Monday 1st April Day 8
Woke very early think of home what may be missing, who dared to ruin my holiday and how can I sort if from other side of the world. Budget for texts home gone out the window, but very lucky keeping in touch so easy in 2013 with Iphones, Facebook, photos and Internet.
Even though we on relaxing cruise 1st tour departs 8.30am, wasn’t planning on setting alarm to wake extra early on holiday. Early breakie by 7.30am (complete with amazing selection of food) all organised with coat, hat, scarf, gloves, extra socks and a few layers of thermals we check out (or is it check off boat) and onto pre-arranged bus. Don’t think we will be needing extra water for dehydration this trip.
Bus trip to Black Forest, travel angel definitely watching over us, 1st day of sunshine, heavy coat of snow on the ground, Black Forest looking magical.
Fabulous Easter displays in trees, on front lawns, shop windows, gardens, town squares, everywhere. Easter very big in Germany, going home with suggestions for Easter projects for my Dad. Shopping (finally!! How many days has it been?) Not tempted to purchase my very own cuckoo clock but got some wee goodies and yet another Christmas tree and bottle of Schnapps. Let’s hope it no major to get back into NZ.
While in the Black Forest we enjoyed the biggest slice of Black Forest cake ever seen (could not eat all the cream, will take much exercise to move the fat) Apple strudel and delicious hot chocolate. Yummy.
Watched professional make a Black Forest Gateau, how much cream can fit into 1 cake? Too much. Another “Must Do” ticked off my list, won’t be needing to ever eat Black Forest Gateau ever again, would never be as delicious as the real thing. How many people actually get to “do this”?
Bus trip back to Viking Sun which was waiting for us in the sun, delicious lunch of hot soup and off again on next adventure into France on the Colmar on WW2 Liberation Tour. Lucky to have our very own NZ tour guide, extremely knowledgeable on historic facts, beginning to wonder did I learn anything at school way back in the 70’s? as it seems so much I didn’t know. Can now understand (slightly) how the French felt when the Americans fought senseless battles but finally liberated 1 French village after another. The tragedy of war, so much of France wiped out fortunately a lot rebuilt from the ruins of war. Felt as if we were in a movie and would not have been surprise if a German tank came rattling round the corner through beautiful wee French villages. Visited memorial of Audie Murphy, American’s most decorated war hero. Left my poppy, very moving and yet again wonder why so many have to sacrifice their lives for war, so, so pointless.
Progress….2013 and not even a boundary between France and Germany, just The Rhine, but still a lot of deep resentment and possibly hatred. How one could forgive such atrocities, now the possibility of a joint city not just a dream, time will tell.
After tour of Colmar Battlefields, wiped out, bombed villages, etc. stopped at a local hotel for a wee drop of schnapps, the real thing. Disgusting, our breath would have been used as a flame thrower to defend the village from German invasion, very, very strong. Would need to be at $12 for a wee drink, should of ordered the real French Coffee.
Bus back to Bresiach, dressed very posh for dinner in our gold glad rags, much fun mixing and mingling with yet more like minded travellers. Sure some interesting people out there, most think we rich women from distant lands, as if!!!! Still this why one stays home budgeting for so long, all worth it in the end.
Tuesday 2nd April Day 9
Woke before 7am alarm, beginning to wonder is this a holiday? Breakie and onto bus, across the border to beautiful French city of Strasbourg. Wow, what history, walking the pavements that have been walked for hundreds of years by so many. Houses still standing after so long, build to last and survive war, fire and men.
Strolled around streets and soaked up the atmosphere, hopefully photos will show some of the history and beauty of this city. Yet another toilet experience, the sista and fellow cruise companion did attempt visit to Hermes (the men’s) but were quickly told to get back in the long line to the Dames, which I’m sure did not mover for 10 minutes, so wasted ½ hour on toilet break, so in France don’t hold on till you have to go, go well before bladder is ready! At least no charge this time, free to pee…….
Tour of the historical Strasbourg Cathedral, lit yet another candle so family and friends will be “well protected.” Needed the heat from more than one candle to thaw, never been so cold. So much history and so much wiped out by dropping of bombs and man’s stupidity. Beautiful stained glass windows were removed and carried to safety each local struggled to smuggle 20 kilos each only to have Hitler demand the return of the glass. Fortunately the glass survived the war and Strasbourg Cathedral was restored to its former beauty.
Managed a little shopping before back to bus, can’t believe this intrepid traveller now following a tour guide holding up a sign (I thought only real foreigners did that!) with headset attached, great way to learn the local history and still manage a little detour to shops calling my name.
Did not have any desire to part with my hard earned Euros for traditional German cuckoo clock or a stork, but were lucky enough to see many storks nesting after their return from Africa and far distant lands. Storks return means spring has arrived! Hmmmm sure doesn’t feel it just yet.
