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Rhine Cruise 29.7.19

30 July 2019 / admin

Reichsburg Castle Cochem 29.7.19

We have reached Cochem on the Moselle for our stop today. Reischberg Castle looms above us. Cochem is relatively small and it is situated on one of the many loops along the Moselle. A number of rivers join the Moselle at Cochem which is why there has been a settlement here since Celtic times. It was occupied by the French from 1794 after 1815 it was assigned to the Kingdom of Prussia.

The castle was reconstructed from 1866. A bridge across the Moselle was built in 1927 leading to the two adjacent fishing villages comes under a single administration from 1932.

Below the castle in the above photo can be seen some of the vineyards which line the river on both sides as we pass along it.

Mosaic Cochem 29.7.19

One end of a staircase from the bridge has been attractively adorned with this mural which was created in 1982 by Carlfritz Nicolay to show the history of the town.

Castle Interior 29.7.19

We then visit the castle and see the inside as well, remembering that this is probably all from the rebuilt castle so is around 150 years old.

Cochem 29.7.19

Some typical architecture of the town which is picturesque, in looking back through my photos I find I have a number of other shots around the town and of the castle. There is a chair lift in the town but if we made use of it I have no record that I can find.

Rhine Cruise 28.7.19

29 July 2019 / admin

Moselle Winery 28.7.19

Koblenz our stopping place today is the point at which the Moselle joins the Rhine and we moor close to the point where the rivers join. Since our stop in Xanten we have come some distance over night passing by Duisburg, Dusseldorf, Koln and Bonn. None of which we particularly noticed as we progressed.

Our outward trip today is to a winery on Moselle which is notable for the very steep growing areas leading to all of the work – maintaining the vines, picking and so on all being undertaken by hand in the traditional way as it is simply too steep for mechanical equipment.

And a little wine tasting is always a good way to kick off the day. I seem to recall that as we are drinking German wines I received double rations on most of the wines tasted!

Scenic Ruby 28.7.19

After lunch we have free time and it was easy to spot that Koblenz has a cable car enabling us to reach the fortress on the top plus Rhine viewing platform. On the way up I was able to obtain a photograph of our home this week.

Rhine & Moselle 28.7.19

The view from the cable car also enables the meeting of the two rivers to be captured.

History Column Koblenz 28.7.19

This column marks the 2000th anniversary of the City in 1992. At the base is a wine ship rowed by six Coblenz slaves to transport wine down the Moselle. As the view moves up the column past the wine barrels, Charlemagne and eventually the WWII and reconstruction of the City.

Rhine Cruise 27.7.19

28 July 2019 / admin

Xanten Arena 27.7.19

Our destination today is the Xanten Archaeological Park which is a reminder of how far the tentacles of the Roman Empire reached. The teams are undertaking huge reconstruction of the former structures on site – commencing with the Arena which at the time of our visit was very much the prime exhibit.

Colonia Ulpia Traiana is the Roman name for the place and it was one of the largest cities in the Germanic provinces with, at its peak over 10,000 men, women and children residing here at the northern borders of the Empire. The Romans initially arrived in around 13 or 12 BC, with a legion always based in the area. The city covered around 180 acres and the city reached its largest extent in around the 2nd century AD. As a Colonia the residents were granted full Roman citizenship and Roman laws applied in place of Germanic. The Colonia was originally on the Rhine itself, but changing watercourses led to it becoming remote from the river. The Colonia was over run by Franks in the third century with the stones being re-used for new buildings.

Latrines Xanten 27.7.19

The reconstruction work covers the baths and latrines and since the visit I can see that even more now exists.

City Gate Xanten 27.7.19

Moving away from the Roman City the Klever Tor was constructed in 1393 as part of the medieval fortification of the city, most of which has since been removed. It is now used for holiday accommodation – a far cry from earlier use as a house of detention. Post WWII damage it had undergone some reconstruction.

Xanten St Viktor 27.7.19

We also had time to pass by the Xanten Cathedral before returning to the boat for our lunchtime departure.

