A Day for Castles– July 6th

Koblenz, Germany—July 6, 2016

Today we varied our time touring Germany.  The regular tour to the Castle was considered difficult walking because of the long incline walk from the bus drop-off point and the dangerous large rock cobbles leading into the castle. We made a wise decision to do our own touring.

The ship was docked right in town.  Koblenz had many wonderful sights in walking distance along with a funicular cable car across the Rhine River up to the Fortress Ehebreitstein.  The ride was exciting, the view incredible, and the history was all in German. This was one time when we really did need a guide and did not have one.  The one small booklet (the only one in English) gave us an idea after we walked around the history of the fortress on the rock!

The Fortress has been in use according to archeology discoveries since the 4^th century BC.  The Romans had a fortress there in the 2^nd century BC.  This rock outcropping on a hill at the connection of the Rhine and Mosel Rivers was a natural place for a fort or castle. The last update was in the early 1800’s.

During each of our visits around Germany, we have been impressed with the beautiful flowers.  At the fortress the varieties of flowers stumped us as to their names.  I decided to take photographs so I can check them out when I get home. Internet here is so slow and spotty that we are lucky to get an email through or to post a blog page.

We only have two more full days on the ship before flying back to Charlotte. Our 4:30 am departure time for our 8:30 flight will be a struggle.  Packing our purchases may also be a problem.  I may have to wear several layers of clothes as refugees did to get everything home.  Some of our passengers have purchased extra suitcases or are shipping boxes home.