Wednesday, October 22, 2014

Tuesday Travel...All is well!

From a cruiser's perspective the fourth day of this cruise is absolutely delightful. From our departure following breakfast until our noon arrival in Koblenz, it is a few hours of castle heaven with sightings on either side of the river. Here the water runs the fastest and deepest. Off in the distance, on both sides of the Rhine, one sees trains of all size and speed going about their scheduled routes, some small passenger carriers, some large, quick moving freight carriers with all nature of goods. As busy on the rails, the river itself has always been a highway at this stage, with family owned freighters moving up and down the river. Goods from, fuels, to oil carriers, to coal, grains and various agricultural supplies are a steady staple on the Rhine. These boats all include housing for a small crew, usually family members. Many carry one car, so that on the occasions that they can escape the river they have a mode of transportation. A small crane loads and unloads the vehicles as required.
This was also a day of cameras and picture taking, mostly distant castles and landscapes; sometimes using a camera, occasionally the iPad, there'll be a myriad of photos to decipher at the conclusion of the trip.. The beauty of the iPad is that one can quickly convey an image to friends via Facebook to offer a sense of what's going on around...the camera shots will be downloaded upon our return.
From our arrival in Koblenz, there were many options. Having visited the beautifully preserved 700 year-old Marksburg Castle last year, we opted for a ride using the Koblenz Cable Car, a modern cable car rising from Konrad-Adenauer Ufer to the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress mountain station. With its panoramic cabins, the ride provided an unforgettable trip over the Rhine, offering breath-taking views over a landscaped park on the fortress plateau. On the return trip the view is even more magnificent as one can see the beautiful city of Koblenz at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers.
The perfect end of a very German day was the dinner that followed; rather than the usual served meal, last evening's fare featured a three station buffet, where diners were encouraged to sample a taste of Germany. One station was actually set up in the galley, where we got to se the kitchen staff in action! With accordion player and a music box player entertaining while we ate, I somehow forgot to count calories! Our after dinner entertainment was called, "The Liar's Club". I got to be one of the liars in a vocabulary/word farce which proved to be hilarious, being rewarded with schnapps for being a player... and a bottle of sparkling wine for being a good sport!
Yet another wonderful day with Viking River Cruises! Departure from Koblenz was at 4:00 AM for the short trip to Cologne. Even a light sleeper would not feel the MS Gullveig slide down the river!

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Monday...Monday!

Our arrival in Mannheim, Germany was somewhere around 2:00 AM. One doesn't notice such events, the cruising is so smooth, except that I wasn't sleeping well and was sitting up watching the arrival. Our accommodation is described as a French Balcony, floor to ceiling glass panels facing the river...minus any balcony chairs. A non-sleeper can literally watch the world flow by.
Following a somewhat rushed breakfast (I always fall asleep just prior to the appropriate waking time), we disembarked at 8:30 for a bus journey to Heidelberg. The bus transportation is now owned by Viking as well, brand new Mercedes coaches of the finest quality. It is a wonderful way to get to visit locales that are not adjacent to the dock. Getting out of  Mannheim was like any Monday morning commute following a great weekend. Mannheim is a huge industrial city in the south western part of Germany, third largest in the German state of Baden-Wurttemberg. The Rhine and Neckar come together there. The city is home to Daimler, John Deere, Caterpillar, ABB and Siemens etc., so a large industrial/manufacturing area. It is known also for rowdy soccer fans as many teams (6 Division 1) make their home there as well.
As the buses turned away from Mannheim to head to Heidelberg, we spotted an attractive looking hockey arena, home of Adler Mannheim (Mannheim Eagles), who play in Germany's highest hockey league, the  Deutsche Eishockey Liga. A little research last evening showed me that there are 4 Canadians currently on the team, including Glenn Metroplit and Bobby Raymond who both have had NHL experience.
From Mannheim to Heidelberg, the differences are significant. Where the former is known as an industrial leader in Germany, the latter is renowned for its university. Heidelberg is known as one of Germany's oldest and most romantic cities. Its university rivals England's Oxford University, and the magical, mostly ruined, picture-book castle overlooking the baroque Old Town makes the it a very special place to visit. It is very international in makeup with students from around the world. When I download my hundreds of photos, you can be sure that this part of our visit will have been well recorded.
While we were visiting Heidelberg, our longship moved from Mannheim to Gernsheim, where we boarded and headed to Rudeshiem...there was a change in the air and an indication of a change in the weather...An excellent German schnitzel dinner and a glassblowing demonstration put the wraps on another excellent day!

If this is Sunday...

