Romantic Rhine – Part 1

We cruise from Rudesheim to Koblenz, the stretch of the Rhine that possesses possibly some of the most photographed castles in Europe, or the world for that matter. Some were built and served as fortresses, while others were palaces for the rich and famous.

Here is a selection. Some rather blend with their background. Others really stand out. Each has its own beauty and character. Captions appear under each photo.

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Castle ruins Ehrenfels

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Rheinstein Castle

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Reichenstein Castle

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Sooneck Castle

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Stahleck Castle

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Gutenfels Castle above the village of Kaub &Pfalzgrafenstein Toll Station

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Pfalzgrafenstein Toll Station overlooked by Gutenfels Castle

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Rheinfels Fortress

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Maus (Mouse) Castle

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and finally, straight from a fairytale,

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Marksburg Castle

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We experienced a quite dramatic change in the sky/weather, in the time (seven minutes) it took for us to pass Marksburg Castle. Perhaps the Weather Gods were smiling on us.

For those interested in the details of these and other castles in this part of the Rhine Valley, the website Loreleyinfo has excellent descriptions, history and current status, including use and opening times, where appropriate.

In Romantic Rhine – Part 2, we will share some of the other sights on this glorious stretch of the river.

2012 – My Year of the Manbag

Everywhere we go, we need to carry ‘stuff’ – money, credit cards, keys, phone and so on.

Men are quite well off when it comes to pockets. Trousers usually have at least four (side x 2, hip, fob) while most jackets also have at least four (two outside, two inside). More recently, there is often a mobile phone pocket in a jacket. Many, but not all, shirts have a breast pocket. However, in this day of reduced formality, the jacket is often left at home (ergo, lose four pockets immediately).

When we travel, there can be even more ‘stuff’ to carry everywhere, including passports, camera, foreign currencies and medications even as we get older! Rapidly, we find there is just too much stuff to carry in our pockets as we get around. Further, we are continually warned about the ease with which pockets can be picked, especially at busy tourist locations such as railway stations and cathedral plazas.

Enter the “Manbag”!

I had always been somewhat reluctant to carry a ‘handbag’, but a display in travel goods store attracted my attention. I discovered a range of bags that featured a “slashproof” shoulder strap and bag material.  Seemed like a good idea. Such a bag had plenty of space for wallet, passport and other items deserving protection.

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Among the features of this bag are three compartments (one hidden) with secured zippers. Inside the compartments are ‘pockets’ for mobile phone and wallet. The slash proof material feels as if it has concealed chicken wire lining, adding to the security against invasion. One problem solved.

While researching these bags, I also came across ‘RFID blocking’ wallets. RFID stands for radio-frequency identification, and as this Wikipedia article shows, RFID devices have become part of our everyday lives, in many applications. The E-tag tolling device in our cars, the chip in our credit/debit cards and store security tags are three that leap to mind.

Unfortunately, for every bit of smart technology, there seems to be a downside that can be exploited by the villains among us. The following video clip serves as a warning to us about RFID devices may be a problem, and how to safeguard against it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Mx0DpW_1GtI

I have grown to like my Manbag. I also have an RFID blocking wallet. My philosophy is simple. Take reasonable precautions, but get out there and enjoy life to the max.

Rüdesheim – Mechanical Music & Coffee

After a morning visit to Mainz, the cruise ship is underway again, its progress assisted by the rapidly flowing Rhine. It is not long before we arrive at our next port of call.

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We have been promised a train by our Tour Director, and sure enough, the Winzerexpress is chartered to take us, from the dock, on an orientation tour of the town.

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The Winzerexpress delivered us to the door of Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical Instrument Museum.

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We were introduced to the experience by a costumed hostess, and led through the exhibits by a well informed guide. What fun! What an experience! From the simple music box to the full orchestra. From early wax recordng, to clockwork, to wind and strings. Some were really quite loud!

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We could not help but notice the aged but interesting decorative ceilings in the building.

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After this amazing musical experience, there was time for a quick look along the shopping street, but we didn’t want to get wet! There was strong evidence of being prepared for the tourist trade, especially in the Christmas shop.

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However, we were filled with anticipation about our Rüdesheim Coffee experience.  Served in special cups, they start with local Asbach brandy, add sugar, flame the brandy, then add coffee, top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Think beer hall on a smaller scale, the venue was well and truly geared to the tour groups, with an effective production line.

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The wording on the drinking vessel is “Rüdesheim am Rhein, anno 1860, die Vatenstadt von Asbach” translated “Rüdesheim on Rhine, since 1860, the native town of Asbach”

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We also needed a translation of this plaque on the wall – “Interesting facts about the wine they find in our house”. That was all the prompting we needed – we purchased a bottle of the excellent local Riesling for consumption at a later date.

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……… and the last word, the verdict about the Rüdesheim Coffee …….. three out of four of us thought it was well worth €7.50 and ordered another.       Cheers!