Intrepid travellers happy to put feet up and relax on board Viking Sun mixing and mingling with fellow tourists. The opportunity for Wine Tour or more shopping not appealing. Lazy afternoon, dressed for dinner (lucky we made the effort as nearly everyone dressed for the occasion.)
Amazing French meal red wine, French Onion soup, duck in orange, chocolate mousse, cheese, more wine, coffee and bed after another fun evening.
Arrived back at Room 227, curtains drawn, toilet paper folded, room spotless, I just love this lifestyle, our wee man one step ahead and everything ready and waiting for us. I was born to be spoilt and pampered.
Wednesday 3rd April Day 10
Woke in Mannheim, all these towns getting confusing, are we in France or are we in Germany? One is never quite sure. After breakfast, wrapped in our warmest winter thermals, 4 buses depart for Heidelberg where we visited ruin of the old castle. Was so cold no one keen on looking at piles of rubble from many years ago, even UNESCO sights not too impressing in the cold. Photos by the largest wine barrel in the world but our Best buy was “Mulled Hot Wine” which did help keep the body from freezing completely. Bought an angel, more history from Dutch guide, finally let loose for shopping. A bit too cold to actually enjoy shopping in the beautiful Medieval Old Town set up for the tourists, did purchases cheapest alcohol I’ve ever seen at 1.50Euro for small bottle of French bubbly, how can they sell so cheap. Big bottles range in price from 2Euro up. Obviously we have been ripped off on cruise boat where a glass wine starts from 3Euro. At least we allowed to BYO alcohol onto the Viking Sun to enjoy at our leisure.
Fabulous window display tempted us in to buy and try “Snowballs” Schneeballen, a big round ball of dried biscuit, iced and with soft filling inside. Lucky mine did have a filling, the sista was ripped off, needed more than a cuppa tea to dunk her ball into, oh well we’ve been, seen and tried, won’t be rushing home to bake these so called German delicacies. Not much money spent, but found some beautiful shops in Heidelberg, mainly a University & tourist town.
Happy to be back onto warm bus and arrived home to The Viking Sun for a special German lunch. Great music, beer, heavy German meal of meat, sausage, potatoes, bread and salad followed by Black Forest gateau. Only 1 thing to do after such a meal, feet up and relax while enjoying the view of the world passing by from our very expensive $500 large window, not warm enough to open but way better than the poor people on the lower deck.
On board visit to The Captain’s Wheelhouse followed by tour of the galley, very busy with 9 chefs continually preparing meals for 250 people, 8 courses minimum a day = 2000 plates daily, that’s a lot of food for our small cruise boat. Very top class food served at each meal with numerous choices, nobody complaining about these options, just such a big decision what to eat. In no time back to restaurant for yet more food, my poor stomach in shock and I can’t do much more of this food overload. Fortunately most courses only “ladies size” apart from steak and chips with all the trimmings. Still will be reducing food intake tomorrow and hopefully getting my walking shoes on and partaking in some real exercise. Too cold to brave icy winds and stroll to local town where many beer halls, pubs, clubs, cafes and shops are hoping to lure tourist in and sample much local beer and goodies.
Hopefully everyone back on board before boats sails at 7am. Probably worst places to get lost in, but a bit too cold to be sleeping rough. We tucked up in bed by 10pm after another great day cruising The Rhine. Shame about the temperature.
Thursday 4th April Day 11
Surely I can’t be halfway through my fabulous big OE adventure already, feel as if I‘ve just left home. What happened to 11 days? Luckily I will have great memories and photos to drool over and reminisce about, yea time sure flies when you’re having fun.
Finally feel as if on holiday as 1st laze in bed till after 7am, nice feeling not having to rush and be on bus with 200 fellow travellers by 8.30am.
Very minimal breakie, slice of toast and ½ cup tea, finally taught the staff how to make a decent hot cuppa, real problem for everyone as water is never hot, (unless we request extra hot which is zapped in microwave) Have resorted to Mocha chinos as coffee crap, ordered 2 espresso’s for 2Euro and even with my additional instructions not how I like it. 11 days and I’ve had 1 decent coffee, seems like a lifetime ago in Abu Dhabi (that was with much input from me the coffee expert)
Leisurely morning cruising da Rhine, watching fabulous villages and castles from the warmth of Viking Sun lounge. This is the ideal way to travel. Not even tempted to depart boat and bus to Marksburg Castle complete with many uneven cobblestones and steps, icy wind not inspiring outside adventures today. I need to stay healthy.
Biggest decision daily: do we eat lunch upstairs oh la la casual or dine downstairs in the restaurant where we waited on and pampered and served our every whim. Some days we managed to check out both, hot soup a preferred favourite.
