Rhine River Valley, Germany

Rhine River Valley, Germany

TOP THREE ASPECTS OF TRAVELING:


1) Food/Drink
2) Architecture
3) History


I dont know, I just felt like listing those--I digress.

Don't you hate it when you're walking down a long corridor in a station, mall, or something, and there's a guy in front of you slow enough that you want to pass him, but fast and crafty enough that he makes it hard to do so.  Ugh, fuck me, it happened like 8 times today!

Anyways, thank goodness, I salvaged this trip to western Germany with a cruise down the Rhine river; a medieval playground of kings and castles.

The Middle Rhine--from Koblenz to Mainz--was declared a UNESCO heritage site about ten years ago, and it is seriously beautiful.  Also, I lucked out, as the weather today is a stark contrast to previous days, at 72 and sunny.  The 60 miles of the stretch has over 40 castles, and is dotted with little wine villages specializing in their taste bud twisting Rieslings.  Luckily, as white wine makes me feel a bit light in the loafers, local beers are just as popular.

Also, and I'm reluctant to say this, apparently I'm the only person under 50 interested in cruising down the Rhine.  I can't tell you how many times I hid my head in my hands.  There were active seniors with extra-supportive-seat bicycles, geriatrics with those handy hiking canes, and old folks reliving the far gone romance of their youth.  Jesus, what have I done!!

However, I cruised for a bit, hopped off, hopped on, and had these tiny little towns and castles all to myself.

TIP OF THE DAY:  Again, try not to freak out the old people.  Pretend like you're in some special exhibit at the zoo--no sudden movements.


LISTENING:  For Marcin Ostromecki of the Harp Irish Pub.