Miltenberg

Light rain falling all morning. After breakfast we had Hans come on board and do a demonstration on glass blowing. Mind you he spent more time talking about himself and how good he was, with very limited glass blowing demonstration that in all went for about 90 minutes. By then we had berthed at Miltenberg. I couldn't believe the crowd of passengers clamouring to buy some of the glassware when he finally stopped speaking. Their Euros must have been burning a big hole in their pockets. No doubt he was a happy man when he finally left the ship. After lunch there was an optional 'Insider Experience' which allowed passengers to be taken by coach to local host families' homes for coffee and cake. B and I weren't at all interested in doing it, however the vast majority of others onboard did, so instead B and I headed off the ship and walked into Miltenberg.

We considered ourselves fortunate that the rain had stopped and although we had our jackets and scarves, it wasn't cold and What a gem of a place! It is only a small village that did not fare well from the 30 years war and couldn't afford to replace its old medieval heart with its half-timbered houses. It takes great pride in promoting itself as 'stick in time' and truly is straight out if a fairy tale.

We had the most delightful walk along the cobblestoned streets, finding our way on the steep path to the castle on the hill which gave us fantastic views of the surrounding areas, including across the Main River.

The historic Miltenberg lies on the Main's left bank on the left 'knee' of the Mainviereck (Main Square) between the Spessart and Odenwald ranges. It was such a contrast to see the industry and modern homes on the opposite bank.

Afternoon tea in the lounge for the first time on the cruise. We are normally busy doing something else. Just lovely watching the countryside floating past us, or are we the ones doing the floating?? The home visit gang return and have had a lovely afternoon too. Anja gives a second 'travel talk' in the lounge. This is the continuation of the talk she gave a couple of days ago which was interrupted by the medical emergency (note re this: the lady and her husband flew back to Oz from Frankfurt this afternoon as per doctor's recommendation). Then time for dinner and then back in the lounge for 'party night' where Jela and Mario entertained us with music from 50s to 90s. I was well and truly ready for bed but did enjoy the music. There's a fellow on the ship who is a total pain in the bum. He calls himself Ra but I doubt it's the name his mother gave him. Not sure exactly where in Oz he hails from but he has been a standout obnoxious nut bag from day one of the cruise. He's probably in his late 30s and claims to be a D J but I reckon he is more likely a D H. Anyway, he was being a total show off and subsequently interrupting tonight's show. At the exact moment I had had enough of him and was about to go and confront him, B went and spoke to Anja about him so that he was spoken to and was at least a bit more subdued at that point. I have no idea what I would have said to him but there was the potential for me to have actually throttled him (Similar to a time at the footy where I shirt fronted a fellow who really got up my nose, but that's another story for another time... ) I think I may have had the support of most passengers if I had actually snotted him but it might have gotten me in trouble with Travelmarvel!!! Thank goodness B was riding shot gun and got it sorted without me ending up in the cells for the night. So back to party night and just as I was heading off to bed an ABBA classic of Dancing Queen was played and I was literally dragged up on the dance floor by G and D, however I did manage to drag up two other women I've never met before, with me! They loved it and would never have gotten to dance otherwise. Next tune was YMCA and after more classic dance moves by moi, it really was time for bed. Loved Miltenberg and don't want to think about our trip coming closer to the end than the beginning.