Arrived beautiful city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Mosel Rivers meet. What better way to get our bearings and see the sights but from 8 Euro trip on gondola across the Rhine in the warmth. This is the way to travel, not having to wait for tour guides, fellow travellers etc. just go where we want.
Shocked to see the tulips, leaves struggling only a few inches high and not a flower in sight, let’s hope they are growing at a better speed in Amsterdam. Doesn’t look as if we will be tip toeing through tulips unless dramatic changes in the weather in next few days. Just our luck to come to Europe early spring after the coldest March in history for over 100 years.
Certainly getting our money worth from cabin window, we sure “have made it” been able to lay in bed and watch the world float by, even if below freezing and window has not been opened much was definitely one of our best buys “1000 window”
Strolled along river and checked out many cruise boats parked along the Moselle (where the 2 rivers join) Viking Sun looks da best and certainly felt like rich travellers from distant lands when locals walking by drooling and probably saying “1 day that will be us” You gotta have travel dreams.
1st afternoon sleep, so body must finally be on holiday, 1 hour Nana Nap and woke fresh as and rearing to go.
Dressed for dinner (as most fellow travellers also do) and with our $3 bottle of bubbly in our ice bucket we had pre dinner drinks at minimal cost. Professional budget travellers are we! Well sometimes.
Yet another fabulous 4 course dinner mixing and mingling with Americans, stimulating conversation (except for the deaf couple) food choice not as good as most nights. Strange tasting fishy shot drink, cold pumpkin 3 ways not the best, fortunately delicious pork, lemon sorbet, cheeses, and much wine. One never knows what one will end up with on one’s plate, not a problem to return or re-order if not to your taste. At least we won’t roll off boat 10 kilos heavier as size of meals served in dining room “lady like”.
Luckily we did not purchase “Silver Service Alcohol” upgrade at an additional 150 Euro as ample delicious tasting house wines managed to make its way into our never empty glasses every night and lunch if so desired, plus of course speciality beers for those who preferred.
Friday 5th April Day 12
Pulled back the curtains from our big window to watch the world pass, not the best view, smoke belching from chimneys, polluting the world from what is apparently a nuclear reactor (didn’t see any sign advertising this landmark) Sure makes NZ look clean and green in comparison.
Arriving in Cologne, not the most exciting looking city, definitely not the warmest as we froze even with numerous layers of thermals on. Best buy gotta be my $2 NZ beanie and gloves that have been worn continually since arriving in Geneva after the heat of Abu Dhabi, (which seems a life time ago)
Tour of the famous Dom, Cologne Cathedral; might be large but not very inspiring, dark grey / black from the outside. Many tourists strolling around sightseeing, ideal targets to be sucked in by city con artists / mime artists. Watched one lone tourist hand over much money, 3 artists = 3 notes. Could see the hands out and pressure to keep parting with his hard earned Euros. Poor guy probably paid 20 or 30 more Euro than he expected, coins were not accepted by local con artists. Let’s hope his 1 photos was amazing, we thought some the ugliest fat angels we’d ever seen. Just another con and trap for tourist to be departed from their money.
After tour of Cathedral not tempted to roam off and see Cologne, so back to the warmth of Viking Sun, finally bodies started to thaw after hot chocolate and another delicious soup for lunch.
Watched many tourists strolling past probably wishing they too were relaxing in the warmth of our lovely Viking Sun cruise boat. Spent a lovely relaxing afternoon once again mixing and mingling, reading and praying for increase in temperature before we have to sample Cologne City famous beers on our German Friday night experience. Nana at home knitting sounding a better option in this cold, maybe da locals just keep on drinking till they have no feelings.
Yet another fabulous dinner, 5 courses plus bread, unlimited red or white house wine or local beers, followed by tea or coffee. No one would ever go hungry on this cruise.
Can’t believe 8 day cruise coming to an end so quickly and had meeting with all the departure rules and regulations, tipping staff, feedback etc.
8.45pm we finally departed in 2 groups, 8 keen party animals in each group to try “local Cologne Beer Hause” 20 Euro experience, much money for 3 wee beers which would of cost 3Euro max but we’ve been, seen and soaked up the Friday nite atmosphere. Strange behaviour had in Germany, many, many beer hauses but each only sells the one brand of beer!!! What if your mates drink another brand? I asked. Well you just get new mates, mmm don’t think that will work in NZ pubs. Next surprise, the waiter just keeps on bringing beer, only small 5 oz. glass in trays but no one pays till the end of the night!!! OMG imagine dat. Just a mark on a coaster per glass, very dangerous I think and what happens if you partake in more small glasses than you can afford?
Also one can manage quite a few additional beers as no one needs to leave the table, wee man just keeps on replacing empty glasses. Recipe for disaster. Joined very vocal locals trying to sing, need to be brushing up on beer drinking songs for future pub crawls I think.