Rhine Cruise 26.7.19

27 July 2019 / admin

Basilica of Our Lady, Maastricht 26.7.19

The reason why our boat sailed along without us yesterday was due to the distance to be covered to our next destination, which also sees us leave the Rhine behind and to take a sideways trip, almost back into Belgium to the City of Maastricht which is still just in southeastern Netherlands. This requires a trip along part of the river Meuse as the city lies either side of that river.

the name resounds because it was the Treaty signed here in 1992 which led to the foundation of the European Union. A significant mistake was made at this point by the Major government as other nations did not undertake a referendum which led to nigh on 20 years of unrest within the Conservative party which may never be resolved but almost certainly led to the later demands for an exit from the EU. A referendum at that point might have avoided the subsequent histrionics.

Restaurant Maastricht 26.7.19

Despite being post the Brexit vote, the local restaurants looked interesting – with simple messages conveying what to eat!

Hell’s Gate Maastricht 26-7-19

The city history goes back a long way and this gate dates back to around 1230 in the original walls around the city.

Maastricht lies at the joining of the Jeker and Meuse rivers and as we head back northwards we have Germany on the right bank and Netherlands on the left. I believe a cut off canal at Mook then takes us back to Nijmegen where we rejoin the Waal and we then head eastwards entering Germany where the river becomes the Rhine.

Rhine Cruise 25.7.19

26 July 2019 / admin

Windmills Netherlands Open Air Museum 25.7.19

Our destination in early afternoon is a berth at Arnhem where we berth to disembark for a trip to the Netherlands Open Air Museum. Scenic Ruby then departs and we later rejoin her at Nijmegen.

The Open Air Museum covers a significant area and similar to beamish Museum has a tramway running around much of the perimeter to enable access from one area to another. We have around 3 hours which means it is impossible to cover the entire site but we can at least gain some exposure to the collection of historic buildings which have been brought to the site from across the country.

The windmills above have different origins with the large one being a sawmill (originally in Numansdorp) whilst the smaller one behind was a drainage mill (from Gouda).

Dwelling Interior 25.7.19

Like Beamish and other museums the interior of the preserved houses have been suitably fitted out with relevant interiors.

NS Class no 285 25.7.19

A little wandering around found this locomotive at the goods shed which is adjacent to the tram depot.

Tram 25.7.19

The trams are also running so provide some rides as we progress.

There were a couple of coaches undertaking our transfer back to the Scenic Ruby but despite being requested to use the same coach someone failed to do this and we are significantly delayed on our return as the numbers when counted do not add up. We are counted numerous times and eventually the facts are sorted – no-one is missing but I have a feeling we end up delaying our boat’s departure. We do make the connection – just.

Rhine Cruise 24.7.19

25 July 2019 / admin

Delta Works 24.7.19

We marginally retrace our route overnight returning to the Netherlands, berthing in Veere on Zeeland which is immediately adjacent to the southern end of the North Sea. I take an organised trip to the Delta Works. Originally the plans were for sea defences which would protect the entire country by carefully controlling the flow of water to and from the North Sea. Eventually opposition and the vast costs limited some of the ambitions but the Delta Works was the largest outcome from projects which commenced following the North Sea flood of 1953.

In the South Holland area there are 4 million residents which the state sought to protect such that flooding risks were limited to particular risk levels which were then enshrined into law. Some of the original plans could not be progressed due to the potential loss of important buildings and also ended a plan for a new freshwater area as the harvesting of oysters would have suffered. However the works which have completed have still led to former sea water becoming fresh water as there is no longer open passage to the sea. Obviously the need to preserve life is highly rated and work is now under consideration to enable the likely coming increase in sea water levels can be ameliorated.

Delta Works Barriers 24.7.19

Conveying the size and scale of the barriers is almost impossible but hopefully this goes some way to achieving that.

This evening is the Captain’s cocktail reception and welcome dinner.

Rhine Cruise 23.7.19

24 July 2019 / admin

Antwerp 23.7.19

Most of the river cruise moves take place at night so we arise this morning moored in Antwerp in Belgium which is mainly south of Amsterdam having passed along the Amsterdam-Rhine canal for about 40 miles. Wikipedia reports that it is the world’s heaviest used artificial waterway with an annual average of over 100,000 ships.

This joins one of the major branches of the Rhine – the Waal – from which we branch off and do not quite reach the open sea but proceed via canals to Antwerp which is some ten miles or so north of Brussels. We dock at Antwerp at lunchtime.

