Christmas Markets Along the Rhine

From Basal to Amsterdam, I traveled with 120 other passengers on GCT's M/S River Concerto.  I had a cabin all by myself and truly enjoyed the privacy.   The Christmas markets were not too fantastic, but the food on the ship was tremendous! And of course the history, culture, and scenery along the way were delightful.  I guess I can understand why some folks have been on the same tour more than once. 

There was quite a bit of snow when we were in Basal.  It made everything look beautiful.

A little town called Kaysersberg in France was a nice stop for us to look at the unique tall narrow houses.

The highlight in Strasbourg was the sightseeing tour by glass-top boat along the city's canals.   The Christmas markets were quite attractive too:

At Baden-Baden, we saw some Roman remains, which was uncovered when a casino was being built. I bought a Christmas bell at Speyer.  And I concluded that Gluhwein is probably the best part for those folks who visit the markets.  The locals would gather together with friends in the market, sipping Gluhwein and chatting with each other for hours.

Heidelberg optiional tour was very enjoyable.

To see the Gutenberg Bible and the printing press was the highlight in Mainz.  I even got the chance to operate the press!  And they also have a Christmas market.

 

I was able to walk quite a bit in Koblenz, a 2,000-year-old city that stands at the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers.  I was quite impressed by this pair of grandma and grand daughter,  Velma, the grandma, is very graceful and charming.  We talked about Martin Luther in a very spontaneous manner.  It was very interesting!

 And this evening, we had roasted pig!

The Christmas in Cologne did not have much decoration on the "roof" of the booths.

National Harbor

The Washington National Harbor only opened in 2008.  My GPS could not even find it! When Jim and Cathy said that they were coming to see the Scottish Festival in Alexandria, I decided to join them.  But they stayed in the National Harbor, while I stayed in Alexandria without knowing that National Harbor is actually across the bridge on the other side of the Potomac River.  Anyway, I found them eventually, and had a good time touring the water front on the National Harbor side, the Gaylord National's Christmas tree lighting, and the Scottish parade.  I enjoyed watching the men in kilts marching along with many, many friendly and fun dogs. 

The sun set, Christmas tree, and the fireworks on the waterfront of National Harbor:

The Christmas tree at Gaylord National:

The Scottish parade in Alexandria:

A family cooks, plays, and gives thanks together

I spent an enjoyable Thanksgiving with Margaret's family.  We had such a wonderful weather that we played outside early afternoon on Thanksgiving day and mid day on Friday. None of us was interested in shopping.  We just enjoyed being with each other under the sun.  It was a Thanksgiving to remember and give thanks always!

The entire field of this middle school was filled with our laughter!

We love and we give thanks!

Paris

One just can't do Paris in two days.  20 years ago I visited Paris with Rosanna.  Some of the scenes are still familiar.  But I certainly have a different outlook of life this time.  I did the Versailles again to keep Joan company, as this is her first trip to Paris. 

 

I still remember the Jardin Du Luxembourg that Rosy and I walked through in a rainy March day.  The Park is so beautiful with the yellow leaves. 

 I also made a friend: Rochelle, whose independent style intrigued and inspired me.

The walk climbing up to the Montmartre was very interesting with places where artists used and still to gather, and painted their famous paintings.  Renoirs painted his Moulin de la Galette here:

The tavern where artists got drunk: The painting was a rabbit jumping out of a pot holding a bottle of wine.

Of course there are the Norte Dame and the Eiffel Tower:

The river Seine:

Would I go back?  Yes I would like to.