Visited largest beer Hause in Germany and the world, wow, one definitely could get lost, many floors, bars, steps up and down, lifts, sure like stepping back in time and next minute we down in the catacombs, a different experience. Wonder how many get lost never to see daylight again. It could easily take an hour to find the door.
Rushed back to our Viking Sun as workers untying ropes, obviously very keen to depart Cologne for next port. We very keen to stay and experience a real night pub crawling in Cologne, I could see us crawling back to Viking Sun if the time had allowed.
Kiwi ingenuity yet again, Baileys and ice bucket from our room, posh glasses from the bar and a few nightcaps before bed, always so much to look at as we cruising da Rhine.
Asleep after 1am, only problem phone / texts not working, but luckily can still keep in touch with friends and family on Facebook. Can’t even ring Telecom to complain.
5 seasons in Germany, shame we have only experienced the 1: winter. Best season sounds to be Carnival Season which starts on 11th of 11th Month and continues till Easter. Many celebrations celebrated, continual street parties, sounds what we needing in NZ. Christmas on this side of the world a must on the bucket list.
Saturday 6th April Day 13
First day woke feeling lousy, am I over tired, over eaten or just exhausted? This is why we have room with a view from very expensive window, definitely had money’s worth lazing in comfy beds watching the world float by. This sure is a great way to travel.
Sighted 1st windmill, cold, bleak, dreary looking day in Holland, not the welcome we were hoping for. Cruised from 10pm Cologne arriving in Rotterdam at 2pm so many miles travelled, scenery now very different. The land so flat, much housing built along the river. Obviously much money spent to avoid floods on The Rhine.
Cuppa tea delivered by the sista to my bed (no room service for food or drinks) and very quiet morning hopefully recharging da body batteries. As long as I only tired and not getting sick after been out for days in such chilling temperatures.
Missed breakie, missed Dutch cheese tasting missed Jenever Gin tasting, missed playing Sjoelen (Dutch board game) happy to relax in room 227 where last of laundry hopefully drips dry before we depart. Amazing how one can wear same warm clothes day after day, not much use for lighter layers, but we have made effort and dressed for dinner. We definitely rich white women from far corners of the earth, how else could we afford to be here? Germany is the furthest country in the world from NZ.
Tulips on tables throughout the boat hopefully not the only tulips we get to admire unless a heat wave breaks out by 9am tomorrow when sadly we have to depart back to been an Intrepid Traveller carrying our own luggage, finding hotel in freezing temperatures, not too inspiring.
Dragged my tired body out of bed by 12, vitamins obviously haven’t even kicked in today. Very small lunch and back to bed and me “asleep” in the day. This never happens! Big decision stay in bed or go on 3 hour tour of Windmills, good choice as was so amazing to finally be there, (along with numerous other busloads of tourists )Locals surely must get sick of 1001 photos daily.
Pinch me, I’m here, yea really here. Seems unbelievable sometimes to actually be standing somewhere one has dreamed of for so many years, well at least since 1968, 45 years since I first became aware of Holland, traditions etc.
Coffee and most delicious apple strudel, a couple of little souvenirs and scenic trip back to our Viking Sun Holland is so flat, so clean, so many bikes. Never seen so many bikes and cyclists that own the pathways, NZ sure could model our tourists cycling paths on Holland, more bikes than cars. Everybody rides a bikes, all shapes, sizes, ages etc.
Quick change into our posh clothes and final farewell Captains Dinner, very posh. Formal farewells of Viking Sun staff, think we were at an Awards Dinner, much applause, but we know they only want our money and a big tip. Rebel as usual as we New Zealanders not used to tipping, so decided to give all to our very own cabin steward and waitress who finally learnt to make a decent hot cuppa tea.
The Captain’s Dinner: What an amazing menu for our final meal….
1st course:
Salmon, Caviar & crisp potato cake
Or Red Oak Leaf Lettuce & Caramelized Pear salad
Soup course:
Forest mushroom velout’e with bacon, mushroom & truffle sabayon
Entrée:
Pan fired shrimps with a green pea puree & bouillabaisse sauce
Main Course:
Filet Mignon & Seared Foie Gras with glazed vegetables, rissole potatoes, fresh black truffle & Madeira sauce
Butter Poached Jumbo Prawn & Saffron Vanilla Beurre Blance with squash & mascarpone risotto cake
Or Sweet Corn Cake & Eggplant Ratatouille braised fennel, cherry tomatoes & celery velout’e
Followed by Dessert Medley,
Crepe suzette, crème Brule & yoghurt ice cream or Fresh Fruits which was then followed by
3 Cheese plate accompanied by apricot chutney and crackers.
Decisions, decisions, decisions
Coffee and more wine…….
Couldn’t last the meal, so slipped away from dinner before desert and tucked up in bed by 9pm. This is not like me, need to be fighting fit for Amsterdam and more adventures.