We have joined an afternoon walking tour of Antwerp on what is another intensely sunny day and it is not long before we are all feeling the heat, so it is immensely pleasant for hear the guide to inform us that he would shortly be turning onto a shady street.

When we do there is no shade. It transpires that this is the centre of the local prostitution area. At the time prostitution was recognised and regulated only becoming decriminalised in 2022. Antwerp (being a port) took a very different view to other local authorities and heavily regulated the red light district – elsewhere the approach was to ban window prostitution so the sights here are unlikely to be seen elsewhere. There are signs offering particular services and indicating prices. The residents do not wish photographs to be taken, any sign of use of a camera was met with shouting and banging on the glass. So only the wall was photographed.

Antwerp Guild Houses 23.7.19

We pass by other parts of Antwerp – which of course is the centre of the diamond trade – and was therefore immensely rich, witness the Guild Houses above on the edge of the Market Place and there were other examples of architecture with the Cathedral and other churches proving impressive. The tour takes around two hours in total.

Rhine Cruise 22.7.19

23 July 2019 / admin

Eurostar 22.7.19

This was our first river cruise for many years – the last one was last century in Russia and it was a decent way to see sights and yet be insulated from most of the country’s drawbacks. This cruise also marks a return to Scenic with whom we travelled to Australia a few years earlier – we were well looked after then so hoped for a repeat of that experience. As this is being penned some years after the event I will not be doing a day by day record but will record a little more detail than on some holidays not covered at the time.

The start to the holiday was when we were collected at 03:20 to be taken to London St Pancras International – a very early hour indeed. What is more pleasant is that at the time the through service to Amsterdam was only just over a year old – to my mind the limited destinations available via Eurostar have limited passenger growth, along with the way passengers are treated with excessive luggage scans, pen herding and essentially not really believing that they are running a train service. All of which is experienced today!

The actual trip to Amsterdam is smooth and we are met and ushered onto a bus – which effectively takes us to the other end of the station where the cruise boat is moored. It is a long station so I suppose it is quicker than walking – but the weather was warm so it was preferable to be air conditioned for a few minutes.

For those who have not participated in a river cruise the point probably needs to be made that cabin sizes are not enormous – there is not the same space as on cruise liner (navigating locks would be impossible) so the cabin size can be disappointing. In these circumstances I retire to a corner or the bed and wait until Jackie has unpacked and then unpack my case so that only one of us is moving around the cabin at a time. It means I can listen to the concerns being expressed and readily note my sympathetic view.

The aim of the cruise is sea to source – well not quite. From Amsterdam and the North Sea to Switzerland with a diversion along part of the Moselle with the cruise ship navigating part of the latter.

Cambridge & Norfolk 15-21 June 2019

22 June 2019 / admin

Swans Oulton Broad 18.6.19

Time to visit a part of the country we have not previously visited – Cambridge and the Norfolk Broads. We have had a couple of trips to the North Norfolk coast but not Broads. The holiday was split into two stays.

We head to Cambridge to spend a few nights over a weekend so that we can see the City and some of the colleges, at least externally, plus ensuring a long standing Good Food Guide entry – Midsummer House – can be sampled.

Midsummer House is adjacent to the river and easy walking distance from where we stay. So some alcohol can be consumed and the food was enjoyable. it is worthy of its place in the guide and we are well looked after during the evening.

We are within walking distance of the City Centre and we wander around – luckily the sun is with us. On the Sunday our walk back from lunch is enlivened by the unexpected – post exam Cambridge students taking to the Cam in cardboard boats which tend not to ensure terribly long in the water before those on board end up in the drink. Which probably entitles them to another drink. However this regular post exam activity seems to have ended in 2023 when the organisers were unable to obtain insurance, which I suspect is understandable.

Our destination for Monday to Friday is on the Norfolk Broads at Breydon Park near Burgh Castle from where various aspects of the Broads can be reached during the week.

Our first outing starts near Lowestoft where we board a vessel to cruise along the Oulton Broad for a couple of hours. Luckily we are at a little bit of height above water level so can see some of the countryside – at water level we would not get much of a view at all. The Broads came into existence due to human activity – removal of peat lead to flooding and creation of the waterways.

