Regensberg Tuesday 8 September

Didn't have a good night's sleep as we went through a number of locks that had the boat knocking the sides of the lock and causing loud screeching noise as the sides are scraped. At one stage in the middle of the night, Julie leant across the bed and touched my arm, to tell me that it was okay because she thought I was having a bad dream and was the cause of the noises! She went back to sleep but I continued to struggle with the motion and noise. Late yesterday afternoon we went through one of the deepest locks 25 metres. It took ages for us to rise to the new water level, at least 20 minutes and our cabin was right next to the lock's lift mechanism. Amazing to watch.

Soon enough time to get up and head to breakfast. Yesterday we sat at lunch with a woman whose husband was was stuck so he stayed in their cabin. She had not been well and was still not 100% but was improving. We told her that we both thought people should stay in there cabins if they weren't well, and certainly should wear masks if they had to be out and about. So.... who does Julie go and sit with at breakfast this morning, but the same woman and now her husband is also at the table.She said that he still wasn't 100% but Julie had already plonked hersel down so we had a quick breakfast and once again Julie told me that I had to choose where we sit in the dining room from now on. Maybe I'll just go and sit somewhere in my own in future... Anyhow, after breakfast we head out on a guided city walking tour of Regensberg where we berthed this morning. It was very pretty coming into the city with lovely reflections in the water.

Our first stop is by the city walls. These old cities love their castles, towers and walls.

Walking along the waterfront, many of the newer buildings are plain grey, then there is a gold structure that looks totally out of place. Next stop is the museum entrance where a very large Bavarian lion takes pride of place.

The old bridge is famous and certainly is impressive.

Now in the old city proper, the buildings are quirky and lovely.

What really spoils all of the places we've been so far is the amount of graffiti that no one bothers to clear up. Main heritage buildings appear graffiti free but all lane ways and other buildings are not hard.

Our guided tour ends at the town hall where we then at free to find out own way around. We head to the cathedral to have a look inside.

Different ships along the way and simply had to capture the giraffe out the front of an art store specificallyfor VJR. It is placed deliberately where it is to try and stop people leaving their bikes there as bike riding is very popular and bikes are constantly leant against buildings all over the place.

It is now time for coffee sowe head back to a Cafe that claims to be the oldest coffee house in Bavaria. I'm impressed that it is called the Princess Cafe!

Time to head towards the coach meeting spot across the bridge.

On the coach with about 45 minute drive to meet our boat which had had to leave its been at Nuremberg. very pretty countryside one we get out of the industrial area. Sweet corn grown everywhere.

Time for lunch and then a rest in the cabin until dinner. Julie doesn't want dinner so I head to the dining room alone, determined to sit with non coughing diners. Even our tour director Andrew is sick but persists in wandering about without a mask! Anyway I seat myself with 4 ladies, Judith and Julie from southern suburbs SA, and Caroline and Fiona, mother and disabled daughter from Newcastle NSW. We had a lovely evening. All got a laugh when my salad starter came out as I specifically ordered it as it was meant to have sauntered mushrooms in it, but there were none.

I told the waiter and he was most embarrassed so soon returned with 3 small pieces of sliced mushrooms on a plate, saying that he wouldd tell the chef to put on his glasses next time. So with my 3 little pieces of mushrooms added to my salad, entree was consumed. Main was fish and I even scoffed down the Prince Regent torte.

After dinner we all went to the lounge where we were entertained by the Bavarian Devils who were a lot of fun.

Time for bed after another good day.