Regensburg

Fabulous sunset last night. Lots more locks to go through during the night and at one stage our captain was unsure if we would be able to continue due to such low water level, however, get through we did, which is more than can be said for the Viking, Avalon and Tauck ships which had to stop and get their passengers on coaches this morning to bring them to Regensburg. Passengers have had to pack everything for transport to a sister ship the other side of the locks they couldn't sail through. We feel very lucky that we are all still on our dear little ship. Late breakfast as we don't have our walking tour of Regensburg until 10.15. Very low cloud and lots of mist on the water as we arrive but forecast for 16 and lots less cloud. Just prior to arriving we see what looks like the Parthenon high on a hill. It makes absolutely no sense as to its reason for existence but we are told that King Ludwig I has travelled to Italy and loved that architecture so determined to build himself a similar structure. It still stands as though it was built yesterday and was an unexpected gem to see on our travels. The delightful young Julia is our tour guide for our 90 minute walking tour. The original stone bridge is undergoing major renovations. Regensburg, unlike most German cities was spared destruction by bombs of WWII. Many of the buildings have sloping walls and there are many narrow cobblestone paved streets for us to venture along. There is no main square as such. There are a number of towers of wealthy citizens (serve no practical purpose whatsoever, just show off wealth and the fact they could afford to build them). The cathedral is an impressive Gothic church which is famous for its boys' choir. So, what do we know about Regensburg? Don't worry, there isn't a test at the end... It was once home to Oskar Schindler who was remembered in the book and movie 'Schindler's List'. Pope Benedict XVI who as all good Catholics will know was a previous pope, is from here. Whereas much of Germany is Protestant, most of Bavaria is staunchly Catholic. After our tour our gang stop for hot drinks at the Cafe Princesin. It was a beautiful shop with lovely Windows showing their wares. My Irish coffee was lovely. We all then wander about the tiny village where B and I end up back by the bridge at the oldest sausage kitchen in all of Germany, dating back to 1135, (the Bratwurstkuchl) where we have a little bun filled with sauerkraut and two little bratwurst style sausages and mustard. Very nice. We also venture into a souvenir shop where we have quite a laugh trying on different hats! Time to wander back in the glorious sunshine to the ship where we have a light lunch and then go and sit up on the sun deck getting a very healthy dose of Vitamin D, watching various water craft sail by and generally enjoying life... I think it was all a bit much for G though. LOL! We have invited the gang to our room for schnapps and fruit brandies at 3.30 for when our ship departs again. I probably shouldn't have told them about the apricot schnapps that B and I have already had a nip of, that tasted similar to how I imagine anti freeze may taste. I think I know what the Austrians have done with all the left over antifreeze they had when they got caught out adding it to their wines.... Anyway, the gang all duly attend and we somehow manage to fit in the cabin. Much merriment and good cheer as the various drinks were sampled. What fun! (S took the photo so you just have to imagine her in it too). We sail away from a delightful day in Regensburg and after some more sitting around up in the lounge watching the scenery it is time for dinner. M and roomie have both received special invitations to join Anja, our cruise director, at the Captain's table for dinner tonight. We have been giving them stick about it all day so will be interested to hear how their evening goes.