Tag Archives: swimming pool

CASTLES OF THE RHINE AND WINE IN RUDESHEIM

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Yesterday, we departed the Moselle and cruised the most beautiful part of the Rhine.  While doing my morning workout of walking laps around the top deck, I enjoyed the beautiful sunshine, once the fog burned off.  Our View along the way was of castles dotted on the mountainside, on each side of the Rhine.  What an amazing sight!  And, as we cruised along, Nico did a commentary, telling us the history of each castle.

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Lunch was traditional German fare; perfect after gazing (and gawking) at castle after castle.  We were greeted at the entry of the dining room by our chef with Bavarian pretzels and served tall drafts of Beck’s beer by our servers.  Lunch was a delicious buffet of all the usual German favorites.

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We arrived in Rudesheim in the afternoon and took a short bus ride to the Schloss Vollrads winery, for a wine tasting.  This winery has the distinction of having its wine served to first class passengers aboard Luftansa flights.  And, yes, the wine was good for German wine, however, my personal tastes definitely lean more towards California sparklings and zins, rather than German Reislings.  Throw in a New Zealand pinot noir or sauvignon blanc or an Australian shiraz and I am a very happy camper.  But, I did enjoy our winery visit; especially seeing the tower that dates back to 1330 and the main house, dating back to 1684.  In the dining room, the wallpaper was made of calf skin leather and had painted designs!

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The most interesting thing about Schloss Vollrads wines is the innovative glass stoppers that are used for each bottle.  In addition to the glass stopper, a screw top is used to prove the wine seal has not been broken.  But, the glass stopper is completely air tight and can be reused- in their own bottles. (I was given one to take home, however, it will not fit other bottles.)

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Following our wine tasting and tour of the main house, we were taken back to Rudesheim for free time to explore the town.  I found it to be quite touristy, full of tacky souvenir shops.  But, it also had some charm that made it worth a walk around.  I had hoped to follow it with a swim in the local bad (pool), located very close to our dock, however, I would have had only a very short time to swim before closing time.  So, I settled for a photo instead and wandered back to the ship for dinner.

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SWIMMING AT BERNKASTEL-RUES’ SCHWIMM BAD; A FRIEBAD

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Translation:  I went swimming at Bernkastel-Rue’s swimming pool; an outdoor pool.  Rue is on the other side of the river from Bernkastel, so it is all known as one place; like Buda and Pest, as “Budapest”.

I don’t have any photos to show you, because I was afraid to bring anything of value with me, just in case there were no lockers.  It was a one mile walk each way to the outdoor 50 meter pool, located in a recreation complex next to the schools.  Nico, our program manager, found it for me on the internet and provided a map, so I could find my way there after our walking tour and free time in Bernkastel.

I had plenty of time for my swim, since we stay tied up until this evening, when we continue our cruise up the Moselle, back to the Rhine.  But, I intended to get there and back in time for our wine tasting onboard; even though I am not a fan of German wines.  What the heck!

As it turns out, I had no problem getting back in time.  The air temperature today is in the low 60’s and the water temperature was 68!  Needless to say, I kept up a brisk pace, just to stay warm and had to cut my workout short, because of the cold.  But, it was heaven!  I had the pool to myself; I was the only swimmer!  And, the view from the pool was of the steep green mountainside, covered in a patchwork of grape vines.

The pool was a true Olympic-style pool; 50 meters and 8 lanes, with a similar system as Auburn University’s pool.  NICE.  It felt great to swim for the first time in 11 days.  And, now, my souvenir from my swim is the scent of CHLORINE on my skin.  Ahhh…  (Odd reaction, I know, but other swimmers understand.

On my one-mile walk back from the pool, I happily munched the cheese sandwiches the chef so nicely put together for me, while the other passengers were enjoying their full lunch aboard ship.  I attempted to gather a sandwich together from the offerings on the lunch buffet and throw it in my Ziploc, but the chef insisted on packing me a lunch, instead.

I must say, this afternoon’s swimming experience was a unique one.  I have never trained in a European swimming pool before, nor have I happily walked down the street with a bag slung over my shoulder, scarfing  cheese sandwiches with a spring in my step!

Check back soon for a full post on the non-swimming portion of our cruise down the Moselle and our visit to Bernkastel…