By Pamela Cootes
Woke very early think of home what may be missing, who dared to ruin my holiday and how can I sort if from other side of the world. Budget for texts home gone out the window, but very lucky keeping in touch so easy in 2013 with Iphones, Facebook, photos and Internet.
Even though we on relaxing cruise 1st tour departs 8.30am, wasn’t planning on setting alarm to wake extra early on holiday. Early breakie by 7.30am (complete with amazing selection of food) all organised with coat, hat, scarf, gloves, extra socks and a few layers of thermals we check out (or is it check off boat) and onto pre-arranged bus. Don’t think we will be needing extra water for dehydration this trip.
Bus trip to Black Forest, travel angel definitely watching over us, 1st day of sunshine, heavy coat of snow on the ground, Black Forest looking magical.
Fabulous Easter displays in trees, on front lawns, shop windows, gardens, town squares, everywhere. Easter very big in Germany, going home with suggestions for Easter projects for my Dad. Shopping (finally!! How many days has it been?) Not tempted to purchase my very own cuckoo clock but got some wee goodies and yet another Christmas tree and bottle of Schnapps. Let’s hope it no major to get back into NZ.
While in the Black Forest we enjoyed the biggest slice of Black Forest cake ever seen (could not eat all the cream, will take much exercise to move the fat) Apple strudel and delicious hot chocolate. Yummy.
Watched professional make a Black Forest Gateau, how much cream can fit into 1 cake? Too much. Another “Must Do” ticked off my list, won’t be needing to ever eat Black Forest Gateau ever again, would never be as delicious as the real thing. How many people actually get to “do this”?
Bus trip back to Viking Sun which was waiting for us in the sun, delicious lunch of hot soup and off again on next adventure into France on the Colmar on WW2 Liberation Tour. Lucky to have our very own NZ tour guide, extremely knowledgeable on historic facts, beginning to wonder did I learn anything at school way back in the 70’s? as it seems so much I didn’t know. Can now understand (slightly) how the French felt when the Americans fought senseless battles but finally liberated 1 French village after another. The tragedy of war, so much of France wiped out fortunately a lot rebuilt from the ruins of war. Felt as if we were in a movie and would not have been surprise if a German tank came rattling round the corner through beautiful wee French villages. Visited memorial of Audie Murphy, American’s most decorated war hero. Left my poppy, very moving and yet again wonder why so many have to sacrifice their lives for war, so, so pointless.
Progress….2013 and not even a boundary between France and Germany, just The Rhine, but still a lot of deep resentment and possibly hatred. How one could forgive such atrocities, now the possibility of a joint city not just a dream, time will tell.
After tour of Colmar Battlefields, wiped out, bombed villages, etc. stopped at a local hotel for a wee drop of schnapps, the real thing. Disgusting, our breath would have been used as a flame thrower to defend the village from German invasion, very, very strong. Would need to be at $12 for a wee drink, should of ordered the real French Coffee.
Bus back to Bresiach, dressed very posh for dinner in our gold glad rags, much fun mixing and mingling with yet more like minded travellers. Sure some interesting people out there, most think we rich women from distant lands, as if!!!! Still this why one stays home budgeting for so long, all worth it in the end.
Tuesday 2nd April Day 9
Woke before 7am alarm, beginning to wonder is this a holiday? Breakie and onto bus, across the border to beautiful French city of Strasbourg. Wow, what history, walking the pavements that have been walked for hundreds of years by so many. Houses still standing after so long, build to last and survive war, fire and men.
Strolled around streets and soaked up the atmosphere, hopefully photos will show some of the history and beauty of this city. Yet another toilet experience, the sista and fellow cruise companion did attempt visit to Hermes (the men’s) but were quickly told to get back in the long line to the Dames, which I’m sure did not mover for 10 minutes, so wasted ½ hour on toilet break, so in France don’t hold on till you have to go, go well before bladder is ready! At least no charge this time, free to pee…….
Tour of the historical Strasbourg Cathedral, lit yet another candle so family and friends will be “well protected.” Needed the heat from more than one candle to thaw, never been so cold. So much history and so much wiped out by dropping of bombs and man’s stupidity. Beautiful stained glass windows were removed and carried to safety each local struggled to smuggle 20 kilos each only to have Hitler demand the return of the glass. Fortunately the glass survived the war and Strasbourg Cathedral was restored to its former beauty.
Managed a little shopping before back to bus, can’t believe this intrepid traveller now following a tour guide holding up a sign (I thought only real foreigners did that!) with headset attached, great way to learn the local history and still manage a little detour to shops calling my name.
Did not have any desire to part with my hard earned Euros for traditional German cuckoo clock or a stork, but were lucky enough to see many storks nesting after their return from Africa and far distant lands. Storks return means spring has arrived! Hmmmm sure doesn’t feel it just yet.
