Rhine Valley/Köln

August 12, 2012 7PM

Train on the way back to Berlin.

So today we went on a River Cruise of the Rhine Valley on the Rhine River (duh) between Bacharach and Boppard because that stretch of the river has the highest concentration of castles. It was like being in a fairly tale--very green and hilly dotted with little towns and castles in the distance.

In the afternoon, we got to Köln (Cologne). I wish we had more time in Cologne--I wanted to see the museums, other churches, explore in general. We did get to see the Köln Dom (Cologne Cathedral). It's supposed to be the 2nd biggest cathedral after the Milan Duomo, but I don't see it--I feel like the Dom is bigger. It's absolutely amazing. It's under a constant state of restoration because it was badly damaged during WWII. The south transept was destroyed and now restored. I am absolutely in love with the new stained glass windows of the south transept--it's done by Richter and it looks like bunch of pixels of colors. It's amazing.

We walked around the area around the Dom. Found the store that sells the original eau de cologne. Eau de cologne was started by Napoleon when he passed through the area (or so legend says). I bought myself a small bottle. It smells pretty. Of course had to try the local beer, kölsch. Kölsch is only made in Cologne and the area around it (legally). It's good. I like it. What do I know? I'm not a beer drinker, but this is good lol.

When I get back to Berlin, I need to get through my list of museums. There are so many in Berlin.

Bacharach

August 11, 2012 11:00 PM

Bacharach is a darling little town in the Rhine Valley. It took forever to get here. It was a 4 hour train ride to Köln and then it was another 2 hours to get to Bacharach. Just the views from the train was worth the long travel distance. As we went west, Germany is more rural--lots of wheat fields and cows...obviously until you hit the big cities like Köln, Dusseldorf, etc. ad as you travel south of Köln, towns got smaller and the Rhine valley opens up to green, and vineyards.

Speaking of wine, Rhine valley is the home of riesling. I. Am. So. Happy. The riesling is soooooooooo much better here! I had riesling that was pretty much grown in the town...right next to the castle. I had the sweeter variety and it tasted like juice. It as great. I bought a bottle to take home...let's hope it makes it home.

We're staying at an old B&B ... There's tv here! I do appreciate tv in my hotel rooms. I don't care that it's in German. It's tv. Anyway, it's a nice place. It's called Hotel Zur Post. I'm guessing this was were the coaches used to stop and stay in town (there's a carriage over the sign on the building).

Chelsea and I skipped stones by the river. My record is 5. I'm pretty sure I just got lucky and I will never be able o repeat that.

Why Bacharach? Tessie's Rick Steve's travel guide suggested this town for the concentration on castles on this stretch of the Rhine.