Blickling Hall 2-6-2 19.6.19Another day out combined railway and broads – the Bure Valley Railway links with a local boat operator so you can the train from Aylsham to Wroxham, wander through the town then board a boat for a cruise along the River Bure and Wroxham Broad. Then a fish and chip lunch and a return journey along the same way. The Bure Valley Railway is a 15″ gauge railways which runs for nine miles between the two termini. Originally it owned only a diesel so borrowed locomotives from the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch in its early years. That has been rectified and we travel behind No 6 “Blickling Hall”. The line is laid on the bed formerly used by a standard gauge railway between County School and Wroxham which remains rail connected to Norwich. The owning company is owned by Andrew Barnes who runs the railway with the support of many volunteers whilst the trackbed remains in the ownership by Broadland District Council.

Reedham Ferry is not far from the caravan park and there is a pub there, so an excursion of its own was to head to the pub and then take the ferry. The weather is not very nice – it either was or had been raining – but the ferry operative got down on the ground to ensure the TT did not ground as we came off the ferry – which was welcome.

Norwich market is award winning so required a visit as an adjunct to our need for a decent meal provided by Benedicts which we visit. We always try to ensure we visit a recommended establishment or two on these UK holidays and they were both were excellent.

On the homeward journey the A11 to M3 via either north or south round the M25 is roughly the same distance. The overhead gantries indicate the allegedly best route and I have a feeling this time we went round the north and encountered significant delays. And I always kick myself that the other way might not be as slow as the overhead signs indicate!

Greece 13-27 May 2019

28 May 2019 / admin

Parthenon 14.5.19

A proper holiday beckons – with a variety of locations to visit in neatly devised itinerary. We fly to Athens where we will spend the first few days. I had suggested keeping it simple by taking the train into the City Centre and then walking to our hotel.

I had not anticipated the local louts spraying our clothes with some substance and then trying to halt to help mop it down so that they can rob us. I get shouted at for being so stupid – but we keep going and I was merely taking the diagonal from the station to the hotel – rather than sticking to the more major roads – and it is not as if it is actually quiet even on the side street. A far from good start to the holiday.

The following day we seek out the hop on hop off bus service which is always a good way of find ones way around the town and which takes us to the Parthenon where we join the large number of visitors inspecting the ruins of this great temple which continues to attract the attention wherever you are in the city. We then descend to the associated Acropolis Museum which we wander around.

Athens Food Market 15.5.19

The following day we undertake a walking food tour around central Athens – this is something new for us but has become something which now happens in a lot of cities. We join a group and visit little places around the town where we get to sample some local delicacies. On this tour we make use of the knowledge of the guide to show us where we have booked for dinner tonight – and it was probably a good thing we did – I am not sure we would have found it ourselves. The tour ends in the market and the guide picks up food for a light lunch – but it is very tasty.

On the next day we go to Piraeus which is the port associated with Athens and track down the ferry to our stop – the island of Spetses – where we have booked our next stop. A taxi takes us out to the hotel which is perhaps a little further out of town than we had anticipated – but is within walking distance of some restaurants and indeed the town itself is within walking distance if we take our time.

Jackie is absolutely convinced that some people took other people’s luggage – another reason to be nervous about making such trips.

Spetses 17.5.19

In Spetses we mainly stay in the villa and lounge around the pool resting. There are a couple or restaurants immediately down the hill which we use the first couple of nights and then (as often happens) she feels she needs something other than the famous Mediterranean diet with more spice and so we go into the main town as we had seen a suitable restaurant – there is a huge choice of restaurants.

After a few days on the island we take the ferry back towards Athens – but we are stopping off for a few nights in Poros to see a different island and this time we are walking distance to the town centre on the level – so we can access the main restaurant drag and walk off the calories on the way back! Excellent. Poros has just a small channel across to mainland Greece and the views are wonderful. Again we do not do very much at all.

After a few days we return to Athens and take a taxi from port to airport for our homeward journey. This holiday was a little different enabling us to see some Greek islands and doing it all under our own steam rather than being organised – however there is pressure in being in the right place (for ferries and the like) which it is easier to delegate to a tour operator and representative rather than doing it ourselves – so the stress levels are higher than normal, particularly when potential thieves disrupt the start of the holiday throwing us mentally off balance.