We had an early start with a coach ride to nearby Wurzenburg (a Bavarian Town), where we had arrived during the night. We had a wonderful tour guide who showed us through the 'Residence', built for prince-bishops of the Schonborn family. This beautiful Baroque Palace is one of the largest in Germany and was built by a famous architect of the time named Balthazar Neumann. Highlights of the tour were the magnificent frescoes by Tiepolo (1753), and the gorgeous Mirror Room. It was very like a mini Versailles, but we thought it was even more ornate. The rulers in this area, from the 13th century onwards, were bishops who got elected to be Princes, and approved by the Emperor, and became very powerful and rich - not my idea of religion. Napoleon abolished the practice in 1803. We weren't allowed to take photos, so I bought some postcards to scan when I get home.
We returned to the boat for lunch, and then it was back on the buses for an hour-long drive to Rothenburg, one of Germany's best preserved Medieval towns. It has a still complete wall, all the way around it, and towers. The houses are still in the medieval style. There were lots of interesting shops but we didn't have time to see them as we were shown around the town by our guide from the morning. 
Eventually we had about an hour and a half to do our own thing, so we headed to the Torture Museum. Very interesting, to say the least, and many of us think we should bring back a few of the punishments we saw! We looked into the biggest church and also climbed up a tower and walked along some of the wall fortifications. We had hoped to have time to duck into a special Xmas Museum and shop, and also the inside of an authentic medieval style house, but we ran out of time.
We all had to meet back in the market place and walk back out through the cobbled streets to where the buses were waiting. Sadly, one lady collapsed and injured herself on the way - it was nasty. We still had the hour long journey to meet the boat which was to be in Kitzingen. On the journey we were able to try some schnapps, buying a tiny bottle each - ugh, it was awful! We arrived in Kitzingen but the boat was running late and was another half hour. We waited in the now cold evening for it to arrive. The Tour Director was told of the injured woman as the boat was docking, and she called for a car and the lady was taken away to a doctor, or maybe a hospital. We haven't heard any more but hope she is ok. We had spoken with her previously during the cruise, and she is very nice.
The dinner theme this evening was Medieval, and the food reflected that, with the waiters dressed appropriately. We all chose lamb shanks for our main course. I've also included a photo of David's dessert! We had a very nice local white wine with our dinner, too. Actually, the local wine the previous night was extra nice, too!
The power has gone out on the boat, three times this evening, for a few seconds each time. So, I'm now in bed writing this, with my Kathmandu torch around my neck, as I do at home in case of earthquakes. Actually, the boat hit the side of a lock with a much bigger bump than usual this afternoon, and David swore it felt like an earthquake!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thanks for leaving a comment!