, each with a different Riesling-- 
Each with little more sugar residue 


Our sampling glass

You would think that the huge vineyard was own by
One person, but not the cause--there are small plots
With each a different owner or a town

This wine tasting was held in an old cellar--dark and filled with barrels

Each sector has a wine queen and a wine proctor.  It is a great honor to 
Be a wine queen, usually a daughter from one of the wine families in that area

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Beauty of German Villages

In every village, there absolutely fantastic gardens, whether it was small
Plots of ground, window boxes or the buildings themselves. 

The flowers drip off the sides and overflow-- such a nice sight!
Even the window shutters add an artistic touch


We walked through many a rose garden
This house along the bike path (continues all along the river)
Had a small area to plant their flowers 





The sidewalk cafes are also colorful either with their planters or awnings


The cemeteries are bursting with color--everyone we saw in Germany 
Were maintained with family money 








There are many timbered houses, each with their own beauty


This was the blue haus




Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Rhine River Castles

A ride through Rhine Gorge is delightful--filled with vineyard hills and Castles!


Some have refurbished and being used as tourists attraction 

Some sit in ruins, still ruling over their territory 

Some are situated above small villages

And some on islands

All are fabulous!  

Here is a map of gorge

Monday, July 11, 2016

A Tribute To Jews Who Suffered WWII

 In many of the small Germany villages we have visited there are tributes to the Jews who were removed from their homes and "deported".
This was found in a small alleyway

The names are placed on the plaque and remembered
In another village, markers are placed in front of the home.  this mother and daughter resided here
But the home is no longer there.  These are called stumbling stones.  
During the year, school children learn German history & polish the stones to keep their 
Memories alive
And so we remember with them


Sunday, July 10, 2016

Streets Of Small Germany Towns

I love walking the streets of small towns!

Colorful flowers

This day was a bank holiday so not many people were on streets, just
Us tourists 

A map of town! 

Friday, July 8, 2016

Praha Life

Everyone has traffic problems!  Ticket for her!

Very modern building--Fred and Ginger titled--all pieces were added piece at a time

The view from the Charles Bridge--Praha is a city of bridges and spires

I liked the lace work in the window of the apartment

gate to Charles Bridge--built during Charles VI reign--once the entrance into the city

The view down the river, now lined with restaurants, boat launches

\Here is the statue of Saint that was tortured and thrown from the bridge
it is said if you rub the site of statue and make a wish, it will come true.
you can see where many hands have rubbed for their wish.
\hubby was one that made a wish too


A trip to the Prague castle--the largest in the world.
The site is unbelievable!

and the view is the best of the city of Praha

The cathedral is situated in the middle of the castle--built in 
800's AD





It is said you could spend days wondering through the castle grounds
there is much to see, but we only spent a few hours there before heading
back to catch our shuttle to the hotel.

Noah’s ARC

870 acres!!  You can not imagine how this impacts your life.   On our journey to this destination, we read the story of Noah and the buildin...