Walking on Water

The Misty-Magical Moselle

Apart from the magic of sailing from Budapest, under the brightly lit bridges, on the Danube, at night, to the haunting sounds of the Blue Danube Waltz - the Moselle is one of the most wonderful places I've travelled in recent years. The water was so smooth and the reflections so perfect, that you felt you could almost step off the ship and walk straight across golden vineyards to the towns along the route. Well, I have to say that, to have an excuse for adding these beautiful photos to my "footsteps" collections!

What a wonderful place to "row, row, row your boat" on a calm Sunday morning.

After a morning's very scenic and peaceful cruising, we reached Cochem and it was time to start walking again.

A short and sharply steep gangplank led down to the path
beside the river.

You can see where our ship is docked, and the path beside - I took this photo
from the bridge in the next photo. Why is it that when travelling, we seek security
in taking plenty of photos of "our home"?

There are many day tour boats plying the river to cater for the many tourists "unfortunate"
enough to not have their own floating hotel.



 I chose to cross the bridge by foot and the effort was well worthwhile. I took my time walking up this flight of steps; I think there were about 50 steps, but I lost count when I ran out of breath! I found a narrow cobblestone road winding down a little further along near some strategically-placed coffee shops and restaurants, which was much easier for me on the return.

One last steep pinch and I head for the coffee bar.

The following morning we woke up at Bernkastel-Kues. The Moselle River divides these two towns, but they have merged their municipal areas.

A big "thumbs down" to the company who decided that overnight cruising would be acceptable to passengers

in such a scenic area. You don't pay for those balconies and not make good use of them! But I have heard since, that the complaints have been well noted. 

Back to walking on cobblestones again, I took the guided walking tour through the streets of Bernkastel.

It is 8 AM on a Monday morning. The crowds have not yet arrived in the Town Square

 



Bärenbrunnen (Bear Fountain)



 

This area is in the midst of a well-known
wine growing area. We are on our way
towards an old wine-cellar gate.

These are some of the things that I didn't purchase,
though I really love those shoulder bags!

 


By 10 AM people had arrived from everywhere!
Our ship's docking place is right at the end of the car park area.



This is the bridge across the Moselle to Kues,
but one that I didn't walk across.



Gambling and Education

Still walking through Europe - Germany mainly. Looking for pictures that show where I have trodden, I find that it's not natural to take photos looking down at your feet! Bad composition.

On a cool morning in late October, we were driven by bus from our overnight landing place at Gambsheim, through light fog and mist, to Baden Baden, famous casino and spa town. The grass was a little damp for walking and fortunately there were many paths.

Here in the Casino, I walked on the thick carpet, reflecting on the many the "rich and famous" who would have had lost money here. With no active patrons, it was a quiet experience of grace and opulence.

The streets of Baden Baden are also graceful, with many expensive shops. So presumably not everyone loses everything at the Casino!

Heidelberg, a City of Education

A much clearer morning the next day, saw us in Mannheim and travelling in yet another bus to Heidelberg, known for its university, the oldest in Germany (founded in 1386).



Heidelberg is situated on the beautiful River Neckar.




Heidelberg Castle towers above the town



We were fortunate in that we didn't need to walk all the way up to the castle, but there was plenty of walking around the castle area, rewarded by spectacular views.



We had a hearty lunch at the Hotel Ritter in the Old Town, which gave plenty of energy and time to to wander around the shops and stalls in the Market Place.

Cobblestones - wet and dry

PRAGUE
Some beautiful weather, then a rather wet day when I decided to walk along the famous Charles Bridge. Starting with the good weather - of course!

Plenty of walking to be done in Prague.

This is the area of Republic Square - made modern by having several modern shopping malls.





But the weekly markets bring it all back into perspective.

Crossing Old Town Square on a very wet morning.
Sure keeps the tourist numbers down, but many (like me) have only limited time available, so cannot be too choosy about rain, hail or shine!


On a sunny day, you can hardly see the cobblestones for tourists!

Also busy at Prague Castle in the sunshine

Walking on Charles Bridge on a very damp day But nothing could spoil the awe of being there!

Other coblestones I trod in the Czech Republic - at Český Krumlov (medieval town in southern Bohemia).