Intrepid travellers happy to put feet up and relax on board Viking Sun mixing and mingling with fellow tourists. The opportunity for Wine Tour or more shopping not appealing. Lazy afternoon, dressed for dinner (lucky we made the effort as nearly everyone dressed for the occasion.)
Amazing French meal red wine, French Onion soup, duck in orange, chocolate mousse, cheese, more wine, coffee and bed after another fun evening.
Arrived back at Room 227, curtains drawn, toilet paper folded, room spotless, I just love this lifestyle, our wee man one step ahead and everything ready and waiting for us. I was born to be spoilt and pampered.
Wednesday 3rd April Day 10
Woke in Mannheim, all these towns getting confusing, are we in France or are we in Germany? One is never quite sure. After breakfast, wrapped in our warmest winter thermals, 4 buses depart for Heidelberg where we visited ruin of the old castle. Was so cold no one keen on looking at piles of rubble from many years ago, even UNESCO sights not too impressing in the cold. Photos by the largest wine barrel in the world but our Best buy was “Mulled Hot Wine” which did help keep the body from freezing completely. Bought an angel, more history from Dutch guide, finally let loose for shopping. A bit too cold to actually enjoy shopping in the beautiful Medieval Old Town set up for the tourists, did purchases cheapest alcohol I’ve ever seen at 1.50Euro for small bottle of French bubbly, how can they sell so cheap. Big bottles range in price from 2Euro up. Obviously we have been ripped off on cruise boat where a glass wine starts from 3Euro. At least we allowed to BYO alcohol onto the Viking Sun to enjoy at our leisure.
Fabulous window display tempted us in to buy and try “Snowballs” Schneeballen, a big round ball of dried biscuit, iced and with soft filling inside. Lucky mine did have a filling, the sista was ripped off, needed more than a cuppa tea to dunk her ball into, oh well we’ve been, seen and tried, won’t be rushing home to bake these so called German delicacies. Not much money spent, but found some beautiful shops in Heidelberg, mainly a University & tourist town.
Happy to be back onto warm bus and arrived home to The Viking Sun for a special German lunch. Great music, beer, heavy German meal of meat, sausage, potatoes, bread and salad followed by Black Forest gateau. Only 1 thing to do after such a meal, feet up and relax while enjoying the view of the world passing by from our very expensive $500 large window, not warm enough to open but way better than the poor people on the lower deck.
On board visit to The Captain’s Wheelhouse followed by tour of the galley, very busy with 9 chefs continually preparing meals for 250 people, 8 courses minimum a day = 2000 plates daily, that’s a lot of food for our small cruise boat. Very top class food served at each meal with numerous choices, nobody complaining about these options, just such a big decision what to eat. In no time back to restaurant for yet more food, my poor stomach in shock and I can’t do much more of this food overload. Fortunately most courses only “ladies size” apart from steak and chips with all the trimmings. Still will be reducing food intake tomorrow and hopefully getting my walking shoes on and partaking in some real exercise. Too cold to brave icy winds and stroll to local town where many beer halls, pubs, clubs, cafes and shops are hoping to lure tourist in and sample much local beer and goodies.
Hopefully everyone back on board before boats sails at 7am. Probably worst places to get lost in, but a bit too cold to be sleeping rough. We tucked up in bed by 10pm after another great day cruising The Rhine. Shame about the temperature.
Thursday 4th April Day 11
Surely I can’t be halfway through my fabulous big OE adventure already, feel as if I‘ve just left home. What happened to 11 days? Luckily I will have great memories and photos to drool over and reminisce about, yea time sure flies when you’re having fun.
Finally feel as if on holiday as 1st laze in bed till after 7am, nice feeling not having to rush and be on bus with 200 fellow travellers by 8.30am.
Very minimal breakie, slice of toast and ½ cup tea, finally taught the staff how to make a decent hot cuppa, real problem for everyone as water is never hot, (unless we request extra hot which is zapped in microwave) Have resorted to Mocha chinos as coffee crap, ordered 2 espresso’s for 2Euro and even with my additional instructions not how I like it. 11 days and I’ve had 1 decent coffee, seems like a lifetime ago in Abu Dhabi (that was with much input from me the coffee expert)
Leisurely morning cruising da Rhine, watching fabulous villages and castles from the warmth of Viking Sun lounge. This is the ideal way to travel. Not even tempted to depart boat and bus to Marksburg Castle complete with many uneven cobblestones and steps, icy wind not inspiring outside adventures today. I need to stay healthy.
Biggest decision daily: do we eat lunch upstairs oh la la casual or dine downstairs in the restaurant where we waited on and pampered and served our every whim. Some days we managed to check out both, hot soup a preferred favourite.
Arrived beautiful city of Koblenz, where the Rhine and Mosel Rivers meet. What better way to get our bearings and see the sights but from 8 Euro trip on gondola across the Rhine in the warmth. This is the way to travel, not having to wait for tour guides, fellow travellers etc. just go where we want.