The MS Viking Gullveig arrived in Kehl, Germany right at 9:00 am Sunday morning. Again it was a travellers dream day, bright, clear skies with a warm sun. Our first excursion of the day was to Strasbourg, France, taking a bus tour past the European Parliament, European Court, Imperial District and Synagogue, followed by a walking tour through La Petite France, the medieval quarter, ending outside the famous Cathedral of Strasbourg. It was a very jam-packed morning outing. So while our longship was docked in Germany, our tour took place in France; easily achieved by simply crossing the Rhine by bridge..no passports required! It is really something to see the number of river cruise companies plying these waters.. all of the lines familiar to Canadian agents, several more of the more local variety all competing for tourist/passengers.
Following our return to our ship, we were back out on the road, this time by bus to enjoy an Alsatian wine tour and tasting. Alsace, beyond Strasbourg's city limits, might be described by two distinct areas: its historic small towns and its vineyards. The people of this region pride themselves in the diversity of the terrain and landscapes and boast that it is the perfect balance for wine making. We enjoyed a winery tour, a family operation in which members of the family all have a role to play...even when visitors arrive. A delightful 7 1/2 year old daughter of the winemaker followed the tour closely and at the appropriate times, poured the sample wines that were being introduced. As you might expect, we did purchase a couple of bottles for reflection later on during the trip! We also found that this particular winery also exports to the SAQ in Quebec, so we'll be able to identify the label back in Canada. We also found the mix of Gewurztraminer  and Kougelhopf pastry were an amazing combination!
From the winery to a casual stroll along the streets of Obernai, where more than 100 Renaissance buildings, with its regal town hall and stalwart bell towers reflect the city's medieval past. The market square was crowded with Sunday visitors, most of whom seemed to have arrived by motorcycle!  It was like a summer festival with such mazing conditions.
A slow drive back to our ship reminded us that here too, people love to escape the city for the weekend, but by Sunday evening realize that they must return for the world of work!

Monday, October 20, 2014

The Early Days

It is already Monday morning... The weekend has been a blur of stops and starts of wonderful tours and wandering, of excellent service both onboard and away from the MS Gullveig.
The terms of Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo and Neo-Classicism have all returned to our daily discussions...
Saturday turned out to be a quiet excursion day on our own, in lieu of the guided shore excursion through the Black Forest. We made a decision to get caught up with sleep and the unpacking and settling in process, rather than heading out at 8:30am to hop on a bus. Besides, the cuckoo clock that purchased last the time we were in the area (1984) is still working beautifully back home. Following a restful morning, we stepped from the longship directly into the town of Breisach am Rhein. Would you know it...as we stepped off the dock there was a mobile beer garden, designed much like a chip wagon at home... only the product line was wine and beers and snack to support. The walk to the main street was a pleasant 5 minute right to market square. Our main search was for a replacement curling iron, without success, I might add. The shops all close at 1:00 pm on Saturdays and remain closed on Sundays as well. However, souvenir shops and wine stores and charming cafes and bistros abound, with their colourful, flower-filled sidewalk patios and welcoming staff.
While Marion returned to rest, I ventured a 300 step climb to St. Stephen's Cathedral. The oldest parts of the church date from the Romanesque times (12th century). For those keeping score, extensions were made in the gothic style (up to 1500). Massive damage was inflicted during the Second World War. The church is laid out in  the shape of a cross. On the walls in the west hall are paintings dating from the medieval times north of the Alps, completed in 1491. The church really is an excellent example of a blending of several styles with the most recent alter being introduced in 1996. St Stephen's cathedral is full of art treasures! Itself a treasure, it has been standing for 800 years above the Rhein,through many wars and destructions. I was indeed pleased that I had made the climb to see it.
Our Saturday concluded with a marvellous special welcome dinner, shared with newly met couples and an evening concert featuring a choral group, The Black Forest Voices.
My next blog will focus upon an amazing Sunday spent in beautiful Strasbourg and more!

Saturday, October 18, 2014

A Full Day of Travel

The internal clock of a traveller is a wonderful thing! Prior to shouting down last evening, while listening to the radio broadcast of the Ottawa Senators' hockey game, we set the iPad alarm for 5:15...an early rise morning to be ready for the cab to Heathrow...wouldn't you know it, I was awake just prior to the alarm. After another night of rain, it was a clear ride to the airport...Mercedes nonetheless!
LHR Terminal 2 is an awesome new addition to the airport. With its state of the art systems and modern design, it took us no time to clear security and settle into a pleasant breakfast...all this before 7:00. The concern began when the Lufthansa flight from LHR - FRA was late loading, then late departing. I knew that there was limited time once we arrived in Frankfurt, a huge airport. As luck would have it we arrived at one part of the terminal, had to travel to another part of the complex, clear security a second time after clearing Customs. After being told that I worry too much there was angst when we arrived at the gate only to be told that the flight was closed and that we'd have to go to Customer Service to try to get on the next flight. it would be an understatement that Lufthansa was less than helpful or concerned. The queue of displaced/delayed passengers struggling to rebook flights is a sign that client service is not a priority of this airline. Suffice it to say that when we got to the service representative we were told that the next flight was already oversold and that it would be at least a seven hour wait until the next possible flight to Basel. Disappointed would be another understatement! At the same time with my travel consultant hat on, it has become a teachable moment... How do I contact Viking? Will our transfer from the airport to the city dock still occur? What if the Viking Gullveig sails before we get there? How can I learn so that I can assist clients when/if they face the same predicament?
Some 20 hours has passed since my last entry...here's what happened! We went to the gate of the 4:30 departure and tried to get on standby. We were 50% successful. At the last moment, Marion was able to board. Just before the door closed, I realized that I was without my passport. There was a terrific rush back to the plane prior to its departure to retrieve said passport...note to self...always carry your own passport! It was after the plane's departure that I realized that Marion had departed without luggage!
Settling in for another four hour visit between "A" and "B" of FRA, I resorted to flippant postings on Facebook, including a message to my travelling partner to not expect luggage when she deplaned in Basel. I learned later that she never got that message. Thanks to the Viking Rep at Basel airport, Marion did get promptly taken care of and transferred to the MS Gullveig. In the meantime, I exchanged emails with my friends at Expedia CruiseShipCenters, Kanata and with the Viking Gullveig. In total, there were three of us stranded until the 8:30 flight. I was able to reassure them that all was well. The rest of the time was uneventful...just a tad boring. After departure, the flight was very ordinary and full! a brief 40 minutes later we were on the ground
 and quickly greeted by a Viking driver, who said that the captain was keen to know we were there as he was ready to depart. The MS Gullveig was originally scheduled for a 7:00 pm departure. We sailed at 9:50! By the way, all of the luggage made the trip with me!
It was a happy reunion when we reconnected, as one might has expected...in the bar! Marion, with white wine in hand was delighted to know that her luggage had arrived! I hope that sh was at least a little happy to see me as well.
Viking was great! The welcomed the latecomers with complimentary drinks and a well needed snack!
Before long, it was straight to the cabin, even without unpacking...straight to bed!

