The Rhine Gorge

Last night we docked at the 2000 year old town of Koblenz on the confluence of the Rhine and Moselle rivers.

Plenty of people were enjoying the food, beer and wine on this balmy Monday evening.

The spectacular Rhine Gorge was the highlight of today.  Our eye balls were like ping pong balls as we viewed the towering castles of medeival villages on both sides of the river.  Constructed during the 11^th, 12^th and 13^th centuries to protect the monasteries and stand sentinel over the river, many of these castles were plundered and destroyed by the conquering French armies of Louis XIV.  They have been lovingly restored and maintained by the German people over the past 200 years, now being used as hotels, convalescent homes and even a youth hostel.

Each of the castles has its own legend, a beautiful woman commonly being the central character.

This area is proud of its riesling wine, the vines planted vertically on the slate hills to retain the sun’s warmth and produce this delicious drop.

All along the Rhine today we’ve seen hundreds of holiday makers, Germans, as well as the Dutch who revel in the change of scenery from their own flat homeland.

This afternoon we visited the beautiful town of Rudesheim. The 10,600 residents welcome 3 million visitors each year, who come to drink the famous Rudesheim coffee and immerse themselves in the panoramic views down the Rhine Valley.

Until next time...

Julie