Shocked to see the tulips, leaves struggling only a few inches high and not a flower in sight, let’s hope they are growing at a better speed in Amsterdam. Doesn’t look as if we will be tip toeing through tulips unless dramatic changes in the weather in next few days. Just our luck to come to Europe early spring after the coldest March in history for over 100 years.
Certainly getting our money worth from cabin window, we sure “have made it” been able to lay in bed and watch the world float by, even if below freezing and window has not been opened much was definitely one of our best buys “1000 window”
Strolled along river and checked out many cruise boats parked along the Moselle (where the 2 rivers join) Viking Sun looks da best and certainly felt like rich travellers from distant lands when locals walking by drooling and probably saying “1 day that will be us” You gotta have travel dreams.
1st afternoon sleep, so body must finally be on holiday, 1 hour Nana Nap and woke fresh as and rearing to go.
Dressed for dinner (as most fellow travellers also do) and with our $3 bottle of bubbly in our ice bucket we had pre dinner drinks at minimal cost. Professional budget travellers are we! Well sometimes.
Yet another fabulous 4 course dinner mixing and mingling with Americans, stimulating conversation (except for the deaf couple) food choice not as good as most nights. Strange tasting fishy shot drink, cold pumpkin 3 ways not the best, fortunately delicious pork, lemon sorbet, cheeses, and much wine. One never knows what one will end up with on one’s plate, not a problem to return or re-order if not to your taste. At least we won’t roll off boat 10 kilos heavier as size of meals served in dining room “lady like”.
Luckily we did not purchase “Silver Service Alcohol” upgrade at an additional 150 Euro as ample delicious tasting house wines managed to make its way into our never empty glasses every night and lunch if so desired, plus of course speciality beers for those who preferred.
Friday 5th April Day 12
Pulled back the curtains from our big window to watch the world pass, not the best view, smoke belching from chimneys, polluting the world from what is apparently a nuclear reactor (didn’t see any sign advertising this landmark) Sure makes NZ look clean and green in comparison.
Arriving in Cologne, not the most exciting looking city, definitely not the warmest as we froze even with numerous layers of thermals on. Best buy gotta be my $2 NZ beanie and gloves that have been worn continually since arriving in Geneva after the heat of Abu Dhabi, (which seems a life time ago)
Tour of the famous Dom, Cologne Cathedral; might be large but not very inspiring, dark grey / black from the outside. Many tourists strolling around sightseeing, ideal targets to be sucked in by city con artists / mime artists. Watched one lone tourist hand over much money, 3 artists = 3 notes. Could see the hands out and pressure to keep parting with his hard earned Euros. Poor guy probably paid 20 or 30 more Euro than he expected, coins were not accepted by local con artists. Let’s hope his 1 photos was amazing, we thought some the ugliest fat angels we’d ever seen. Just another con and trap for tourist to be departed from their money.
After tour of Cathedral not tempted to roam off and see Cologne, so back to the warmth of Viking Sun, finally bodies started to thaw after hot chocolate and another delicious soup for lunch.
Watched many tourists strolling past probably wishing they too were relaxing in the warmth of our lovely Viking Sun cruise boat. Spent a lovely relaxing afternoon once again mixing and mingling, reading and praying for increase in temperature before we have to sample Cologne City famous beers on our German Friday night experience. Nana at home knitting sounding a better option in this cold, maybe da locals just keep on drinking till they have no feelings.
Yet another fabulous dinner, 5 courses plus bread, unlimited red or white house wine or local beers, followed by tea or coffee. No one would ever go hungry on this cruise.
Can’t believe 8 day cruise coming to an end so quickly and had meeting with all the departure rules and regulations, tipping staff, feedback etc.
8.45pm we finally departed in 2 groups, 8 keen party animals in each group to try “local Cologne Beer Hause” 20 Euro experience, much money for 3 wee beers which would of cost 3Euro max but we’ve been, seen and soaked up the Friday nite atmosphere. Strange behaviour had in Germany, many, many beer hauses but each only sells the one brand of beer!!! What if your mates drink another brand? I asked. Well you just get new mates, mmm don’t think that will work in NZ pubs. Next surprise, the waiter just keeps on bringing beer, only small 5 oz. glass in trays but no one pays till the end of the night!!! OMG imagine dat. Just a mark on a coaster per glass, very dangerous I think and what happens if you partake in more small glasses than you can afford?
Also one can manage quite a few additional beers as no one needs to leave the table, wee man just keeps on replacing empty glasses. Recipe for disaster. Joined very vocal locals trying to sing, need to be brushing up on beer drinking songs for future pub crawls I think.