Thursday, October 16, 2014

The End of Segment One!

As one segment of this voyage concludes, the next is about to begin!
This will be our final full day in Marlow. The portion of our trip that has focussed upon family and childcare and getting to know the immediate area is drawing to a close. Last evening we enjoyed a splendid dinner at a popular restaurant called, "Chequers", The Chequers is a large airy and welcoming place fronting the bustling Marlow High Street, the perfect place for a butchers block, where one can choose a steak to be cooked to order. It never ceases to amaze me how busy the good restaurants are... particularly mid week!
This day, one with a rare glimpse of the sun will be spent doing laundry, repacking, confirming travel arrangements and preparing for a 6:15 departure to London Heathrow tomorrow morning. From there a flight to Frankfurt, then to Basel, Switzerland, by mid afternoon we'll be boarding the Viking Gullveig for our cruise down the Rhine to Amsterdam.

Sunday, October 12, 2014

Getting to Know Marlow

From mid week through to the weekend, with most activities focused upon grand parenting and travelling on foot has meant getting to know Marlow quite well. With its vibrant streets, numerous parks and proximity to the Thames, the riverside town has much to offer. Our daily routine of walking with our granddaughter to school, then on to the daycare centre inevitably puts us near the High Street. The High Street is the center of many activities, from shops, restaurants, groceries, to coffee shops and more, it is a very attractive town!
On Wednesday, we were fortunate to attend the reopening of a pub, The Two Brewers - Marlow. Following a devastating fire in August, 2013, The Two Brewers, much like The Cheshire Cat near our home in Canada, has risen from the ashes... He (Anthony Burnham) and the Therrien family of  Cheshire Cat have so much in common. Located on St. Peter Street, near the Thames, it features an interesting layout with low beams, shiny black woodwork and a nice mix of furniture on bare boards, historical area pictures and brass ware. Rebellion, a local Marlow beer is featured, along with Brakspears, and Fullers London Pride are but a few of the beers offered. There are several wines on hand as well...Pinot Grigio seems to be a favourite! Because it was a 'soft' opening, the pub was quiet. The food (we tried the fish & chips the steak & ale pie) was perfect! The owner took time to chat and brought us up to date about the rebuilding process; a traditional old English Pub and restaurant, same location since 1775 is once again refreshing the downright sociable and the thirsty! Wouldn't you know it... I forgot my cap there, so had to return to be sure that the Stella Artois was properly tapped!
The week has also included a visit to Keira's school to attend a Harvest Assembly; an after school walk to All Saints Church of England, where Keira has been invited to audition for the children's choir. This very prestigious invitation could lead to a great musical education and an opportunity to be a part of a choir that sings locally as well as away from the community. Friday evening also included a walk to Keira's former school, Marlow Church of England Infant School or 'Sandygate' as it is known locally. There she attends a program called, "Stage Coach", a weekly training for the things that are done on stage... a well rounded acting program.
While it's been a quiet, child-centered weekend, we did get a chance to enjoy a favourite pastime of ours, watching the Ottawa Senators play hockey. Although puck drop didn't occur until 12:16 AM, Sunday morning, a win is a win and it was great to see...thanks to modern technology!
And now we prepare for the re-entry of the parents from their exhausting flight from Jamaica. They'll be flying overnight and arriving home tomorrow morning. It will be a joyous reunion for everyone.
Hopefully, we'll stretch a little beyond Marlow over the next few days, before it it time to depart for Basel, Switzerland, where we'll board the Viking Gullveig to cruise the Rhine towards Amsterdam.