Visited largest beer Hause in Germany and the world, wow, one definitely could get lost, many floors, bars, steps up and down, lifts, sure like stepping back in time and next minute we down in the catacombs, a different experience. Wonder how many get lost never to see daylight again. It could easily take an hour to find the door.
Rushed back to our Viking Sun as workers untying ropes, obviously very keen to depart Cologne for next port. We very keen to stay and experience a real night pub crawling in Cologne, I could see us crawling back to Viking Sun if the time had allowed.
Kiwi ingenuity yet again, Baileys and ice bucket from our room, posh glasses from the bar and a few nightcaps before bed, always so much to look at as we cruising da Rhine.
Asleep after 1am, only problem phone / texts not working, but luckily can still keep in touch with friends and family on Facebook. Can’t even ring Telecom to complain.
5 seasons in Germany, shame we have only experienced the 1: winter. Best season sounds to be Carnival Season which starts on 11th of 11th Month and continues till Easter. Many celebrations celebrated, continual street parties, sounds what we needing in NZ. Christmas on this side of the world a must on the bucket list.
Saturday 6th April Day 13
First day woke feeling lousy, am I over tired, over eaten or just exhausted? This is why we have room with a view from very expensive window, definitely had money’s worth lazing in comfy beds watching the world float by. This sure is a great way to travel.
Sighted 1st windmill, cold, bleak, dreary looking day in Holland, not the welcome we were hoping for. Cruised from 10pm Cologne arriving in Rotterdam at 2pm so many miles travelled, scenery now very different. The land so flat, much housing built along the river. Obviously much money spent to avoid floods on The Rhine.
Cuppa tea delivered by the sista to my bed (no room service for food or drinks) and very quiet morning hopefully recharging da body batteries. As long as I only tired and not getting sick after been out for days in such chilling temperatures.
Missed breakie, missed Dutch cheese tasting missed Jenever Gin tasting, missed playing Sjoelen (Dutch board game) happy to relax in room 227 where last of laundry hopefully drips dry before we depart. Amazing how one can wear same warm clothes day after day, not much use for lighter layers, but we have made effort and dressed for dinner. We definitely rich white women from far corners of the earth, how else could we afford to be here? Germany is the furthest country in the world from NZ.
Tulips on tables throughout the boat hopefully not the only tulips we get to admire unless a heat wave breaks out by 9am tomorrow when sadly we have to depart back to been an Intrepid Traveller carrying our own luggage, finding hotel in freezing temperatures, not too inspiring.
Dragged my tired body out of bed by 12, vitamins obviously haven’t even kicked in today. Very small lunch and back to bed and me “asleep” in the day. This never happens! Big decision stay in bed or go on 3 hour tour of Windmills, good choice as was so amazing to finally be there, (along with numerous other busloads of tourists )Locals surely must get sick of 1001 photos daily.
Pinch me, I’m here, yea really here. Seems unbelievable sometimes to actually be standing somewhere one has dreamed of for so many years, well at least since 1968, 45 years since I first became aware of Holland, traditions etc.
Coffee and most delicious apple strudel, a couple of little souvenirs and scenic trip back to our Viking Sun Holland is so flat, so clean, so many bikes. Never seen so many bikes and cyclists that own the pathways, NZ sure could model our tourists cycling paths on Holland, more bikes than cars. Everybody rides a bikes, all shapes, sizes, ages etc.
Quick change into our posh clothes and final farewell Captains Dinner, very posh. Formal farewells of Viking Sun staff, think we were at an Awards Dinner, much applause, but we know they only want our money and a big tip. Rebel as usual as we New Zealanders not used to tipping, so decided to give all to our very own cabin steward and waitress who finally learnt to make a decent hot cuppa tea.
The Captain’s Dinner: What an amazing menu for our final meal….
1st course:
Salmon, Caviar & crisp potato cake
Or Red Oak Leaf Lettuce & Caramelized Pear salad
Soup course:
Forest mushroom velout’e with bacon, mushroom & truffle sabayon
Entrée:
Pan fired shrimps with a green pea puree & bouillabaisse sauce
Main Course:
Filet Mignon & Seared Foie Gras with glazed vegetables, rissole potatoes, fresh black truffle & Madeira sauce
Butter Poached Jumbo Prawn & Saffron Vanilla Beurre Blance with squash & mascarpone risotto cake
Or Sweet Corn Cake & Eggplant Ratatouille braised fennel, cherry tomatoes & celery velout’e
Followed by Dessert Medley,
Crepe suzette, crème Brule & yoghurt ice cream or Fresh Fruits which was then followed by
3 Cheese plate accompanied by apricot chutney and crackers.
Decisions, decisions, decisions
Coffee and more wine…….
Couldn’t last the meal, so slipped away from dinner before desert and tucked up in bed by 9pm. This is not like me, need to be fighting fit for Amsterdam and more adventures.
By Pamela Cootes
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